Ever since Josh Bradley took over the Eldorado boys' basketball program five years ago, his primary goal has been to get the Eagles back on solid footing in the Black Diamond Conference.
Since then, Bradley has won two BDC titles and back-to-back Eldorado Holiday Tournament titles.
After losing one senior, Joe Mayberry to graduation last year, Bradley doesn't look for expectations to temper anytime soon.
The Eagles, 19-10 a year ago, were beat by Carmi White County in the semifinals of last year's Harrisburg Regional, but Bradley believes this team has all the core pieces to put together another run.
"We have a lot of experience coming back," Bradley said. "I see 20 wins as something we will strive for -- and we should. I see no reason why were not competing for a conference title this year and hopefully come regional time we are clicking well. I don't think any of those expectations are senior forward Aiden Whitlock leads all returners in points per game with 13, while Ladayyea Shewmaker averaged 11 ppg and Nolan Milligan was at six ppg. Hunter Sizemore, who is coming off a back injury from last season and starting point guard Bryant Byrd make up the core of Bradley's returners.
In the absence of Mayberry's 18 ppg, will be the task of Bradley figuring out who can also replace Mayberry's leadership.
"We knew Joe was that guy that we can lean on and count on to take any shot we needed. He was also a vocal leader," Bradley said. "So now, the question becomes, who is going to fill that role? That's something this team is still figuring out. We're trying to identify who that guy is going to be."
On the flip side, Bradley likes the quickness of big guys like Whitlock, Shewmaker and Milligan, which he feels his going to give opposing defenses fits.
"We should be able to use our speed to our advantage in the post. Our guards are strong, and not really quick, which I also think is going to be beneficial to us."
Bradley said he is looking to see how this team can improve defensively, while he knows they are confident on offense.
"How much better can we get on the defensive end as the year goes on?" Bradley suggested. "I know we need to get better on defense and rebounding, but we'll have to see how quickly our guys want to make that adjustment.
Spyder Dann covers prep and college sports for the Southern Illinois Local Media News Group. Follow him on Twitter: @spydieshooter
Eldorado Boys Basketball Schedule
11-25 vs. Cobden* 7 PM11-26 vs. Century* 5:30 PM
11-27 vs. Vienna* 8:30 PM
11-29 vs. CMSF* 7 PM
11-30 vs. Meridian* 7 PM
12-6 at Gallatin Co. 7:30PM
12-10 at West Frankfort 7:45PM
12-13 at Fairfield 7:45PM
12-20 JOHNSTON CITY 7:45PM
12-21 at Hamilton Co. 7:45PM
12-26 EHT TBA
12-27 EHT TBA
12-28 EHT TBA
1-7 at Carrier Mills 7:30PM
1-10 CARMI 7:45PM
1-11 MT. CARMEL 7:45PM
1-17 at Edwards Co. 7:15PM
1-20 at Johnston City 7:45PM
1-22 at Johnston City 7:45PM
1-24 at Johnston City 7:45PM
1-25 at Johnston City 7:45PM
1-31 HAMILTON CO. 7:45PM
2-4 MURPHYSBORO 7:45PM
2-7 FAIRFIELD 7:45PM
2-11 at Carmi 7:45PM
2-14 at Johnston City 7:45PM
2-18 MASSAC CO. 7:45PM
2-21 EDWARDS CO. 7:45PM
*At Vienna Classic
Eldorado Boys Basketball Roster
No. Name Hgt. Class
0 Tyler Lester 5-9 Jr.
2 Will Bethel 5-10 So.
4 Dustin Milligan 5-7 Jr.
5 Aiden Whitlock 6-4 Sr.
11 Trevor Milligan 6-2 So.
13 Nolan Henson 6-0 Jr.
21 Bryant Byrd 5-10 Jr.
23 Hunter Sizemore 5-10 Sr.
25 Ladayyea Shewmaker 6-3 Sr.
32 Isaac Barrett 5-11 So.
33 Brock Cantrell 6-0 So.
34 Parker Price 6-0 Fr.
45 Nolan Milligan 6-4 Sr.
50 Noah Smith 6-0 Jr.
54 Jonah Durham 6-1 So.
Head coach: Josh Bradley
Assistant coaches: Austin Bradley, John DeBose, Greg Goodley, TJ Zurliene
