Warriors to build on five varsity-tested seniors

Written by Katie Morford Tuesday, 27 November 2012 15:28

Leading the Peabody-Burns Warrior boys’ team this year are five seniors: (from left) Austin Savage, Hunter Pickens, Seth Topham, Christian Gard and Tommy Morris. Savage, Pickens and Topham were starters last season.

The Peabody-Burns boys’ basketball team hopes the depth and experience it brings to the court this season will give them an edge in a competitive Wheat State League.

The Warriors return three starters and have five seniors.

“The seniors will be called on to fill leadership roles as the team finds its identity,” said coach Brian Simmonds, who begins his fifth year at the helm.

“The returning starters have two years of varsity experience. That should help us compete early in the schedule as the other players find their roles on this year’s team.”

Leading the charge is senior Austin Savage, who averaged 10.8 points per game last season as a starter and tied for the best shooting percentage (35 percent) with classmate and returning starter Seth Topham.

Hunter Pickens, the third starter back this season, averaged 7.1 points a game and led the Warriors with 4.2 rebounds per game.

The other two seniors, Christian Gard and Tommy Morris saw varsity time last season and are expected to move into starting roles this season.

Simmonds said Xavier Jabary and Garret Schroeder will add depth inside after strong junior-varsity seasons, and Braxton Kyle, Kevin Baatrup and Vince Newman also are likely to see varsity minutes.

“The team looks to continue to build on a solid season a year ago,” Simmonds said.

Last year the Warriors finished 9-13 overall, 5-3 in the league and made it to the sub-state semifinals.

The Warriors will begin their season Nov. 30 at Chase County. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.