By George Bremer, Herald Bulletin Sports Writer
ANDERSON — A page has been turned within the Highland boys basketball program.
The graduation of nine seniors from the varsity roster and a head coaching change dictates a move in a new direction.
Scots coach Jason Delaney will lead the charge.
“It’s a different situation,” he said. “There’s a lot of rebuilding to be done, but we’ve got good kids. I really like these kids. Any time you lose nine seniors, especially at that talent level, there’s going to be rebuilding. We’ve got a lot of good pieces here, but it’s going to be a challenge.”
Highland’s 14-9 record last year gave the school just its second winning season since 1993-94. The Scots won the Madison County tournament and challenged for their first sectional title since 1991.
The season ended with a 49-42 loss to city rival Anderson in the semifinals at the New Castle Fieldhouse.
Former head coach Jeff Howard’s contract was not renewed during the offseason, and Delaney was hired. He brings with him a 61-51 overall record in six years as a head coach and a realistic take on the task ahead.
Seniors Earlie Ivey, Blane Crouse and Derrick Hill are the only returning players with varsity experience. They’ll be asked to help ease the transition.
“I have great respect for what they were able to accomplish last year,” Delaney said. “They listen well, they ask questions and they have a will to get better.”
One thing Highland can’t will into reality is height. The Scots lost leading scorer Jay Mohr, now at IU-Southeast, but they also lost all of their size in the frontcourt. Gone are 6-foot-10 Asauhn Tatum, 6-6 Jordan Worley and 6-4 Travis Gladney.
Anderson transfer Brandon Newsom will be asked to fill some of that void.
“He adds a post presence for us,” Delaney said. “He’s a big boy (6-4), and he’s tough to guard. But the thing that’s really impressed me is how good of a passer he is out of the post. He’s always looking for a guard who might be open on the perimeter.”
That skill in particular could fit well in Delaney’s system.
Gone is the plodding half-court offense Howard often employed to shorten games. In its place will be an up-tempo style that seems to have energized the Scots.
“The younger guys are all used to running,” Hill said. “It’s a perfect fit for them.”
New faces for the varsity include Jalen Townsend, Tyler Stonewall and a freshman with an awfully familiar surname.
Yes, Brogan Gary will wear No. 32 — the same as his famous father and uncles, who have been collectively honored on a wall inside Bob Fuller Memorial Gymnasium.
Expectations will be high to carry on the family legacy. Count Hill among those already impressed.
“He’s a very good shooter,” the senior swingman said. “If he listens to the coaches, he may be the top scorer for this team throughout the years here.”
Try as he might, Delaney can’t hide a hint of optimism.
He knows it will take time for the Scots to grow into his system and for the young players to adjust to the varsity level. But he won’t lower expectations. Highland’s goals remain to defend its county championship, to win the Olympic Conference and to capture that elusive sectional crown.
“Each week, we’re going to get better,” Delaney said. “Each game, we’re going to improve. A lot of people don’t think we’re going to be very good. But we have the pieces, if we can get together on the same page, to be a good team.”
