Scott City boys preview: Unproven Rams prepare to take on rough schedule

~ Scott City begins its bid for a third straight winning season under Amick on Dec. 6 at Jackson.

Scott City lost nearly 75 percent of its scoring with the graduation of six players, including Mark Dannenmueller and Mark Johnston, who combined to average more than 45 points a game.

While the Rams may not have a proven scorer to take the place of Dannenmueller and Johnston, the team should benefit from a more balanced lineup.

"I think we can be more balanced this year," Scott City coach Lance Amick said. "We have more guys who can shoot the ball. We'll handle the ball well as a team."

One player who could step into the scoring role is 6-foot-6 sophomore Alex King. King started last season as a freshman.

"Alex can be as good as he wants to be," Amick said. "He works hard in the summer and during the school year.

"The sky is the limit for him. It's just what he wants out of this game. The kid's got special talent, he has a gift."

The Rams, who have 10 sophomores vying for varsity playing time, will again play a grueling schedule as Amick searches for his third winning season in three tries. Scott City added South Pemiscot and Poplar Bluff to its schedule this season, and will open up with Class 5 Jackson.

"That's the only way we'll ever be able to beat Charleston is by playing a good schedule," Amick said.

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SCOTT CITY BOYS

Coach: Lance Amick, third season

Assistants: Jim Gloth, Travis Schiwitz, Chris Bradshaw

Last season: 16-11

Conference: Scott-Mississippi Conference

Returning starters

Alex King 6-6 So. F

Landon Hill 6-7 Sr. C

Rest of roster

Andy Stephens, 6-0, Sr., G; Farrell Wasson, 6-6, Sr., F/C; Kuba Dziecielski, 6-1, Sr., G; Rynn Eskew, 6-1, Jr., G; Ethan Watkins, 5-9, So., G; Ryan Modglin, 6-2, So., F; Caleb Estes, 6-0, So., G; John Pinkston, 6-0, So., G; Matt Koehler, 6-2, So., F; Cody Carlyle, 5-11, So., G; Derek Goodin, 5-11, So., G; Derek Laxton, 5-10, So., G; Travis Scherer, 5-9, So., G; Shae Simmons, 5-11, Fr., G

Schedule

Dec. 6 -- at Jackson, 6 p.m.

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

Dec. 13 -- South Pemiscot, 6 p.m.

Dec. 16 -- at Advance, 6 p.m.

Dec. 20 -- Poplar Bluff, 6 p.m.

Dec. 27-30 -- SE Missourian Christmas Tournament

Jan. 3 -- Scott County Central, 6 p.m.

Jan. 5 -- Richland, 6 p.m.

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

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

Jan. 13 -- at Sikeston, 6 p.m.

Jan. 16-20 -- Scott-Miss. tournament

Jan. 24 -- New Madrid County, 6 p.m.

Jan. 27 -- Meadow Heights, 6 p.m.

Jan. 31 -- at Bell City, 6 p.m.

Feb. 3 -- East Prairie, 6 p.m.

Feb. 7 -- at Kelly, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 -- at Bloomfield , 6 p.m.

Feb. 21 -- Portageville, 6 p.m.

Feb. 23 -- at Caruthersville, 6 p.m.