New look for Wildcat Basketball
Photo courtesy of Licking R-8 Schools
The 2024-25 Varsity Wildcat Basketball team, from left, seated: Kohen Blankenship, Kannon Buckner, Karson Walker, Carter Sullins, Roston Stockard and Josh Wade; standing, Asst. Coach Chris Harris, Jerry Hofstetter, Nate Gambill, Lake Wade, Jordan Ritz, Kale Cook, Titus Scavone, Benton Corley and Head Coach Phillip Gambill.
By Shari Harris, Publisher
The 2024-25 Licking Wildcat Basketball season kicks off with the Big Cat Classic on Tuesday, November 26. This season’s schedule promises to be a tough one, with the addition of four strong opponents – Cuba, Alton, St. James and Thayer. Head Coach Phillip Gambill plans to challenge his team to grow throughout the season with the tougher schedule, and position them to advance in post-season play.
Expect a new look from the Wildcats this year, with a strong presence on the posts. Speed will remain a part of their presence, but seniors Jordan Ritz, Lake Wade and Kale Cook will offer the size and strength to allow Gambill to emphasize a post game. Returning seniors Carter Sullins, a three-year varsity guard, and Roston Stockard, also a three year starting guard, will be joined by seniors Kannon Buckner, who had extensive playing time last year off the bench, and Ritz, whose varsity post play increased as last season continued. These players offer a good foundation of experience. Wade, Cook and five juniors – Nate Gambill, Karson Walker, Benton Corley, Kohen Blankenship and Josh Wade – will move up to varsity play this year.
Sullins is the quarterback on the floor, understanding what needs to be done on offense and defense.
Stockard, who was all-conference last year, shoots well and scores well.
Buckner can guard anyone and does whatever needs to be done for the team. He can play any role on the team.
Ritz is a strong post player with great touch around the basket.
Lake Wade and Cook both offer strong post presences, are very physical and rebound well.
Nate Gambill is a good shooter and rebounder, with a high IQ for the game.
Walker plays hard all the time. He can guard anyone and is a great ball handler.
Corley is athletic and scores well.
Blankenship and Josh Wade are both good shooters and should expect some varsity time as well.
Two sophomores, Will Hackman and Conway Adey, will be joined by a strong freshman class of seven. Coach Gambill is excited to see how this group of very committed young athletes will grow as players.
Licking graduated more seniors last year than any other Frisco League Conference team, which is likely the reason for their third place seed in the Conference Tournament. They’ll face Plato in the first round of the tournament, and will have to prove themselves to the rest of the conference.
Come out to the Big Cat Classic at Salem on the 26th and see what this year’s Wildcats will do. Play begins with the girls junior varsity game at 4, boys JV at 5:15, varsity girls at 6:30, and varsity boys at 8 p.m. See who will earn the Big Cat Classic trophies this year.
