The Eula boys basketball team returns two starters and four lettermen from last year’s squad that reached the Class 1A state tournament, but the Pirates graduated their top two scorers (Dakota Boles and Jayton Jones). Eula also has a new coach in Shae Sanford after Josh Fostel switched to become the Lady Pirates girls basketball coach.
Eula was 21-10 overall last year but posted a perfect 10-0 record in winning the District 13-1A championship.
“This year’s team will be relatively young,” Sanford admitted, “but with valuable experience gained in last year’s playoff run. Developing players that will have an important role off the bench will be important.”
Sanford called 5’9” senior guard Joseph Click “the team leader on both ends of the floor.” Click has led the team in charges taken two of the last three years and averaged three assists per game.
Carson Sharp, a 5’10’ junior, will be depended on to step up and replace the scoring lost to graduation, according to Sanford. Clayton Gray, a 6’0” sophomore, is the Pirates’ leading returning scorer and can play inside or outside. Gray averaged 13 points and six rebounds per game a year ago.
Avery Orozco, a 6’0” junior, will be relied on as an inside presence on both ends of the floor. He will be joined in the lineup by 5’8” sophomore Caden Franklin.
“Caden is a physical defender who will see an increased role offensively as well,” Sanford added.
Providing depth for Eula will be 5’10” freshman Seth Sanford, 5’11” sophomore Bryson Tunnell and 5’8” sophomore Shelton Windham.
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