For the first time in four years, Oak Hill started the preseason without a large chunk of its roster still trying to recover from winning a football state championship. 

Nevertheless, coach Tom Smith faces the challenge of establishing a new identity after the graduation of Dalton Therrien and Jonah Martin, his two top scorers the last two years. 

“We lost a lot of scoring,” Smith said. “The points are going to be a team concept and the season depends on where our leadership is going to come from.”

This is one of the more athletic teams Smith has had and also features some decent size with Marcus and Darryn Bailey and Matthew Strout in the frontcourt. Evan Boston and Cohen Donnell will anchor the backcourt with Colby Webster and Austin Noble helping out. How it all jells together will determine whether the Raiders can make a tournament appearance.

 

Coach: Tom Smith (sixth year)
Conference: MVC; Class: B South
Last year’s results:6-13 (lost in Class B South preliminary)
Returning athletes: Seniors — Evan Boston (5-6 guard), Marcus Bailey (6-4 forward), Austin Noble (5-10 guard), Matt Strout (6-3 forward); Juniors — Darryn Bailey (6-2 forward), Cohen Donnell (5-8 guard). 
Key losses: Jonah Martin, Dalton Therrien.
Promising newcomers: Seniors — Steve Gilbert (5-10 guard), Colby Boston (5-10 guard); Juniors — Colby Webster (5-6 guard), D.J. Pushard (6-0 forward), Austin Pierce (6-3 forward); Sophomore — Adam LaPointe (5-8 guard).