Graduation was no friend to the Nicholas County boys basketball team. Head coach Brian Phipps will be looking for answers trying to replace six key players from a year ago when the 2024-25 season opens.
“We were senior heavy last year. All six played and four of them were starters,” Phipps said. “It’s tough, but we have a gritty bunch back. They are doing the things that we ask of them in practice to the best of their ability. That is all a coach can ask. Our guys are giving us everything they have. The hardest thing to coach is effort.”
Trey Stump is the lone starter returning and as expected, the Grizzlies will lean heavily on their senior leader.
“Trey is doing a really good job leading our guys in practice. He is vocal,” Phipps said. “He is the first one in every drill and the first one in every sprint. We will look to him a bunch.”
Senior Isaiah Miner is the reigning Class AA state high jump champion and is coming off a breakout game in the regional game last year.
“Isaiah had like 21 points and 12 rebounds in the regional game. That is the kind of stuff he has to do for us,” Phipps said. “He will be undersized in the post, but obviously, he can jump out of the gym. He is learning to play in there and could be a nightly double-double guy.”
Senior Brock Miles is another undersized post player, but Miles has been through the battles in the paint and leans on his technique to be successful.
“Brock is a character. He brings post defense to the table,” Phipps said. “His dad is an assistant and has taught him how to play in the post. He understands positioning and where to be.”
In a season where everyone will be counted on to contribute, Phipps is looking for good minutes from a pair of Nicholas County senior baseball standouts.
“Ira Mylott has grown about an inch and he gets after it all the time. He hustles, works hard and does a great job with coaching,” Phipps said. “Caleb Jarvis has been a nice surprise during our flex time and early on in practice. Very coachable kid.”
Junior Maverick Smith split time between JV and varsity last year, but will see significant varsity minutes this year. Fellow-junior Isaac Minter is described as the best defender and a solid 3-point shooter.
Nicholas County will also have three sophomores to provide a threat from the perimeter in Spencer Kiper, Eli Thomas and Channing Sarver.
The Grizzlies have six freshmen on the roster who could add more depth as the season goes along.
Phipps also has an exchange student in 5-foot-7 junior soccer player, Gustavo Cipele, who he credits with helping him with his Portuguese.
“Gustavo is really fun to have around. We will be undersized this year, so we will try to run some more and hopefully shoot the ball well,” Phipps said. “We are excited about the season and ready to get the going.”
Nicholas County opens the season on the road at Wyoming East, Dec. 10.
