Lions’ experience a key for season

The Mansfield Lions have several players returning with experience who can help the program make some noise in the postseason.
Junior Jace Headrick returns after leading last year’s team with 15 points per game. Junior Kellen Campbell averaged a near double-double with eight points and six assists per game. Seniors Haven Proetz and Malachi Ussery will be returning for their senior season after starting in multiple games a year ago.
Junior Fisher Croney returns and will be in the starting lineup, looking to make an impact.
Some key contributors include seniors Owen Rhodes, Kadyn Ivy and Zach Perkins along with juniors Kaden Young and Cole Whorton.
“Expectations are high for this group,” said Mansfield head coach Craig Campbell. “They have worked hard since last year to improve and buy into focusing on the process rather than the overall outcome. We have several guys that have experience at the varsity level and look to them leading the other newcomers to the varsity level this year.”
Defensively, Coach Campbell says his team will look to force teams to play out of their comfort area with the help of their length and athleticism.
Last year, the Lions finished the season with a 13-13 overall record.
The five players lost to graduation included double-double specialist Blake Henry, Charlie Grubbs, Riley Stidham, Zach McCrite and Riley Pierson. Mansfield opened their season just after press time in Bradleyville on Nov. 25. They travel to Thayer on Dec. 5 and host the Mansfield Invitational Dec. 8-13.