It’s not often a 25-point loss in the district tournament gives a team promise going into the next season. However, that case can be made for a Livingston Central squad that returns its backcourt from last year’s 3-28 team.
The Cardinals struggled offensively in scoring 45 points a game. Heading into the postseason, they had topped 60 points just one time. However, the Cardinals showed the ability to play uptempo and hang around with Lyon County in the district tournament before falling 101-76.
Like every other team in the district in 2021, the Cardinals’ top scorers will come from the backcourt.
The Cardinals return their two top scorers from last year. Senior guard Max Downey led Livingston in scoring at 14.7 points per game, and fellow senior John Barnes added 10 points a game. In the district championship, Barnes knocked down eight 3-pointers and finished with 31 points. Downey added 24 points in the loss.
Their return should spark an improved Cardinal team.
Senior Carson Kitchens, who didn’t play as a junior, returns to provide backcourt depth for Livingston as will senior Everett Garrett, who scored 4.4 points per game.
The Cardinals don’t have much size and will rely on sophomore Nolan Zaim [3.0 points and 2.1 rebounds] on the inside.
Livingston Central has eight seniors on its roster which puts the 2021 season in a brighter light in a district where some of the top talent comes from underclassmen.
The Cardinals will open the season on Jan. 4 at home against St. Mary.
