High school events: Kennett boys showcase skills in scrimmage setting

Kennett High School winter sports teams all had their formal beginnings during a special event on Tuesday.

The boys basketball team conducted a sports drink scrimmage, and both the wrestling and girls basketball teams were introduced.

The crowd filled one half of the main high school gymnasium, and a pile of sports drinks were collected in the lobby.

Kennett head boys basketball coach Fred Garmon introduces the Indians players before a scrimmage dated on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. (Photo by Eric Viccaro, staff)

“I thought our Gatorade game went really well,” Kennett head coach Fred Garmon said. “I always like when we get everybody in one place at the same time.”

Garmon said Kennett’s all on one team regardless of sport.

“I really appreciate everyone who came out and the support that’s been given,” Garmon added.

Kennett senior cheerleader Zoie Cook performs a routine during the sports drink scrimmage dated Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. (Photo by Eric Viccaro, staff)

The scrimmage lasted 15 minutes, and served as a time of instruction for the first-year head coach.

“We’ve got to talk louder and be more precise throughout our possessions,” Garmon said, noting the raucous atmosphere of gymnasiums across The Bootheel.

Garmon said he was pleased with how players shared the ball, and the focus was on performing the plays that already have been installed.

Here's just a small portion of the sports drinks collected during a Kennett boys basketball scrimmage conducted on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. (Photo by Eric Viccaro, staff)

Kennett’s boys basketball program has undergone changes, which starts at the top. Garmon replaces Noll Billings.

The 2011 KHS graduate returns to his alma mater as coach — very much like Gabe Kotter returned to Brooklyn teaching Sweathogs. He also serves the district as an AEP teacher.

The Indians struggled through the 2022-23 season after beginning 3-3. The team finished 8-18.

Fredericktown eliminated Kennett in the opening round of the Class 4 District 1 tournament on Feb. 27, 2023, at the Bearcat Events Center in Dexter.

This year’s roster features seven seniors who will be counted on for leadership: Cooper Henfling, Chris Jefferson, Zy’Kerrion Taylor, Ashton Williams, Kaden Taylor, Hunter Kirk and Noah Metheny.

Indian boys basketball players ran onto the court with a continuous beam of red light, adding aura to the promise of a new season.

The Kennett girls basketball team also is under new management in the form of Erika Cobb, who most recently was at North Pemiscot.

Aaron New, last year’s head coach, will remain as an assistant.

New piloted the Indians to an 18-10 record in 2022-23. Saxony Lutheran defeated Kennett in the second round of the district tournament by 17 points.

The girls will host a three-team jamboree beginning tonight at 6 p.m.

The Kennett wrestling squad also was ushered, with head coach Jim Tidd announcing the members to the crowd.

Last year’s squad compiled a 13-7-1 record. Seniors on the squad this season are Ashton Adams, Justin Brooks, Jesse Goldsmith, Edward Jones, Mike’Kel Payne, Jaxon Snider and Peyton Lewis. The girls roster features senior Ashunti Welton.

The Kennett cheerleading squad performed a pair of routines, and the high school band played selections throughout the 70-minute event.

In terms of season openers, Kennett boys basketball competes at the Bulldog Classic in Gideon and the girls in the SEMO Conference Tournament — both beginning Monday, Nov. 27.

The wrestlers open with a home triangular versus Cape Notre Dame and New Madrid County Central Tuesday, Nov. 28.