Boys Basketball looks to replace key pieces from state tournament team

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Spencer Nolan is one of the Rockets key returning players this season.

The Rose Hill High School basketball 2019-2020 season was cut short due to the pandemic, as the Rockets were about to play in the 4A semifinals. Despite losing several seniors, head coach Josh Shirley is optimistic.

“We are going to embrace every day and every moment we get out on the basketball court this year,” said Shirley, in regards to comparing this season to last. “Several of our players were a part of the State Tournament team last year who suddenly had the season stopped, and I think they understand how quickly everything can go away, so I know we will be enjoying every day and every moment we have the opportunity to play. We have many new faces this year and I am excited to see how they will gel and fit into what we do as a program. We will be relying on some of our older guys to help mold our younger and newer players as they try to make an impact.” 

Last year, multiple key players graduated, including starters Koby Campbell, Trent Barnhart, Mason Lane and Asa Vrbas. Filling these spots will take the whole team’s help. 

“We lost several key pieces to a very successful season. Instead of looking at one or two people to fill the void left by our graduating seniors, it is going to have to be our entire team that steps up and helps this year’s team be successful,” said Shirley. “We have several key pieces returning and had a very successful JV season last year so we feel like there is a solid core returning this season.”

The Rocket basketball teams play their first game of the season on Tuesday, December 8 at Garden Plain.