After finishing 11-19 last season, the Sparta Bulldogs look to compete for conference and regional titles this year.
“We have some athletic kids and some size this year,” said Sparta coach Rich Williams. “But our priority has been taking care of the basketball. We are a work in progress but I like the improvement I have seen so far. We want to play up-tempo but to do that, we have to be able to take care of the ball.”
Leading this year’s squad is Aaron Rushing (6’7) and seniors Austin Peck (6’1) and Tyler Morrison (6’0).
“Austin and Aaron played a lot of varsity minutes last year,” added Williams. “They need to be leaders and step up to the plate this season. Tyler saw some varsity minutes last year, as well. He is a versatile player and will be counted on to score points this year.”
Also expected to see varsity time this season are seniors Orlando Oliver (6’1) and Dalton Porter (6’0), juniors Sharvel Austin (5’11) and Sean Lukes (6’1) and freshman Dwayne Dodson (5’6).
“This group of players work really hard and I have been pleasantly pleased with what I have seen so far,” added Williams. “I am pleased overall with the numbers in our program and the work ethic of these kids. Sparta basketball is definitely headed in the right direction.”
Coach Williams is known for his teams suffocating pressure defense and that won’t change this year.
“The key for us to be successful is to play good solid defense and rebound the basketball,” said Williams. “I think we have the players to do that. Offensively, we have to put the ball in the basket. Last year, we missed a ton of layups. I think we have the right mix of speed, athleticism and size to be successful on offense this season.”
The Bulldogs look to win their first conference title since the 1982-83 season.
“I think we could have a lot of parity in the conference this season,” said Williams. “I think the conference title will go through Pinckneyville. You have to beat them to win the conference. Nashville will be tough and Anna-Jonesboro will be right in the mix. Du Quoin can’t be counted out and will probably be in the hunt again this year and I see Carterville improving in their second year of the conference.”
Jeff Bowlby is back for his 14th year as an assistant coach and will be once again leading the junior varsity. Other assistant coaches include Jon Norton, Tommy Craig and Adam Weber.
Sparta opens the season at the Trico Tournament Monday, November 28 against Shawnee.