Coyotes make jump this year with pair of all-conference seniors

The Paris boys had some leadership this season and used it for its best campaign in a few years.

The Coyotes finished 13-14, falling below 500 after a down-to-the-wire 45-40 district loss to Sturgeon, to collect more wins than the 10 combined victories in the previous two seasons. Seniors Mason Edwards and Evan Smothers helped Paris finish 4-4 in the Lewis and Clark Conference to tie for fifth and be the team’s all-conference players.

Edwards was named to the second team after averaging 9.5 points and four rebounds per game and shooting 30 percent from 3-point territory. He did even better in conference play by posting 10.5 points and six rebounds per game.

“He and Evan scored 38 percent of our points this year,” head coach Jeremy Skinner said. “We play a slower style concentrating on defensive stops and only averaged 44 points per game (while allowing 47.8). He was our best 3-point threat as well, and he has been a leader for this team the last two seasons.”

Smothers was Paris’ primary point guard and ball handler that also provided good defense for the Coyotes to earn his third-team selection. He averaged 7.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.6 steals and shot 52 percent from the floor. In conference play, Smothers averaged 8.5 points per game.

“He looked to distribute the ball and still averaged 7.5 ppg while leading us in assists and steals,” Skinner said. “He would routinely guard the other team's best guard and played hard all the time.” 

Lady Coyotes' Sutton provides team all-conference player, hope for future

The Paris girls completed their third straight losing season but was one that improved off their mark last year.

After a 4-19 campaign, the Lady Coyotes finished 8-19 this season and were able to put freshman Reese Sutton on the all-Lewis and Clark Conference team. 

Sutton was named to the third team after averaging 9.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game to lead the team.

Head coach Garrett Thomas said the Lady Coyotes were much younger this season as they said goodbye to one senior — Rachel Shoemyer — after their 52-26 district loss to Clopton. Despite losing a great leader and defensive paint presence, Thomas feels good about the future as this year’s team was competitive in many games this season, thanks to a 41.9 points allowed per game for its best average in four years.

“Steady improvement was made throughout the year, and in the last two months, we averaged eight more points and six less turnovers per game,” Thomas said.