GORE PIRATES

BOYS

Coach: T.W. Estes

22-23 Record: 18-5

The Gore Pirates put together an impressive record in 2022 but stumbled at playoff time, so coach T.W. Estes hopes he can find the guys this season to take the Pirates a step further. A lot of the load will fall on senior Journey Shells (6-0) who is the lone starter back from last year’s team.  Gore will look to some underclassmen with some playing experience to be the “next man up” for their shot in the spotlight. Among that group is Byron McDuffie (5-10, Jr.) and Ayden Cox (Jr.). One player who showed his potential last year was Tate Brooksher (5-5, So.) who got a lot of playing time as a freshman and looks to be a major factor for the Pirates this season. Senior Bryson Thouvenel (5-9) should add some experience and leadership to the mix for this young squad along with his brother Nash Thouvenel (Jr). and Cain Cooper is another sophomore that Estes will be counting on to come through for Gore.

Duane Hunt (6-0) is the only other junior on the squad and then it’s sophomores Burr Jaynes, Gabe Hefley, and Logan Markou. Other names that may find their way to the court for the Pirates in 2023 include junior Luis Schyktanz and freshmen Keeton Rowe, Cruz Ward, and Dane Gates. Certainly, the going will be rocky for the Pirates being very young but the tradition of athletics in Pirate land is one of playing to the final horn and using the talents you have to be successful. So given that, don’t count the Gore Pirates out until the final whistle. “Journey and these younger guys are expected to carry the load offensively and defensively for this young squad this season,” said Estes. “We’re excited to see these players mature and gain experience over the course of the season.”