Odessa High boys’ hoops coach Anthony Dees admits his first season as head coach of the Bronchos’ program has been about chemistry as much as it has basketball.
“We’re definitely trying to get the chemistry right,” Dees told Texas Scorecard. “We’re working at being more efficient when it comes to scoring the ball and desperate to figure out how to be better on defense. We’re still growing in both areas and having only two guys back from last year’s team definitely makes it a challenge.”
Speedy senior do-everything point guard Caleb Murray gives Odessa reason for hope.
“He’s a great athlete who gets to the basket and helps set the table for others by getting them involved,” Dees said of Murray, averaging 12 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Sophomore backcourt mate Christian Tijerina also figures prominently for the Bronchos, averaging 10 points and six rebounds.
“They’ve been our leaders,” Dees added. “While it’s taken some time for adjustment for a lot of our guys, they’ve been consistent and regular contributors with everything we do pretty much running through one of them.”
Dees said he was hopeful that his 8-15 Bronchos would soon hit their groove, embarking on a run similar to what they experienced last year when the team finished 24- 9 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
“We’ve got some guys back from injuries as we head into district play, so we’re certainly hopeful something like that could be in the cards for us again,” he said.
But it all starts with Odessa becoming more adept at the same things Dees has harped on all season.
“We have to do a better job at defending, rebounding and taking care of the ball,” he said. “That’s where everything starts and ends for us in terms of if we’ll be successful.”
