Team Preview: Tuttle (4A)
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Tuttle coach Bryan Merritt is ready for Tuttle to make a run for the State Tournament in 2021. The deadly junior duo of Kaden Vande Kaden Vande 6'7" | SG Tuttle | 2022 OK and Isaac McDoulett Isaac McDoulett 6'6"…
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Continue ReadingTuttle coach Bryan Merritt is ready for Tuttle to make a run for the State Tournament in 2021.
The deadly junior duo of Kaden Vande Kaden Vande 6'7" | SG Tuttle | 2022 OK and Isaac McDoulett Isaac McDoulett 6'6" | SG Tuttle | 2022 State OK , who started in 2020, will return as a focal point to the Tigers’ scoring attack. Vande and McDoulett were among the top sophomores in the state in 2020.
McDoulett, whose rebounding talents were cited by Merritt, is an explosive athlete with vision for the floor, while Vande is a lanky shooter with collegiate range and defensive talents.
“With [McDoulett and Vande], they should have good years, they’ve gotta do same things they did last year,” Merritt said, “get out in transition, score in transition. . . that’s a good combination.
“We’ve just gotta get our other guys,” Merritt said.
A good problem the Tigers have, Merritt said, is the success of their football program. Mason Stokes and Tylor McCarthey Tylor McCarthey 6'5" | C Tuttle | 2022 OK , both returning starters for the Tigers on the hardwood, are currently occupied with a state title run on the gridiron. Merritt will not be able to utilize their talents until the conclusion of the Tigers’ football season.
“We’re not very deep in Tuttle while football season is going on,” Merritt said. “[Stokes and McCarthey] will add a lot of experience, they’re both big, over 6-5, a lot of rebounding, a lot of toughness.
Merritt also credited McCarthey’s mind for the game.
“Tylor is just really basketball-smart,” Merritt said, “so he really helps the team be organized, and when he’s not there we’re not near as organized, so that will help a lot.”
Rounding out the returning corps is Garrett Redwine Garrett Redwine 6'1" | CG Tuttle | 2023 State OK , a sophomore sharpshooter who received significant minutes as a freshman.
“Last year as a freshman, [Redwine] would come in and spot-play,” Merritt said, “but this year, he’ll have to start.”
A newcomer into the Tigers’ rotation is a transfer, Mason Dennis, is playing football but will provide vital bench minutes for Tuttle, Merritt said.
Kendon Reed has also helped the short-handed Tigers and should expect to see important minutes, Merritt said.
Merritt said leadership will be an important factor in Tuttle’s success.
“If the older guys now that have been our younger guys like Kaden, Isaac and Tylor can lead well, then we’ll have a good chance,” Merritt said.