Exeter hoops hoping to get healthy as districts approach

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

On Friday, Exeter Boys Basketball coach Josh Trammell started his ninth different set of starters in 13 games, a trend the Tigers hope to break as they approach conference and district play in coming weeks.

In his first year at the helm, Trammell said the Tigers struggled through the first half of the season — bagging only one win, 84-28, over Bronaugh — and there were multiple reasons for the challenges.

“We’ve been dealing with a lot of adversity,” he said. “That’s been the story these last three weeks. There is a different dynamic with a new coach and new ideas and expectations, and we’ve been buying in, but doing things the correct way has been a challenge at times.”

Trammell said outside of injuries, accountability has been difficult with players struggling to show up consistently.

“We’re working hard on improving our accountability and consistency,” he said. 

On the floor, the Tigers are looking to do what they do best — play fast.

“We want to continue doing the things we’ve been successful at, like running the floor,” Trammell said. “When we run the floor, we can compete with anyone. In flashes, we’re very successful with that, but we’ve struggled to put together complete games with it.”

Excluding three losses at the Pierce City Invitational, Exeter averages about 44 points per game and allows about 67.

Trammell said through the struggles with consistency, he has had players step up into leadership roles and guide the squad.

“Coby Johnston has stepped into a leadership role and is working his butt off,” Trammell said. “He leads by example, is incredibly coachable and is willing to step outside of his role and give us a chance every day.

“Cameron Brattin is our only consistent starter, and day-in and day-out, he’s one or the hardest workers on the court.”

As conference and district play approach, Trammell said there are multiple games that will not only test the Tigers, but also give opportunities for growth.

“We have several upcoming games that will give us a little taste of what competition will be like in districts,” he said. “We believe we are better than we have been playing, and we have many opportunities to compete against quality teams in our district or against teams like the ones in our district, even possible first-round district opponents.”

To find success in the season’s second half, Trammell said health and consistency will be paramount.

“We are trying to get healthy and find a consistent five starters to be competitive day-in and day-out, and I think we are close to having it,” he said.

The Tigers are in the midst of a long road swing, facing Marionville next on Friday and with two road games next week, then the 43rd Annual Mercy/Warrior Classic Feb. 2-7. Exeter has four home games from Feb. 9-17 against Hurley, Thomas Jefferson, Verona and Wheaton.