The boys basketball team at Park Hill High School is under new leadership for the first time in a decade with a brand new gym, but the team’s senior class has provided some experience and stability.
The Trojans are now led by Cooper Bayiha, who enters his first year as the program’s head coach after stints as an assistant at William Chrisman, North Kansas City, and, most recently, serving as the head coach at Grandview. Bayiha, who played collegiately at William Jewell College and Park University, is excited for what has been building for the Trojans.
“The expectation is to leverage this wealth of experience I have in this massive senior class to help us not only win games but also usher a culture of community, accountability and toughness that the future generation can build upon and thrive to greater heights,” Bayiha said.
While Park Hill graduated its two leading scorers from last season — Leo Gayman and Cam Jones — Park Hill still returns a wealth of experience with 13 seniors. Those 13 seniors are joined by junior Max Tisdel, who could have a breakout season.
Isaiah Caston, who tied Jones for a team-high 77 assists last season, returns as a highly touted point guard throughout the state. He leads the experience, though Donovan Fonville and Javon Washington also return to a team that graduated four senior last year.
Bayiha took the reins during the offseason from Park Hill alum-turned-coach Chad Jones, who had been in charge for the past decade. Bayiha is working with new facilities, not just for him, but for everyone since the opening of the new gym and weight room in the fall.
“The energy has been outstanding,” Bayiha said. “The anticipation of new facilities but also a new era have created an electric atmosphere in which everyone in the program is eager to come to work and give their all each and every day.”
Bayiha added Anthony Woods as his head assistant coach, while Justin Leathers, Tom Lee, Zach White and Isaiah Majied also return to the program.
Park Hill is coming off a 19-9 season, where they faced district elimination by the conference and eventual state champion Oak Park Northmen. The Trojans hope to use their strengths to their advantage in a tough conference and a tough postseason district.
“Strength in numbers is what we constantly preach due to our depth, but also the strong sense of camaraderie, genuine bond and friendship these young men have displayed towards one another since middle school in most cases,” Bayiha said.
The Trojans are placing an extra emphasis on tournaments this season with hopes they will prepare the team for postseason basketball. They are scheduled to face quality opposition in the William Jewell High School Holiday Classic to conclude December and the Nixa Invitational to conclude January.
“We are always looking forward to competing in tournament-style events, as they mimic the format of playoff competitions,” Bayiha said. “Although every game is important in our calendar, tournaments are always fun and bring a true sense of ‘win now’ that we trust can help us create a sense of continuity positively into our desire to foster winning habits.”