MANCHESTER — A lot of hype is surrounding Clay County’s boys’ basketball program, and deservedly so.
The Tigers return a solid nucleus of talent along with a new coach — Michael Jones.
Jones has had a lot of success at the high school level, leading Harlan County to its first-ever 13th Region championship, and is looking to end Clay County’s drought of not winning a region crown since 2014.
The Tigers have a 13th Region-best 29 regional championships, and is looking to capture number 30 this season.
Currently, Jones’ focus is working hard to changing the culture.
“Twenty-one wins in the last two years combined is not the typical Clay County tradition you think about, so we got to learn how to win again,” he admitted. “We only got 14 practices together this summer, but they were 14 productive practices. “Putting in a new system from the ground up takes time, so each day we had was important to that process. We felt like we got better each game we played and that was encouraging, hopefully we can carry that over to the season.”
Clay County returns all five starters from last season’s team along with one of the top players and scorers in the region, Jerrod Roark, transferring as well.
“We bring back all five starters, and top eight players.
“Hayden Harris is a long athletic wing who’s improved his overall strength,” Jones said. “Ethan Jackson is a hard-nosed strong guard that does everything well. Grayson Hooker has a high basketball IQ, and he is capable of shooting it at a high percentage.
“Aiden Wagers is a strong, athletic big, who leads by example ans is capable of averaging a double/double,” he added. “Landon Dezarn could be our best on-ball defender, and is capable of shooting it at a high percentage. Elijah Bundy is a true warrior on the court, capable of averaging a double/double. Tate Rice is an athletic guard, who does everything well — a leader. Plus one of the region’s leading scorers last season, Jerrod Roark, has transferred back. He is an athletic strong guard who can finish through contact.
“We are excited about this team and the season ahead,” Jones continued. “We have a lot of experience coming back, but we also have to be patient with the process.”
Jones said 6-4 freshman Anthony Grubb will give his Tiger squad quality minutes as well.
“He has all the tools,” he said. “He’s been impressive in practice, and will push for a starting position.”
Jones stated his team will pride themselves on the defensive end and rebounding the ball.
“We feel like both of those areas can be a strength the entire season,” he said. “One of our weaknesses going in will be on the offensive end. If we can shoot the ball consistently enough to keep us in games.
“It sounds cliche, but a big key for us will be everyone buying into less is more,” Jones added. “We can’t worry about individual stats and/or playing time. We have several kids who can play valuable minutes, so we must sacrifice for one another in order to be successful.”
Despite getting hired late, making putting a schedule together harder than normal, Jones remains confident his team will be challenged throughout the season.
“With any schedule people are going to say it’s this or it’s that, but the bottom line is — are we getting better regardless of who we play?,” he said. “We hope, as everyone does, by years end, we have improved each week and playing our best during tournament time.”
Jones expects the 49th District to be competitive again this season.
“Our district will be competitive with North Laurel leading the way,” he said. “They are back-to-back regional champions which means those kids are accustomed to winning, and that goes a long way. Jackson County is a rivalry game, and we know how those can go on any given night. They will always be competitive, disciplined, well-coached, and compete as hard as anyone because of their leader in Coach Parrett. Oneida has some young talented players who can cause a tough matchup. They’ve got one of the best players to ever play in our region as their leader in Coach (Larry) Gritton, so they will compete. Red Bird will play hard and not back down from any challenge.”
Despite most observers picking the Tigers as one of the top two or three teams in the region, Jones believes his squad is currently somewhere in the middle of the pack.
“We have a lot of returning players and the potential to have a good season, but potential just means you’re not there yet,” he said. “If we keep working hard and buying in, then we could give ourselves a chance to make a run.”
