WEBB CITY — One of the premier players returning this season in the COC Large, Webb City 2018 Alex Pickett is gearing up for a big senior season.
At 6’5, 175-pounds, Pickett is a big guard with good size and athleticism and brings a versatile skill set to the court. He is good in the open court and enjoys playing in transition and getting his teammates involved.
A year ago, Pickett led the Cardinals in scoring as he averaged 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. He shot 56 percent from the field and 40 percent from the 3-point stripe.
“I can play the inside and out, from posting guys up to taking defenders off the dribble,” Pickett said. “Plus, I can finish at the rim consistently.”
This spring and summer, Pickett competed for the SWMO Suns, a grassroots program that mostly featured players in the Joplin area.
“My summer experience was overall very good,” he said. “From competing in high level tournaments all the way up to the nationals in Wichita which didn’t go as planned. We still had a good run. I will miss summer ball.”
One year after going 15-13 overall, Webb City will have to replace its second-leading scorer from a year ago, Trey Gibson, and there is uncertainty of the availability of 2020 standout Terrell Kabala who suffered an injury during the football season. However, Pickett says the program has high expectations with four starters or varsity regulars returning. Also returning are senior Grant Ellis (10 ppg) and Alex Gaskill (8.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists).
“I think this upcoming season should be my best yet individually and as a team I am really looking forward to going out there every night knowing we are prepared and ready to take on whoever we play,” Pickett said. “We have put in a lot of time and worked together as a group for many years. We’ve been waiting for our opportunity.”
Pickett says he is looking forward to a rematch against Carl Junction, a team the Cardinals beat twice last season, once in overtime int he district semifinals.
“There are a couple of losses that I would like to have taken back last year, but the game I’m looking forward to the most would probably be that rematch against CJ in the district tournament,” Pickett said. “That’ll be our biggest game of the year.”
