Boys Basketball Preview: Portageville looks to be more focused

Photo by Scott Seal, staff
Pictured is the Portageville varsity boys basketball team. Members pictured front row for left are: Corvon Williams, Lamar Alexander, Hunter Gates and Andrew Carter; pictured back row frow left are: Terry Kirkwood, Mikel Moody, Ian Torrey, Bub Lance and Bryce Rone; not pictured are: Daniel Carter and Steven Guo.

“We have several guys returning this year so we’re excited about the possibilities of the season,” said Portageville head basketball coach Jason Irby. “However, we understand that we can not skip steps and have to put in the work each day to continuously improve our team.

“In looking at our district, we may have one of the toughest districts in the state. When you have a host of competitive schools just with our district, there is a good chance that one of us may go all the way to state,” said Irby.

“I’d hate to single out just a couple when there are so many tough teams on our schedule.  I’d just say that both the Bootheel Conference and Class 3 District 1 will be extremely tough this year. We would like to find a way to put ourselves in the conversation but right now we’re unproven and must prove that we’re capable of playing with the best teams in our conference,” he added.

“During the off season, we had a very good summer of work. We are hopeful that this will carry over into our season. We won the McKendree University team camp that we go to in Illinois, and finished 2nd in the Rib City Shootout in Cape.”

“Offensively, we would like to lay inside out, and attack the paint with the drive and pass. Our goal is to share the ball, and take good shots. Hopefully, our seniors will provide good leadership and set an example of hard work work and a great attitude,” said Irby.

Irby has 19 years coaching experience. This is his 11th year at PHS, and eighth year as head coach. His coaching record at PHS is 95 wins and 78 losses. His career record is 217-186.

Last year, the team’s win-loss record was 15-10, but the Bulldogs anticipate better opportunities this year.

Assisting Irby on the PHS coaching staff this year is Scot Davis.

“We return four guys who played a lot of varsity minutes for us last year. and will bring up some quality jayvee players. Bryce Rone, Lamar Alexander, Steven Guo, Terry Kirkwood, and Mikel Moody are jayvee players from last year who move up to this year’s varsity. We also had a transfer student from New Madrid who will be a contributor for us in Corvon Williams,” said the Bulldog coach.

“Our returning starters are:  Ian Torrey, Hunter Gates, Daniel Carter, and Bub Lance.  As a group these guys all have a good understanding of what we’re trying to get done in practice each day which helps the younger guys to see how we want things done.  We expect all of these guys to be good leaders for our team,” concluded Irby.  

The Bulldogs lost two seniors from last year, Chris Garmon and Luke Darst.

The first game of the season for the Portageville Bulldogs will be Friday, December 1, at East Prairie.

The Portageville High School Student Council is planning a big event for December 9 to honor Missouri Hall of Fame Coach Jim Bidewell. The school district will dedicate the new basketball court to honor him.

The evening will begin with a Chili Supper. Tickets are available from any Student Council member or by calling 379-0275. Also, a Silent Auction will take place in the high school cafeteria at 5 pm.

The boys basketball team will be playing Gideon with the junior varsity game beginning at 6 pm. The Basketball Court Dedication ceremony and Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony will take place between the JV and Varsity games.

To conclude the evening, a reception honoring Coach Bidewell will be held in the high school cafeteria. All former basketball players and students, as well as community members and coaches/administrators from the surrounding area are invited to attend.

Portageville Bulldogs Boys Basketball Schedule

Photo by Scott Seal, staff
Pictured is the Portageville junior varsity boys basketball team. Members pictured front row for left are: Chris Word, Drew Irby and T.J. McClellan; pictured back row from left are: Jacob Carter, Izzayah Birdwell, Brendan Garmon and A.J. Hicks.