The Perkins-Tryon Demons enter the new boys basketball season with confidence,
experience, and unfinished business. In his seventh year at the helm, head coach Dylan
Parker returns a roster that went 18–8 a season ago and steadily grew stronger as the year
progressed. With every key contributor back, the Demons believe they have the pieces to
be a very good team, and potentially something more.
Last season told a tale of two halves. Perkins-Tryon stumbled to a 2–4 start before
Christmas, then caught fire down the stretch, finishing 16–4 and playing their best
basketball when it mattered most. Replicating that late-season momentum from opening
night to the final buzzer is the primary focus this winter. With seven seniors who all logged
meaningful minutes, leadership and chemistry should be strengths.
Senior guard Jace Myers (6-1, Sr.) anchors the group. Averaging 10.4 points, 4.6 rebounds,
and 2.0 assists last year, Myers is the Demons’ do-it-all leader. His ability to adapt, shifting
from a frontcourt role to running the point, highlights his versatility. He guards multiple
positions, scores when needed, and consistently handles the details that don’t always show
up in the box score.
The senior core around him is deep and dependable. Shiloh Guster (6-0, Sr.) provides
perimeter scoring, while Zane Payton (6-4, Sr.) and Wyatt Atkinson (6-1, Sr.) bring
toughness and rebounding. Nate Rains (5-11, Sr.) supplies relentless energy and positivity,
and guards Cale Collum (6-2, Sr.) and Carson Brown (6-0, Sr.) add experience and depth to
a backcourt that understands its roles.
Junior Tyce Slusser (5-11, Jr.) is the catalyst. After bursting onto the scene as a sophomore,
Slusser led the team in both scoring, with 11.5 points per game and assists, at 2.5 per game.
His growth throughout last season fuels expectations of an even bigger junior campaign, as
he continues to push the tempo and create opportunities for others.
Youthful upside rounds out the roster. Sophomore DeAngelo Johnson (6-6, So.) may be the
Demons’ most intriguing piece. After playing in 22 games as a freshman, his athleticism and
expanding role give him breakout potential. Fellow sophomore Westin Atkinson (5-10, So.)
adds valuable guard depth.
With experience, balance, and belief, the Demons aim to start fast and finish strong, this
time for the entire season.
