Gore Pirates Basketball Team – Presented by Gore Family Clinic

GORE PIRATES

BOYS

Coach: TW ESTES

23-24 Record: 14-12

The Gore Pirates boys basketball team enters the 2024 season with high expectations following last year’s 14-12 campaign. Head coach TW Estes has confidence in his team’s ability to make a deep playoff run, emphasizing the group’s wealth of experience and strong chemistry. “We return all three starting guards from last year’s group along with a strong cast of guys that all have over 30-plus varsity game experience,” Estes said. “We expect to make a strong run in the playoffs and compete with the top-ranked teams in our class.”

The Pirates’ back court is led by junior point guard Tate Brooksher (5-8, Jr.), who averaged 14.0 points per game last season while shooting 36 percent from the field and recording 4.0 steals per game. Fellow junior guard Cain Cooper (6-4, Jr.), the team’s top scorer, averaged 16.0 points per game on 39 percent shooting. Cooper’s ability to score from deep and drive to the basket makes him a dynamic offensive threat. In the front court, senior forward Ayden Cox (6-2, Sr.) returns after overcoming an ACL injury that sidelined him last season. Cox’s rim protection and rebounding ability provide a critical presence inside for the Pirates. Fellow senior Duane Hunt (6-2, Sr.), who has returned to basketball after a two-year hiatus, adds depth and brings a team-first mentality to the floor.

Senior guard Nash Thouvenel (5-10, Sr.) will also be an asset on both ends of the court this season. Sophomore forward Dane Gates (6-4, So.) and junior forward Logan Markou (6-5, Jr.) bolster the team’s size and rebounding capabilities, while sophomore guard Keeton Rowe (5-10, So.) contributes with his high-energy play and knack for creating defensive pressure. Freshmen Colton Frye (5-10, Fr.), Eli Munson (5-11, Fr.), Benson Hunt (5-6, Fr.), and Cole Brooksher (5-7, Fr.) represent the future of the program, with Munson already showcasing the ability to score in a variety of ways. Other key contributors include junior forwards Gabe Hefley (6-1, Jr.) and Cruz Ward (5-10, So.), who provide depth and versatility.

ROSTER

Tate Brooksher (5-8, Jr.) – PG

Cain Cooper (6-4, Jr.) – SG

Ayden Cox (6-2, Sr.) – F

Nash Thouvenel (5-10, Sr.) – G

Duane Hunt (6-2, Sr.) – F

Keeton Rowe (5-10, So.) – G

Dane Gates (6-4, So.) – F

Cruz Ward (5-10, So.) – G

Logan Markou (6-5, Jr.) – F

Gabe Hefley (6-1, Jr.) – F

Colton Frye (5-10, Fr.) – F