Magnolia's Scott Bailey works the ball around to set up a play during practice.

Magnolia under Coach Dave Tallman will be looking to improve on last season’s 10-13 record. Tallman has been around Blue Eagle Basketball since 1979 when he coached the freshman team. Under his leadership as head coach the school has won three state championships.

Lost to graduation from the 2023-24 team is Hayden Pyles who averaged 22 points a game and scored over 1,000 in his career. Also gone from last year’s squad are Carter Clegg and foreign exchange student Lucas Pena who returned to Spain. However coach Tallman is hoping someone will step up and take the leadership role left by Pyles departure.

Several players are returning with game experience including senior guard Hunter Oates and Junior guard Kingston Christen. Oates, (5-10) provided scoring last season and is a good defensive player and uses his speed and athleticism to his advantage. He has developed a nice shooting touch and can knock it down from beyond the arc. Christen, is a (6-1) guard and double figure scorer from last year averaging 13 PPG. Look for both players to be major factors in the team’s success. 6-3 Senior Darin Shimp, a returning starter from a year ago will again start in the power forward position.

The Blue Eagles have 15 players on the roster including (6-2) junior Brayden Byers, a much improved player from last season who stood out in summer league play. Byers will be counted on to add scoring depth and provide an inside presence. Scott Bailey a (5-8) junior will do the bulk of the ball handling from the point guard position.

“We’re dealing with some injuries that will slow us down some, but we’ll battle through, “ said coach Tallman.

Lost due to an ACL injury is junior Jackson Fortney who was expected to get plenty of playing time, also out with a shoulder injury and not expected to return until mid-season is Eli Midcap, another player with excellent skills. Tallman will also be without assistant coach Randy Shuman for a few weeks as he recovers from a surgery.

Noah Hood, a (6-3) freshman has great potential, and could develop into an inside-outside player for the Blue Eagles.

“We are looking at several players. Each one needs to step up during practice and show what they can do. I expect each one to give 100 percent every time they take to the floor. It takes practice reps to earn game experience, “said Tallman.

Carson Wade has shown he can play any position, he’s improved tremendously over the past three years, and is expected to see lots of playing time.

Jonah Coulter, a Junior, is one of the most dependable players. He shows up every time and puts full effort into playing the game to the best of his ability. Parker Werkau, another junior, is fighting hard for playing time and can be used at guard or forward. Also battling is junior forward Finn Loy. Aiden Fluharty, another junior and freshman Ayden Spitzer are also expected to compete.

“We have some size, quickness and speed, which makes me optimistic.” Coach Tallman wanted to give credit to his long-time assistant coach, Larry West who has been a big part of the program.