While their record may not reflect it, the War Eagles have made some "solid" team gains this season (Photo: Submitted)
The War Eagles closed out their 2022-23 basketball season in a hard-fought district tournament loss to their Harpeth rivals. While Sycamore was able to hang in there until the very end, they came up short and ended their season with a 66-58 loss to the Indians on February 15.
"Our entire team played their hearts out and left everything out on the floor," says Sycamore Head Coach Fisher Bailey of the final matchup. "We found ourselves battling-it-out up to the final minute in true Sycamore fashion, but came up just short."
While their overall 5-19 record may not reflect it, the War Eagles made some "solid improvements" this season, according to Coach Bailey who notes that consistency was their biggest challenge.
In their second year of a team "culture change," Coach Bailey had his sights on making sure the team was hard-working, competitive, and disciplined both on and off the court. While the goal did present its "fair share" of bumps, he witnessed a real change inside the locker room. "I have seen our guys buy more into the team aspect this year and support each other through some difficult times while pushing each other in practice and leaving it all out on the floor during games," he says.
Rhett Hunt and Lucas Morris were named All-District and All-Tournament players respectively (Photo: Submitted)
In May, the War Eagles will graduate six seniors to include All-District 9AA guard Rhett Hunt (9.4 PPG, 4.9 REB, 1.9 AST, 1.9 STL), All-Defense 9AA center Marshall Bega, and guard Austin Morris (7.3 PPG, 2.1 AST, 2.3 STL). The team will also lose Brendan Saylor, Elijah Haskins, and Josh Strother- all hardworking and strong leaders, Bailey notes.
In addition to the return of All-Tournament 9AA (current sophomore) Lucas Morris (13.2 PPG, 6.2 REB, 1.7 AST, 1.5 STL), current freshmen Hicks Hunter will be looked at to become a floor leader in the point guard position for the 2023-24 season.
Moving into a new district (District 11, Class 3A) next season, Sycamore will face Fairview, Creekwood, and Montgomery Central.
"Overall, I am proud of the guys and the fight we showed throughout the year," Bailey adds. "I look forward to next season when we will not lower the standard, but will continue to move forward in the right direction."
