OXFORD — Talawanda High School boys basketball coach Connor Roberts approved of the way his Brave progressed during the offseason.
Now, the first-year coach is excited and ready to see what they’ll do this upcoming season.
“We have a balanced group of players who really prided themselves on improving their individual abilities over the summer,” Roberts said. “We’re led by our upperclassmen who have varsity experience but will rely on some younger players to fill big roles.”
The Brave finished 6-16 overall and 2-8 in the Southwest Ohio Conference a season ago, but Roberts expects a different outcome in 2022-2023.
“We anticipate playing a more up-tempo style with a focus on getting high-percentage shots,” Roberts said. “Our guys love the game of basketball and playing it the right way. They don’t shy away from competition as they showed that during the off-season when we took on some very talented teams and competed at a high level.”
Returning is senior forward Logan Smith, who scored 7.7 points and brought down 7.4 rebounds a game last year. Also returning is junior guard Bryce James, who averaged 6.3 points and dished out 2.2 assists a game.
“Our team is very committed to following our team principles on both the defensive and offensive ends of the floor,” Roberts said. “Our guys are all very close off the court, and we can clearly see that carry over to the court with our ball movement and unselfishness.”
Senior guards Malyki McRoberts (4.1 ppg) and Trevor Norris (4.1 ppg, 2.4 apg) return for Talawanda.
Other players to keep an eye on for the Brave, according to Roberts, are sophomore guards Cale Leitch and Isaiah Meade-Moss
“We’re optimistic for a successful season and reaching our potential as a team,” Roberts said.
Talawanda opens up the season at home against Taylor on Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m.
2022-2023 Talawanda Brave Roster
Number Player Grade Height Position
0 Isaiah-Meade-Moss 10 6’1 G
1 Malyki McRoberts 12 6’2 G
2 Bryce James 11 5’10 G
3 Trevor Norris 12 5’10 G
4 Logan Kent 12 6’1 F
10 Noah Prewitt 12 5’9 G
20 Caleb Kuykendoll 12 5’11 F
22 Cale Leitch 10 6’1 G
24 Payson Wilks 11 6’1 F
32 Logan Smith 12 6’5 F
2022-2023 Talawanda Brave Schedule
(Taken from SWOC website)
Nov. 29 Taylor, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2 at Monroe, 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Valley View, 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 9 at Harrison, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 10 at Richmond, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 13 Eaton, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 16 Edgewood, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 20 Badin, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 22 Loveland, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 28 at East Central, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 6 at Mt. Healthy, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 10 at Northwest, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 13 Ross, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 17 Waynesville, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 20 Harrison, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 24 at Edgewood, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 27 Mt. Healthy, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 28 at Franklin County, 7:30 at Knightstown Hoosier Gym
Feb. 3 Northwest, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 4 Reading, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 7 at West Clermont, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 10 at Ross, 7:30 p.m.
