Wesson boys hoops bring excitement in 2007
BY BRADLEY CROW
Coach Ron Kessler fully believes that the 2007-2008 version of Wesson Cobra basketball will be loaded with tons of excitement and soaring potential.
“This is the most close-knit group of guys I’ve coached since I’ve been here,” commented the Cobra coach. “There is not a selfish bone in any of them and that gives us the potential to be the most exciting team I’ve coached at Wesson.”
The Cobras return three seniors who played huge roles both offensively and defensively last season. No superstars can be found anywhere on the roster, but the emphasis on team can not be stated enough in seniors Josh Hart, Lonnie Reeves, and Matthew Cliburn. The 6’5” Hart hopes to be raking down rebound after rebound for his mates on the glass this season in a starting role. Reeves and Cliburn bring heady experience and the intangible of hustle to give the Cobras that factor of excitement Kessler is anticipating.
Juniors on the squad include starting point guard Josh Hood, starting guard Cody King, and starting forward Charles Howard. The experience the junior members of the team generate can only make the transition a year from now even brighter. Sophomores include Zach Fetko, Tyler Lumley, Jeromy Smith, and John Brown. Gaining experience as freshmen are Kyle Cross, Gib Britt, Justin Fowler, D.J. Coleman, and Anthony Whipple.
When the Cobras take the court Saturday November 10th against Dexter at 7:30, Kessler anticipates a good problem. Contributors Cliburn, Smith, and Cross will hopefully be leading the Cobras deep into the playoffs on the gridiron. Starting next Saturday evening for the Cobras will be Hood, Hart, King, Howard, and Reeves. Kessler hopes more depth this year will bring about good things. “I feel real confident that we can play 9 guys this year,” explained Kessler. “This will be the first year I feel confident in doing that with this great group.”
Pre-season success has vaulted anticipation for the season high. The Cobras posted wins over Parklane 46-21 and Copiah Academy 39-30 in pre-season action. Kessler hopes this success translates quickly in the regular season.
The Cobras were 12-15 on the season last year and said goodbye to perennial juggernauts Amite County and Piney Woods. Their absence from region play is a sight for Kessler’s eyes as they pick up St. Joseph and Enterprise in return. Kessler expects everyone to looking up at Hinds who returns a squad that ran through the competition last year as juniors, going undefeated. From there, Kessler hopes it’s a toss up the rest of the way with the rival Hornets of Loyd Star bringing talent to the region race.
The Cobras tip off next Saturday night at home against the Dexter Bulldogs. Junior high games at 4:00 & 5:00 are immediately followed by the varsity at 6:00 and 7:30 p.m.
