Boys Basketball
By BILL ALTHAUS
Bill.althaus@examiner.net
As Jon Ekey signed his national letter, to play basketball at Illinois State University, William Chrisman coach John Vickers stood on the sidelines looking like a proud papa.
“That’s what it’s all about,” said Vickers, who could have two Division players on this year’s Bears team.
Ekey’s teammate, 3-point standout Justin Clark, might also sign in the very near future with the Redbirds.
“This is just a great way to start the season,” Vickers said. “And this could be a pretty memorable season for all of us.”
With Ekey, who led the state in blocked shots last year with 151, and Clark, who is zeroing in on the all-time state record for 3-point baskets, joining Truman High School move-in Nathan Martin, the Bears could be a force not only in Eastern Jackson County, but the state.
This is the fourth year Vickers has used the run ‘n gun Grinnell offense, in which he replaced five players on the court at two-minute intervals.
“The kids love it, they get it and they’re ready to go,” said Vickers, whose team was 14-14 last year and lost a classic district battle to Noland Road rival Truman when Steve Moore hit a 3-point shot at the buzzer to give his Patriots a memorable victory.
“Hopefully, we’ll be the team making those shots this year,” said Vickers, whose Bears have thrown a scare at many opponents over the past three years, but could never find a way to win the really big game.
“Our schedule is really going to be tough this year,” Vickers said. “We’re playing over Christmas in a tournament in San Diego – one of the biggest tournaments in the country.
The Bears will also play in Columbia, Mo.
“The guys are really excited about the prospects of the upcoming season, and the coaches are equally excited,” said Vickers, a Chrisman grad who played basketball at William Jewell College.
“They know this system, they are committed to it and we have a lot of talent.”
Joining Ekey, Clark and Martin are guards Bobby Byrom and Josh Yakovitz and forward Korey Stuffer.
Girls Basketball
By BILL ALTHAUS
Bill.althaus@examiner.net
Potential.
It’s a word many coaches dread, because their teams never live up to it.
That’s not the case at William Chrisman High School, where second-year Bears girls coach Lindsay Thompson believes her team will not only live up to last year’s potential, they will exceed all expectations.
“I’ve been running my mouth about the girls and they know there are some high expectations from me and everyone who has seen them play,” Thompson said. “I just love what I see, and I think it’s going to be a great season.”
Two big reasons for her optimism are the dynamic duo Thompson dubbed “MC-squared,” Brittany McQuain and Kealee McAhan.
They usually battle it out for the coveted Board Award, a paddle/trophy that the player who grabs the most rebounds in a game is awarded on a game-by-game basis.
“It’s a big deal to get that award,” Thompson said. “The girl who wins it gets to sign it, and keep it until someone else gets more rebounds. It’s fun, and a great incentive.”
Joining “MC-Squared,” are senior forward Rachel Stagg, senior guard Joby Parton, senior center Cassie Barnes and junior guard Ciara Reed.
A newcomer who could fit into the mix is freshman guard Ciara Reddit, who has made a big impact in summer league play and practice sessions/
“You know how you can just sense some good things could happen?” asked Thompson, “well that’s how I feel about these girls. They like each other, they have all played together, with the exception of Reddit, and they have a great chemistry.
“When a team has that going for it, and all the girls are willing to work their tails off, it usually means something very good is going to happen.
“If everything falls into place, like we’re hoping it will, it could be a very, very, very good season.”
