Oran ready to fill roles, continue streak

Oran boy’s basketball coach Joe Shoemaker delivers instructions to his team during its game with St. Vincent on Friday at St. Vincent in Perryville. (Tom Davis/Semoball)

The Oran boys’ basketball team will be seeking its 14th consecutive winning season this year.

The Eagles graduated five seniors, but return three players that saw varsity action, including senior Kolton Payne, who was the team’s leading rebounder last season with eight boards per game to go along with 12 points and 3.5 assists a game. Payne also earned All-Scott Mississippi Conference and All-Class 2, District 3 honors.

“It is always hard to replace good players and leaders,” said Oran coach Joe Shoemaker. “But I think this group is playing very well together and unselfishly at this point in the season. We have several juniors that had a successful junior varsity season last year that will be counted on to contribute this year.”

Senior Riley Schlosser is one of the best defenders on the team and has improved offensively after averaging eight points, three assists and four rebounds a season ago. Robby Menz has worked hard to be prepared for his senior campaign and brings a great attitude to the team.

Junior Nolan Loper was the leading scorer from last season’s junior varsity team and is hoping that will transition to the varsity game. Junior Elijah Shoemaker improved his attitude and work ethic over the summer.

“I have four to six other players depending on how they develop who could contribute minutes as the season progresses,” Joe Shoemaker said. “This group is unselfish, and committed to team success and their work ethic has improved.

“This group has a high ceiling in my opinion,” he continued. “For us to reach our potential we will have to focus on the ‘We’ not the ‘Me’ and also how well we commit to grinding every day in practice on defense, rebounding and running the floor without the basketball.”

The team will begin its season on Nov. 28, hosting the Oran Invitational Tournament.