Scott Central boys preview: Braves begin new era with Heeb at helm

~ After winning two state titles at Bell City, the coach comes back to his alma mater.

Scott County Central has slowly started to regain some of the school's proud boys basketball tradition over the past two seasons, capturing consecutive district titles after an eight-year absence from the state playoffs.

Now the Braves are trying to begin a new era of small school dominance, as Scott County graduate David Heeb takes over the program. Heeb already has made his mark on the state landscape, winning two state titles and making three final four appearances in five years as coach at Bell City.

Heeb said the expectations -- as always -- for Scott County will be high. But with little varsity experience on the roster, he just wants his team to go out and represent Scott County well every night.

"The expectations are to win the state title, that's in the back of our minds," he said. "The most important thing we can do this year is play hard every night."

The Braves lost standout guard Isaac Porter, who transferred, and a group of six players graduated. Senior forward Pershard Owens is one of the few players with varsity experience on Scott County's roster this season.

"The kids are really working hard. You can't ask them to work any harder," Heeb said. "Right now we're counting on kids who haven't played in the past."

Help should be on the way for the Braves, as sophomore Bell City transfer D.D. Gillespie leads a talented group of underclassmen. Gillespie was the Cubs' leading scorer last year, as Bell City finished fourth in Class 1.

"We've got probably four or five kids off the junior varsity who will help us down the line," Heeb said. "Early on, I just want to see what these other guys got."

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SCOTT COUNTY central BOYS

Coach: David Heeb, first season

Assistant: Kenyon Wright

Last season: 20-9, lost to Bell City in Class 1 sectional

Conference: Scott-Mississippi Conference

Returning starters

None

Rest of roster

Josh Chamberlain, 5-7, Sr., G; Zach Blackmon, 5-8, Sr., G; Curtis Avance, 6-1, Sr., F; Josh Holman, 6-1, Sr., F; Pershard Owens, 5-11, Sr., F; Avery Williams, 5-9, Jr., G; Kody Rudisil, 5-10, Jr., G

Schedule

Nov. 28-Dec. 2 -- Oran Invitational

Dec. 3 -- East Carter, 4 p.m.

Dec. 6 -- at Zalma, 6 p.m.

Dec. 13 -- at Doniphan, 6 p.m.

Dec. 26-30 -- SE Missourian Christmas Tournament

Jan. 3 -- at Scott City, 6 p.m.

Jan. 6 -- Portageville, 6 p.m.

Jan. 10 -- at Kelly, 6 p.m.

Jan. 13 -- at Charleston, 6 p.m.

Jan. 17-21 -- Scott-Miss. tournament

Jan. 24 -- at East Prairie, 6 p.m.

Jan. 27 -- Chaffee, 6 p.m.

Jan. 31 -- at Oran, 6 p.m.

Feb. 3 -- at New Madrid Co., 6 p.m.

Feb. 7 -- Delta C-7, 6 p.m.

Feb. 10 -- Hayti, 6 p.m.

Feb. 17 -- Advance, 6 p.m.

Feb. 24 -- Delta, 6 p.m.