Despite returning just two starters from last year‘s 15-11 team that lost to Madisonville in the first round of the region tournament, second-year coach Ryan Haile has high expectations for the 2021–22 Webster County Trojans.
“We are relatively young with only two returning starters, but we’re also confident in our players that have been big JV players to take that next step forward for us.,” Haile said.
Senior Aaron Harmon and junior Braden Nelson are the lone starters returning from last year. Both averaged nine points a game.
Haile also pointed to the play of senior Trevor Baker, sophomore Deshawn Murphy, junior Marcus Austin, and senior Noah Duncan as players competing for the final three starting spots.
“We will really rely on our bench this season,” Haile said. “We have quite a few sophomores that will provide big minutes for us off the bench.”
Haile, the son of legendary Henderson County girls’ coach Jeff Haile, feels like his team will be stronger on the defensive side of the basketball out of the gate.
“They have a natural knack to be able to put pressure on the ball, and I like our team’s high basketball IQ,” Haile said.
Webster County ended last season dropping nine of its final 12 games, but six of the nine losses were by single digits.
The Trojans are scheduled to open the season Monday at home against Dawson Springs.
