MORRIS EAGLES
BOYS
Coach: Brandon Heath
23-24 Record: 5-20
OUTLOOK
There’s a lot of experience returning for the Morris Eagles in 2024 which should bode well for turning the program to some winning ways. There are six seniors who saw playing time last year including Xavier Harjo (5-9, Sr.) who averaged 16 points a game last year.
“Xavier is a great shooter and finisher at the basket that can score the ball inside and outside,” said coach Brandon Heath. “He’s also a threat from the three-point area where he shot 34 percent last year. We probably would have won more games last year, but Xavier missed the first 10 games of the year with an injury.”
Another of the senior leaders that the Eagles will count on is Robert Woods (6-1) who averaged seven points a game in 2023.
“Robert is one of our better players but is very humble,” said Heath. “He is one of our top shooters and does a great job of leading by example for our younger players. “He acts right and does a great job in the classroom as well.”
Steven Bender (5-11) is another of those guys that will bring some senior leadership to the floor.
“He’s an emotional player that takes charges, can rebound and screen and score and is the glue of our team,” said Heath.
Other senior contributors will be two guys that bring some size to an otherwise undersized lineup, according to Heath, are Evan Felts (6-4) and Vincent Brown (6-6) along with guard Jerry Reilly. The junior class is headed up by Logan Farrill (5-8), Kingston Butler (5-11), Braden Sparks (6-3) and Karter Heath (5-10). Sophomores Keith Richardson (6-1), Bradlee Mason (5-10) and Isaiah Pannell (5-9) along with freshman Gavin Nye (6-0) will also fight for playing time.
“Since we are undersized, rebounding and creating turnovers will be important for us,” said Heath. “We must capitalize on our fast break opportunities and if our role players understand shot selection and we’re patient, we can be successful.”
