Maryville boys have high expectations and keep their balance while meeting them | Sports

(Maryville) — The Maryville Boys’ Basketball Team has a wealth of experience and great expectations.

They have lived up to expectations with a record of 7-2.

“I got off to a good start,” said coach Matt Stockline. “I am pleased with what we have achieved so far. This group listens well and tries to do what we are focused on.”

Maryville took back most of the production from last year’s 15-12 team. It was rewarded with victories in Platte County, South Harrison, Platte Valley, Bishop LeBlonde, Benton and Grain Valley.

“A lot of things are where we want them,” says Stoecklein. “We have very high hopes.

Spoofhounds have no shortage of weapons including Caden Stoecklein, Keaton Stone, Delton Davis, Drew Burns, Derek Quinlin and Peyton McCollum.

“It’s getting very difficult to guard,” said Stoe Klein. “If you take this, it stays open. It makes it fun to play with.”

For director Stoecklein, this success comes as no surprise. We have a strong bond on this team and have played a lot of basketball together.

“They have high basketball IQs,” said Coach Stoecklein. “There is a lot of unity and trust in each other. We have played many games with this core. They spend time together. I think it was a big deal for me.”

Fine-tuning defenses is a top priority for Spoofhounds in 2023.

“We still have some things to focus on defensively,” Stoeklein said. “It’s just a habit we’re trying to break. They need to pay more attention to the help side. We need to do everything right in every game, so when the big game comes around. I know what you are doing.”

The Spoofhounds unabashedly admit that they are in the running for the Midland Empire Conference title. They have a pivotal MEC matchup against Lafayette on Thursday.

“We know Lafayette very well,” Stoeklein said. “We have him one of the toughest games on Thursday.”

Following Thursday, the Spoofhounds will have out-of-state testing against Red Oak (Friday) and Glenwood (January 14), as well as a tough contest against East Buchanan (Tuesday).

“We don’t know much about red oak or glenwood,” said Stockline. “It’s a good opportunity for scouts to follow his reports even if they’re not familiar with the team.”

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