Advance boys preview: Hornets try to get over hump in Class 2 district tournament

The Advance boys have found the district championship game to be quite a stumbling block in recent years.

The Hornets have lost in three straight district title games, including last year's 66-63 loss on Van Buren's rally in the Class 2 District 2 tournament.

With three starters back, the Hornets will take another shot at reaching the state playoffs.

"We're going to try to get over that hump," said second-year coach Joe Shoemaker. "We're pretty deep. We have 10, 11, 12 guys that can really play. I feel good about that 11th or 12th guy."

Advance had depth last year but also lost some key players to injuries at different points in the season.

One of those injured players was 6-foot-5 center James Masters, who is back for his senior year.

He is joined by returning starters Daryl Wade and Jeremy Limbaugh -- both seniors.

Advance also will call upon some players moving up from a 20-1 junior varsity team.

The Hornets open Nov. 28 in the Oran Invitational, a change from last year's opening in Woodland's tournament.

"We'll see what we're made of right away," Shoemaker said.

---

ADVANCE BOYS

Coach: Joe Shoemaker, second season

Assistant: James Hamlin

Last year: 18-9, lost to Van Buran in Class 2 District 2 final

Conference: Stoddard County

Returning starters

Daryl Wade 5-10 Sr. G

Jeremy Limbaugh 6-2 Sr. F

James Masters 6-5 Sr. C

Rest of roster

Trenton Moses, 6-3, Jr., F; Alex Steil, 6-2, Jr., G; Josh Bailey, 6-3, Sr., C; Jordan Seabaugh, 5-11, Sr., G; Adam Baker, 6-1, Jr., F; Rusty Hendrix, 5-8, Jr., G; Tyler Wade, 5-10, Jr., G; Josh Sturgeon, 6-4, Sr., C; Cameron Stevens, 5-8, Jr., G

Schedule

Nov. 28-Dec. 2 -- Oran Invitational

Dec. 6 -- at Bell City, 6 p.m.

Dec. 9 -- Puxico, 6 p.m.

Dec. 16 -- Scott City, 6 p.m.

Dec. 26-30 -- SE Missourian Christmas Tournament

Jan. 3 -- at Kelly, 6 p.m.

Jan. 6 -- at Bernie, 6 p.m.

Jan. 10 -- Chaffee, 6 p.m.

Jan. 13 -- Richland, 6 p.m.

Jan. 17 -- Zalma, 6 p.m.

Jan. 23-27 -- Stoddard County tournament

Jan. 31 -- Bloomfield, 6 p.m.

Feb. 3 -- at Dexter, 6 p.m.

Feb. 7 -- at Woodland, 6 p.m.

Feb. 10 -- Delta, 6 p.m.

Feb. 11 -- South Iron (Black River Coliseum), 5 p.m.

Feb. 14 -- Oran, 6 p.m.

Feb. 17 -- at Scott County Central, 6 p.m.

Feb. 24 -- at Leopold, 6 p.m.