If there is a list of teams that deserves some good fortune this season, Midland Trail definitely qualifies.
Promising starts for the Patriots each of the last three seasons have been derailed by numerous Covid issues and injuries.
“Every year I have the same conversation that we are going to be pretty good. We start December and the beginning of January on fire. Then something happens and the wheels fall off,” Midland Trail head coach Curtis Miller said. “With Covid, injuries and stuff like that, we haven’t had a full year in like three years really.”
To open the 2022-23 campaign, the words to describe the Patriots are eerily similar to years past.
“This is the 10th year I have been here and this is probably the most athletic team that I have had,” Miller said. “We only have three or so basketball players, but we have a lot of athletes that can run and jump. I think we will surprise a lot of people.”
The reason for the promising outlook comes from strong returning players, a new addition and players that appear to be maximizing their potential at just the right time.
Matt Light was a strong scorer last year averaging 18 points per game and he will be a big factor again this year.
“He averaged 14 points as a freshman. If he has four full years he is a 1,000 point scorer,” Miller said. “He has the quickest first step I have seen. He is just fast and hard to guard.”
Light should be complimented by the emergence of sophomore point guard Eli Campbell who Miller looks to have a breakout year.
“Eli put more work in during the off-season than any kid I have ever had. He went from an average basketball player to an awesome basketball player in an off-season,” Miller explained. “He has received college looks and is really confident. He could be our best player this year.”
Trail also has a player that can best be described as an athletic freak. Cody Harrell is a three-year basketball starter that is coming off a stellar football season which Miller feels will make him an even bigger threat this year.
“Cody plays every sport imaginable. He really stepped up at the end of last year. The last six games he averaged like 16 points per game,” Miller said. “He is just an athlete and we have really seen his confidence carry over from football season.”
On the topic of athleticism, Miller is really excited about junior Justin Cooper.
“He could be the surprise of the season. Justin is the most athletic kid that I have on my team. We thought he would have a breakout year last year, but he hurt his ankle in early January,” Miller said. “He is 6-foot at best and can jump out of the gym. One step and he can dunk it on you. He is really learning how to use his athleticism. I think he will have a big year as well.”
Midland Trail also has a new face on the team in Jaden Gladwell. Oddly enough, Gladwell is a familiar face at the same time having played last year for county rival Midland Trail. Gladwell was also the quarterback on the football team this year.
“Jaden fit right in from the start with everybody and they all get along. He is nice to have because is a coaches son, so he has the brains out there,” Miller said. “He is not a flashy player, but he will go out there and get you 10-15 points a night. He will rebound and he is a great defensive player. He will help us big time and gives a third ball handler.”
Sectional realignment has moved Midland Trail into the same group as Class AAA runner-up Shady Spring, Independence and PikeView.
With Shady being a heavy favorite to win the sectional title, if Midland Trail can make the sectional championship game, it may need to win a regional road contest to advance to the state tournament.
The sectional favorite on the opposite side is Herbert Hoover who knocked off the Patriots last year in the postseason.
“We played with Hoover at the end of last year. Playing them in the sectional so tight showed these kids that they could play with them,” Miller said. “I think they will have a different mindset with them this year.”
Midland Trail opens the season Dec. 9 at Summers County.
