After relying on its team speed for the past several seasons, the Sparta Bulldogs boys basketball team will look to its height and talent on the inside this season.
Sparta went 18-12 last year and advanced to the Class 2A regional finals. This season, coach Rich Williams is looking to take the next step.
“We have some good size this season and some good depth,” said Williams. “Hopefully as the year goes by, we will be able to shoot the ball well.”
Returning starters from the Bulldogs include seniors London Oliver (6’0) and Weslen Kiner (6’5).
“London attacks the basket and can score points in a hurry,” said Williams. “We need him to be a leader this year and become one of our better defenders. Weslen is another year stronger, and he continues to improve every day. He is developing a nice touch around the basket and is a really good defender in the post.”
Fellow senior Jordan Thompson (6’0), along with juniors Austin Peck (6’0) and Trevor Morgan (5’11), will be the team’s top shooting threats.
“A big staple of our game last season was our defense and our ability to guard teams,” said Williams. “Hopefully we can get to that point this season, as well. We are looking for Jordan, London and Adam White (5’10, senior) to become shutdown defenders on the perimeter.”
Another key part to Sparta’s team this season will be sophomore transfer Aaron Rushing (6’7).
“We are really excited about Aaron,” added Williams. “He is an exceptional talent and will be a big part of this program for years. With him and Kiner, we think our inside presence will be much better this year offensively and defensively.”
Also expected to see varsity time are juniors Alek Sopiars (6’0), Darius Jackson (6’0), Tyler Morrison (6’1) and Chad Hanna (5’10), along with senior Carl Lobdell (5’10).
Sparta prepares for another tough battle through the SIRR Mississippi Division.
“The conference will be awfully good again this year,” said Williams. “With the addition of Conner Wheeler, Du Quoin has to be the favorite. Nashville will be really good this year. The rest of the conference will also be strong and very balanced. There are no weak teams this season. We will really have to fight to win conference games this year.”
Its been almost 20 years since Sparta won a regional title but the Bulldogs are looking to stop that streak this year.
“We were close last year, and the fans were a big part of our success,” added Williams. “Hopefully, we can give them something to get behind once again this season.”
Sparta opened up the season at Marissa-Coultverille Monday before hosting Steeleville Tuesday.

Sparta Bulldogs Schedule

11/22    A    Marissa-Coulterville
11/23    H    Steeleville
11/27-12/4    A    Trico Invitational
12/10    H    Du Quoin
12/17    A    Anna-Jonesboro
12/18    A    Murphysboro
12/21    H    Carterville
12/27-30    A    Sesser-Valier Tournament
1/7    A    Pinckneyville
1/8    H    Red Bud
1/11    A    Trico
1/14    H    Nashville
1/18-22    H    Sparta Midwinter Classic
1/28    A    Du Quoin
2/4    H    Anna-Jonesboro
2/11    A    Carterville
2/12    H    Pinckneyville
2/15    H    Okawville
2/18    A    Nashville