Sheffield senior Colby Barr during last year’s boys basketball season. File photo

Sheffield’s boys basketball team opened its 2024-25 season without many of the names it’s had the past couple of seasons.

Despite graduation and transfers, fifth-year head coach Jordan Copley said the goal is no different than any other year.

“Obviously, there is a lot of outside noise, but this team has the same goals as any other team, and that’s to win basketball games,” said Copley. “District 9 is highly talented year in and year out, and we have to stay focused on bringing the best product we can every night… Our goal on day one when we walk in the gym is to compete for a playoff spot.

“Colby Barr, Andrew Kyler, and Jack Chapman have stepped up big-time,” said Copley. “With the addition of Abraxas and losing four out of five of our starters, we had to start at square one from practice one. Colby and Andrew have done a fantastic job of expediting the learning process, allowing us to grow much quicker. With them being so involved in the teaching process, it’s also allowed our chemistry to grow as well.”

In addition to the aforementioned “huge pieces of the puzzle, some of our other returners are Aamond Bowman, Aiden Chin-Young, Chase Fetzeck, and Blake Silvis,” said Copley.

Seniors include Barr, Kyler, Mark Lewis, Chin-Young, Jayden Garris, Nakes Holsey, Lashawn Willam, Christopher Brown, and Tyson Britton.

Juniors include Bowman, Jack Chapman, Isaac Hammerbeck, Kendrick Garcia, and Tyreek Bryant.

Sophomores are Fetzeck, Silvis, and John Whipple.

The lone freshman is James Chapman.

“James Chapman, Jayden Garris, Nakes Holsey, Lashawn Willam, Christopher Brown, and Tyson Britton are all new pieces being added to this year’s team,” said Copley. “James, being part of the program in junior high, has a great grasp on the team’s philosophy. As far as the others, it is important for them to understand the style of basketball I expect and be able to translate it into a game setting. Continuing to build team chemistry and get a real feel for one another will build our true team identity.”

Copley’s assistant/junior varsity head coach is Todd Fitch, and John Uplinger, Roger Dunham, and Robin Copley are also assistant coaches. Team manager is Sawyer Christy.

“No matter what the future holds for the school, these players will always have the memories of being on this team and in this family,” said Copley. “We take pride in being close-knit. Every one of us on the team bleed the orange and black. As far as doing something special, winning in the playoffs would be a huge accomplishment, and I know everyone on this team is working hard to get that.”

File photo

Sheffield senior Colby Barr during last year’s boys basketball season.