Monett seeks to take next step in development

By Jared Lankford [email protected]

Coming into the 2025-2026 basketball season, Monett had zero starters returning and just two players that had played meaningful varsity minutes.

Cubs Coach Andrew Ballock knew this season would feature growing pains, and he was correct.

The Cubs won just once in their first six games, a 47-46 decision over Pierce City, but then ripped off three straight victories over Hollister, Seneca and Southwest.

The last two wins came in the Southwest Holiday Tournament, granting the right to the Cubs to play for the championship, where they came up short against a loaded East Newton squad.

“I feel like we are ending [2025] on a positive note,” Ballock said. “We have a lot of new guys playing in varsity roles they have never done before and we have take some lumps early. Now, I think we hit our stride winning three in a row before [falling to East Newton], but I am proud of the way we have been playing.”

Ballock talked to his team after the 40-23 championship loss and told them that he was proud of them and that they should not be upset, but use the game as further motivation as the season progresses.

“We saw growth and improvement this week,” Ballock said. “East Newton is a great ball club. We knew they were going to be physical and well coached. We did a lot of good things but struggled to put the ball in the hoop. But, I’m not disappointed with our effort.”

As the season plays out, Monett has been happy with the emergence of Alex Meeks and Jack Stephens.

Meeks has taken on the role of patrolling the post for the Cubs, fighting for rebounds and locking down the interior. Stephens has the ability to slash to the basket and the size to post in the paint.

“Jack and Alex played tough all tournament long,” Ballock said. “Both couldn’t get shots to go in the championship. East Newton was a big reason for that, but also just coming under control plays a role. Still, we are heading the right direction.”

As Monett pushes into 2026 and the heart of Big 8 Conference play the goal is simple — keep improving.

“We are 10 games into the season, and now is when we need to settle and play their roles on both ends of the floor,” Ballock said. “As a group, we need to find ways to score and be more consistent on the offensive end. Defensively, we are active and we don’t tend to give up many easy baskets. We have two guys that consistently score, but we need a few more guys to step up and join them. We want to win by committee, but also score by committee.”

Monett opened play in the Southwest tournament with a 50-33 win over Seneca and then topped host Southwest 40-32 in the semifinal.

“We put ourselves in a position to play for a title,” Ballock said. “Many of our guys have never played for a championship, and to see us put together a couple of wins and reach the title game is encouraging. I think that will help us going forward when we reach that next championship game.”

For his efforts Stephens was named to the All-Tournament team.

The Cubs opened Big 8 play on Jan. 6 with Seneca and will pay next at Mt. Vernon on Jan. 9, then travel to the Crane tournament in Jan. 12-17.