Boys Prep Basketball Preview: Du Quoin's Roster Deep, Experienced, Talented

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Once again there's plenty of optimisim-and enthusiasm surrounding the prospects for Du Quoin High School's upcoming boys basketball campaign.

A glance at the 2009-2010 roster shows why fifth-year coach Mike Crews (69-41) is excited and confident about the season ahead.

The dean of area coaches at age 63-and 38 years of experience at the prep, collegiate and junior high levels-Crews expects another talented blend of youth and experience to translate into plenty of victories. Last year, the Indians were 24-8 and repeated as Class 2A regional champions.

"I really like what I've seen so far," Crews said. "This is a talented group of kids and they all have shown tremendous attitudes. We are definitely excited about our prospects for this season. The senior class is just providing us with some great leadership."

While All-South, All -SIRR and honorable mention All-staters Dalton Morgan and A.J. Hill were lost to graduation-along with key performers Seth Flint and Cody Youngman-Crews welcomes back a salty group. There are a dozen returning letter winners, including two three-year starters. Several key players from the undefeated junior varsity squad of last season are moving up.

Senior Matt Gossett (6'4, 190, G-F) averaged just over 12 points per game as a junior and will play inside and outside for the Tribe. He's poised to become Du Quoin's next 1,000 point career scorer.

"Matt Gossett is the most experienced among a group of very experienced kids," Crews said. "We'll look for him to lead this team and anticipate some pretty big things from him."

Jamor Reed (5'9, 165, sr.) is back for a third season at point guard. Swingmen Marcus Clarry (6'0, 160, sr.) and Cody Rose (6'2, 175, sr.) also return for their third varsity campaigns.

Juniors J.C. Davis (6'0, 155), Seth Baxter (5'11, 165) and James Williams (6'0, 150) join Clarry and Reed in a five-player deep rotation at the guard spots. Transfer Aaron Smith (6'0, 155, jr., G) could be sidelined until January after suffering a serious ankle injury in football.

Davis qualified for the IHSA State Three-Point Shooting contest and teams with Clarry as serious scoring threats from beyond the arc.

Slender senior Logan Carson (6'6, 170) might be the squad's most improved player.

A tremendous leaper who's also a three-point shooting threat, Carson provides Crews with several options inside.

Logan Schneider (6'5, 180, sr.) scored nearly nine points per game off the bench and has moved into a starting forward slot .

He continues to draw praise from Crews.

"Logan Schneider has played in the shadows of a lot of our kids the past two or three years," Crews said. "He just has that unending desire to get better and for this team to get better. Logan's just one of those kids-along with Logan Carson-who've really put in the hours in to become better players."

All-state footballer David Rose (6'1, 185, sr.) led the junior varsity team in scoring and is expected to again provide plenty of quality minutes. Sophomore Sam Gossett (6'3, 175), like older brother Matt, is capable of playing several different positions.

Posts Jeremy Jones (6'2, 230, jr.), Sam Kuhnert (6'6, 200, jr.) Brandon Williams (6'4, 225, so.) and Jesse McDicken (6'5, 220 so.) are also listed among the top 16 Indian performers.

"This is a prety diverse group of young people we have on our roster," said Crews. "They are pretty tight-knit kids on and off the floor who genuinely pull for each other and all work together. They are just a pleasure to coach and to be around everyday. We are hoping to have a great season."

The Indians open Dec. 2 against Carterville in the 11th annual Tip-Off Classic.

Du Quoin Varsity Roster

Head coach: Mike Crews (38th year overall; fifth year at Du Quoin, 69-41)

Assistant coaches: Keith Ellis, Gabe Sveda, Derek Beard, Jeff Gossett.

Seniors: Matt Gossett, 6'4, G-F; Logan Schneider, 6'5, F-C; Jamor Reed, 5'9, G; Marcus Clarry, 6'0, G-F; Logan Carson, 6'6, F-C; Cody Rose, 6'2, G-F; David Rose, 6'1, F-C.

Juniors: J.C. Davis, 6'0, G; Seth Baxter, 5'11, G; James Williams, 6'0, G; Sam Kuhnert, 6'6, C; Aaron Smith, 6'0, G (injured); Jeremy Jones, 6'2, F-C.

Sophomores: Sam Gossett, 6'3, G-F; Brandon Williams, 6'4, F-C; Jesse McDicken, 6'5, F-C