Competition
Returning starters Howerton, Scott McElvain and Nathan Peterson are fending off competition for minutes on the court, if not their starting roles.

“Our newcomers are going to come right in and compete for playing time,” Shepherd said. “A few of them will play a lot. It’s the first time we’ve ever brought in so many newcomers who are going to play so many minutes and be counted on.”

Alex Williams, a 5-foot, 9-inch redshirt freshman from Wichita, Kan., is competing with McElvain and Senior Brandon Keeter for minutes at point guard. “He’s probably the quickest guy we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Shepherd said of Williams.

Shepherd said McElvain, who is a 6-6 senior, has looked good in preseason practices and is one of the leaders on the team. “Scott would be the guy who certainly emerged as a vocal leader and emotional leader,” Shepherd said.

McElvain said the team’s depth is a strength this season. “We go real deep this year,” he said. “We can play a lot of guys. It’s a matter of who’s going to step up.”

The deepest competition is for the three forward/guard spots. Nine players are competing for playing time at those positions.

Howerton is the lone returning starter of the group. He’s the top returning rebounder and scorer for the team, having averaged 14.8 points per game last season.

Seniors Craig Campbell and Bryon Kane, junior Spencer Blair, sophomores Sheldon Shaver and Dustin Price, all part of last season’s runner-up squad, are vying for playing time, along with redshirt freshman Derrick Williams.

They’ll compete with newcomers Weston Wiebe and Mike Wiebe, who are cousins, and freshman Trey Laveroni.

Weston Wiebe is a 6-4 sophomore transfer from Independence Community College in Independence, Kan. “He’s a big, strong guard,” Shepherd said. “He’s a very solid player who knows how to play the game.”

The coach said Weston Wiebe’s experience at ICC prepared him well for NAIA competition. “That’s probably one of the best junior college leagues in the country,” Shepherd said of ICC’s membership in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference.

Mike Wiebe is a 6-6 freshman from Branson High School. Shepherd described him as a threat to shoot, pass or drive any time he has the ball. “He gives us a big guard who really has an all-around game,” he said. He’s “probably the best jumper on the team. He’s going to allow us to be more athletic.”

Mike Wiebe said he’s enjoying the chance to earn playing time. “I’m going to come in and work hard,” he said. “It’s good competition for everyone.”

Laveroni, a 6-5 freshman from Webb City, is also competing for a spot in the rotation. Shepherd said Laveroni is a strong passer and a mentally tough player. “That’s our deepest position,” Shepherd said of the forward/guard spots. “Though our post has the best depth it’s ever had.”

Senior Nathan Peterson and juniors Bruno Neves and Dustin Todd are battling for the starting post position. “They really all do different things well,” Shepherd said of his posts.

Peterson, who is 6-6, started three-quarters of the team’s games at post last season. He was the team’s second-best rebounder and had the second highest field goal percentage. Shepherd said Peterson is a solid screener and he helps the offense move well when he’s on the court.

Neves, the tallest player on the team at 6-8, is in his second year with the Bobcats. “He’s stronger,” Shepherd said. “He’s spent a lot of time in the weight room. He does finish better. He’s still working on post moves and passing.”

Todd, a 6-3 transfer from North Arkansas College, is learning the Bobcats’ system. “He’s going to give us more depth at the post,” Shepherd said. “He’s a scorer. Dustin’s the best free throw shooter.”