WELLSTON TIGERS
COACH: Matt Garner
Record: 12–13
OUTLOOK
After a rebuilding year with a youthful roster, the Wellston Tigers boys’ basketball team enters the new season hungry for improvement under head coach Matt Garner, now in his second year leading the program. “We were very young last year, started two freshmen, one sophomore and two juniors, so we return five starters,” said Garner. “We’re looking for a much-improved record due to the experience gained from last year from playing close games—eight of our 13 losses were by 10 points or less.”
Leading the charge for Wellston is Gauge McLin (6-5, Sr., C), a dominant post presence. “Gauge is a huge part of what we do,” said Garner. “He is every night 10-point, 10-rebound, and 2–3 blocks guy. He makes finishing around the rim difficult, and we missed his defense and rebounding when he sat four games due to a sprained ankle. He is a difference maker.”
Joining McLin in the frontcourt is Tyler Fish (6-4, So., F), who averaged 4.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game last season. Fish’s size and hustle make him a vital part of the Tigers’ interior defense and rebounding unit.
In the backcourt, Mason McCarty (6-0, So., G) returns after a breakout freshman campaign. “Mason is a do-it-all kid for us,” Garner said. “He averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds, and shot 38% from 3. He does a lot of ball handling for us and is a sneaky good defender. He scored over 350 points as a freshman—we expect him to better that total with maturity.”
Landon Kulp (6-0, Jr., G) also adds scoring and defensive balance, averaging 8.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game, while Wylee Terrell (5-10, Sr., G) brings veteran leadership and heart to the lineup. “Wylee is a high-character kid that never complains, keeps a 3.8+ GPA,” said Garner. “He will keep everyone’s attitude good, plays super hard and always guards the other team’s best player—and does it with a smile on his face. He’s involved in everything at Wellston. He’ll pick players up and take them home to and from practice. He will be greatly missed when he graduates.”
With McLin’s inside dominance, McCarty’s scoring ability, and Terrell’s leadership, Coach Garner believes his Tigers are ready to take a big step forward. The foundation has been laid — and Wellston’s experience, chemistry, and drive could make this a breakout season.
