Story by: Jesse Tinsley

(This article was published in the 36th Annual Ozarks Basketball Preview magazine 2022-23 Edition)

Last winter, the Mules beat Dadeville in a stunning overtime win of 63-59 in the District Championship game.

Unfortunately, they officially saw things come to an end with a 59-41 loss to St. Elizabeth in the state Quarterfinal game to finish a 19-11 season.

Since losing three starters to graduation, they have been working hard in the off season both offensive and defensive. Third-year Head Coach Brian Pearson says, “We’ve got a good mix of upperclassmen and younger players and must be willing to buy into a defensive mindset and share the basketball offensively.”

The Mules have several players who should figure prominently into their success this year, including Davin Sawyer (6’2″, 190 lb., Sr., F) and Dan Murphy (6′, 180 lb., Jr., F).

Sawyer had an impressive Junior year, earning 1st Team All-District 7 and 1st Team All-Conference honors. He also crossed the 1,000 point mark for his career. The Mules are looking for him to be one of the top players this year.

Murphy’s sophomore season was a solid one, netting 4.5 points and scooping up five rebounds every time he suited up while achieving All-Conference Honorable Mention distinctions. His grit and abilities as a defender will come in handy for the Mules in this year’s games.

Other returnees are Tucker Shaddox (6′, 180 lb., Soph., G), Andrew Murphy (6’2″, 185 lb., Soph., F), Owen Kenig (5’10”, 155 lb., Sr., G), Braden Sawyer (6′, 140 lb., Soph., G), Leeland Johnson (5’11”, 150 lb., Soph., G), and Matthew Dalton (6′, 180 lb., Soph., G). Many of these players got quality playing time that will add to their values at the outset of the new season.

Last year, the Mules averaged 54.2 points per game while yielding 46.1. They shot 40.6 from the field.

There are several newcomers hoping for a chance to showcase their skills as well, including Bodee Fielder (6′, 160 lb., Sr., G), Sam Stewart (6’1″, 215 lb., Sr., F), Nathan Sawyer (5’7″, 135 lb., Frosh., G), Daniel Jones (6’2″, 195 lb., Frosh., F), and Damien Johnson (6′, 155 lb., Frosh., G). Fielder has potential and could be an immediate impact player. Stewart is coming back from a knee surgery the staff reports. Sawyer and Jones are expected to provide depth in the guard and post positions respectively. Johnson is looking to have a strong junior varsity season.

Davin Sawyer is excited for the upcoming year and the talent on the team. “We want to go through the year with confidence we can repeat and go further in the state playoffs.”