Staff writer
The Peabody-Burns High School Warriors boys’ basketball team will take to their own court Friday against Chase County with two returning starters from last season. Leadership will be key, and early development of team chemistry will be vital to their success.
Seniors Matt Hiebert and Brody Kyle are the returning starters to the squad. Both 6-foot-2-inch athletes are letter winners and possess the experience to lead the PBHS team in the 2011-12 season. Hiebert averaged almost 10 points a game last season and 5.5 rebounds. Kyle averaged 4 points a contest and 4 rebounds. Both athletes will have leadership roles as the team forms chemistry.
Joining Hiebert and Kyle are three juniors that are returning letter winners. Hunter Pickens, Austin Savage and Seth Topham will provide depth to the squad at the guard position. Pickens is quick and can shoot from the perimeter. Savage is a good ball handler and will shoot from the three point line. Topham can jump and at 6 feet, 2 inches, provides height at the guard position.
Senior Wesley Shaw has been on hiatus for a year, sidelined last football season with an injury. Junior Christian Gard hopes to join the crew on the perimeter of the game.
Brian Simmonds is in his fourth year as the PBHS boys basketball coach. He is assisted by Caleb Good.
“We have considerable depth at the guard position but will be thin at the post. Hopefully our experienced players will lead the way and we will get some quality time from the bench.” Simmonds said. “We hope to get wins early in our schedule and do better than our 5-16 finish last season. Hope and Little River will be the teams to defeat in Wheat State League competition.”