Anyone following the Ben Davis boys basketball team knows they have had an eventful offseason. With former head coach Don Carlisle on administrative leave, previous assistant coach Corey Taylor has been promoted to interim head coach.
Taylor was honored to receive the position and excited to start the season. Taylor has been coaching for 17 years at the high school level and has been coaching at Ben Davis since 2018.
“I really enjoy watching young men grow as players but most importantly as people,” Taylor said. “Last year’s team really understood the meaning of sacrifice and working together towards a common goal. Everyone enjoys winning, but not everyone understands what it takes for a group of people to become successful consistently.”
I really enjoy watching young men grow as players but most importantly as people.” — Corey Taylor
The boys basketball team has big shoes to fill this season, as last year’s team ended the season with a 33-0 record and as state champions. Four starters have graduated and six of last years top eight players. This season’s team comprises players of all levels and a few returning players ready to lead the team.
Two players to watch out for this season are returning senior K.J. Windham and returning junior Mark Zackery. Both were a part of last year’s state championship team and are excited to see what the team can do this season. Windham recently signed his college letter of intent to play at Northwestern University next season while Zackery will join the team after the football season ends.
Another returning player who was key last season is senior forward Mark White. Those three will form the nucleus of this year’s squad,
The team has had a successful pre-season and is ready for the regular season.
“We’re determined and preparing with a chip on their shoulders,” Taylor said. “We have a great mix of experience that knows what it takes to be the best and others that are ready to prove it. I love the way they’ve attacked this pre-season individually as well as collectively. They’ve all taken steps to becoming better players that will ultimately allow us to become a better team/unit.”
The 2023-2024 boys basketball season officially begins Tuesday when the Giants host Fishers. Ben Davis plays its first three games at home with Zionsville coming here on Saturday and Southport next Wednesday.
