Coming into this season , the Sloan-Hendrix Greyhounds knew they had a team that could have a special year . They are proving that to be true and then some . The Greyhounds enter the postseason as one of the favorites in class 2A to bring home the hardware . The boys from Imboden have been ranked number one in the state in their classification most of the year in most publications and rankings . Sloan-Hendrix went through a tough 2A-2 conference nearly unblemished and challenged themselves with their non-conference scheduling . Coach Daniel Bates ’ bunch traveled to Berryville during the holidays and won the Berryville CS Holiday Hoops Tournament and recently hosted and won the 100th edition of the Lawrence County Tournament . This experience has prepared the Greyhounds for the upcoming postseason , but Coach Bates knows the real work is just beginning . “ In order to reach our goals for the season we have to remain extremely focused and not overlook any part of our season that remains . We also have to have the mindset that we are going to outwork our opponent each and every night ,” Bates said .
Sloan-Hendrix has gotten to this position because of a strong roster that possesses balance and depth led by senior captain Harper Rorex . Rorex has always been a force on the defensive end , but has stepped up on the offensive end this season . The combo guard explained , “ I take great pride in my defense and , over the years , have continually gotten better at it . Offensively , I ’ ve stepped into a larger role scoring this year , but I also like to get my teammates involved and find open looks for them as well . I really just want to do whatever it takes to win a state championship , and I think my teammates think the same thing .” Braden Cox is the other captain and is tasked with running the show at the point guard position . Cox can hit the three , get to the paint to score , or look to set others up with his vision . Ethan Lee and Cade Grisham are a formidable one-two punch inside . Both Lee and Grisham can step out and hit the three and anchor the defense inside as rim protectors while clearing the rebounds . Luke Murphy has played a key role with his athleticism and shot making ability . Murphy will do the little things as well being one of the team ’ s top charge takers . Ethan Pickett and Karson Roark add much needed depth that the team credits as a difference maker this year . Pickett can play big down low on both ends , while Roark is a quick , shifty guard that hit the outside shot .
Guard Harper Rorex believes his team is ready due to last years ’ experience in the postseason . “ Last year , I think that we were still trying to get used to and learn how to handle being ranked as one of the best teams in the state , but this year we ’ ve grown used to it and haven ’ t let it get to us as much with the experience that we had last season .” Braden Cox feels this team is ready for the journey ahead . “ This year , building on last year , we ’ re a lot more experienced and not afraid of the moment . We all have confidence in each other , and we all know what we have to do individually and as a group to win it all this year ,” he said . “ We all have to be incredibly sharp and focused going into the state tournament and just be ready to bring it every night with the confidence that we ’ re the best team in the state . We can ’ t afford to take any nights off , and we need to be willing to do whatever it takes to get the win each and every night .”
Rorex agreed with his teammate . “ First of all , I think that we just need to stay confident in ourselves . We ’ ve learned a lot since our regional tournament loss last season , and I think that was one of the biggest takeaways . We also have to continually bring our best each game and take care of our business because once you get into the postseason , one bad game is enough to end your season . We experienced that first-hand last year , so we know what that feels like and we ’ re determined to not let it happen again .”
Coach Bates believes his team understands what is ahead and how to approach it . “ Our guys understand that there is a target on our back . We try to keep our practices extremely competitive every day , and our second team gives our first team a great look . We have established high expectations for ourselves and our team . When we come into each game we try to be as prepared as possible .”
All the pieces seem to be in place for Sloan-Hendrix . Not only is there a talented group of athletes that gel well and play for each other , but there is a maturity to this group that has allowed them to navigate the regular season with an understanding of what it will take to take the next steps to a title . The Greyhounds won ’ t have to travel far as they will host the 2A Central Regional Tournament in hopes of advancing to the state tournament not too far away in Rector . If things align the right way , this group could be hoisting trophies over the next several weeks .