VINITA HORNETS
Coach: TONY ROACH
2024-25 Record: 13-17
OUTLOOK
Nearing the 20-year mark as coach of the Hornets basketball program, coach Tony Roach will field a team looking to build off the success they experienced late in the season a year ago.
“After making a good run at the end of the season last year and making it to the area tournament, hopes are once again high to continue the tradition at Vinita High School,” coach Roach said.
The return of Zaden Nowlin (5-7, Sr.) at point guard and Dylan Swagerty (6-0, Sr.) at forward are helping raise those expectations this year. Swagerty averaged 13 points a game with 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists while Nowlin accounted for 7.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Nowlin is a three-year starter and was named to the VYPE Top 100 list this season. The combo of Nowlin and Swagerty is tough to content with for any opponent.
Brysen Meador (6-0, Sr.) is another forward who can score and battle for rebounds. Last season Meador averaged 10 points per contest with 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists. His production is crucial for the overall success of the team.
Also look for Malachi Nemelo (5-10, Sr.) at guard where his 3.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists help in many ways. Nemelo could become the most improved player this season and be the X-factor for the Hornets.
