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Experience and scoring ability could prove to be a winning combination for McDonald County boys basketball. The Mustangs have both, coach Brandon Joines said, and they look to capitalize on those strengths. McDonald County (0-1) brings back two all-confer- ence players — senior guard Pierce Harmon (5-8) and senior forward Eli McClain (6-5). Harmon averaged 12.7 points per game for last season's 8-15 team that finished tied for third (3-3) in the Big 8 and fell in the opening round of the district tournament. "His movement with- out the ball and explosive playmaking create energy," Joines said of Harmon. McClain averaged 8.8 points and 5.2 rebounds a year ago. "His touch around the basket and improved versa- tility make him a difficult matchup," Joines said. "He always has a team-f irst mentality, which flows over to the rest of the team." Opponents face a tall task when trying to stop 6-10 senior center Teddy Reedy- bacon. The 235-pounder (8.1 points, 7.7 rebounds) is continuing to hone his game. "Teddy has generated quite a bit of junior college interest and has made great progress, but is always look- ing to improve his acumen on both ends of the floor, which comes with constantly gaining experience," Joines said. Senior guard Cole Martin (5.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 5.0 apg), junior guard Cross Dowd (11.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg) and junior guard Sterling Woods (4.3 ppg) are talented returnees Joines will be counting on if the Mustangs are to make a run at conference and district championships. Joines wants the program to set high standards. Newcomers to keep an eye on include four juniors, g uards Dalton McClain (5-9) and Archer Wagner (5-9) and forwards Weston 2B McDonald County Press Thursday, December 9, 2021 W i n t e r S p o r t S This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. A proud supporter of our local athletes! B & M TIRE & MUFFLER SERVICE See us for all your Tire & MUFFLER needs! GO MUSTANGS! 845-3913 • 845-3566 West 76 Hwy • Anderson Missouri Col 3:23 Crosspoint plumbing llC 479-640-4590 c r o s s p o i n t p l u m b i n g @ g m a i l . c o m professional plUMBinG serViCe SERVING SouthwESt MISSouRI The victories are yours this season!!! Experience, Offense Can Spur Mustangs MCDONALD COUNTY BOYS BACK IN ACTION TONIGHT IN AWAY TOURNEY AL GASPENY/SPECIAL TO MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS Toby Moore tries to stop Eli McClain (35) during practice Monday at McDonald County High School. AL GASPENY SPECIAL TO MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS Isaac Behm (right) looks to pass to Cross Dowd (5) as Pierce Harmon defends during practice Monday at McDonald County High School. Al Gaspeny Special to McDonald County Press SEE BOYS PAGE 8B McDonald County girls b a s k e t b a l l c o a c h S e a n Crane sees potential. It's just a matter of putting it together. "We are returning a lot of talent of all ages, with a lot of development needed for us to be successful," Crane said. The Lady Mustangs went 13-15 last season, finished second in the conference and took home the district championship trophy. Three starters return, but some younger players must also take on important roles this time around for McDonald County to enjoy the same success. "We're coming off a great year last year, graduated some very key pieces," Crane said after Monday's 49-41 victory over East Newton at Mustang Arena. " We' ve s h ow n o u r a ge [youth] a lot early. We've had flashes in every game." Five-foot-11 Addy Leach, 6-0 junior Samara Smith and sophomore guard Carlee Cooper are the returning starters who lead the way. Leach, a force inside, is the squad's lone senior. Reagan Myrick, Megan Elwood, Lexi Abbott and Analisa Ramirez are juniors Crane is counting on. Sophomores who can make an impact include Anna Clarkson, KateLynn Townsend, Nevaeh Dodson, Jacie Frencken, Natalie Gill- ming and Corina Holland. The Lady Mustangs will focus on shutting down opponents. "Defense is going to be a strength of ours as it is something we tend to pride ourselves on," Crane said. What's another key to the season? "Getting better each day as we have a lot of young, talented players," Crane said. "Building throughout the year and continuing to develop young talent." The Big 8 Conference race looks competitive, Crane said, with Nevada and Seneca among possible contenders. Al Gaspeny Special to McDonald County Press AL GASPENY/SPECIAL TO MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS McDonald County's Samara Smith (left) looks to pass to Addy Leach during Monday night's game at Mustang Arena. Young Lady Mustangs Seek To Reach Potential AL GASPENY/SPECIAL TO MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS McDonald County's Anna Clarkson watches after shooting a free throw during Monday night's game against East Newton at Mustang Arena.