The White County Warriors are preparing to open the 2021-2022 basketball season in a new district while relying on new stars to emerge.
The Warriors are looking to replace all-time WCHS leading scorer Grant Slatten, but boast a core of returning players poised to emerge.
“I love the guys,” said WCHS head coach Eric Mitchell. “I kept three seniors who haven’t played before. We’ve got seven or eight juniors, and that’s the core of the team. We’ve got some decent size and good guard play. My concern is they’ve never been under the bright lights when they have to be the man. Hopefully by February we’ll be where we need to be.”
One of the biggest differences for the Warriors will be the offensive flow without a dominant scorer like Slatten.
“It’s going to be a lot different because last year a lot of times you threw it to Big Red (Slatten) and get out of the way,” said Mitchell. “Also on that team you had Tanner Paul and Kade Clark.”
Some familiar names for the Warriors include Jake Davis, Thomas Paul, Japeth Richmond and Malaki Dowell. Mitchell said a big positive for his squad is they all want to be good.
“These guys are all great kids and they all want to be good and be on a good team,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell said he is searching for someone to emerge as the teams’ closer.
“It’s a good core, they’re just unproven,” said Mitchell. “That’s why you play scrimmage and non-conference games (to find the closer).”
The Warriors are in a new district, District 7/3A, along with Upperman, Macon County, Livingston, Stone Memorial, Cumberland County and DeKalb County. They will open the season Friday when they host York Institute in a non-district matchup.
Mitchell said his expectations are high for his squad.
“At White County… expectations are always high,” said Mitchell. “We’re going to have this core for two years. They’re fun to be around. They play hard. Those two things will help you succeed in basketball.”