Coach Beck begins third year at the helm of Lexington

The Lexington boys basketball team has made steady improvement in the first two years of head coach J.D. Beck’s tenure.

They went from five wins the first season to eight wins last season.

This year, Beck feels like the third time could be the charm for his ‘Dawgs, who went 8-15 last season. 

“Like every year, we have high expectations and this year might be the highest we’ve had,” Beck said.

“The seniors that we have this year – Colton Penner, Jaylen Cottrell, Josiah Dawley, Kolby King, Logan Becker, Zach Johnson, Emanuel Ocampo, Jeremiah Muniz, and Coby Bear – came into the program when I came and they’ve been here the longest. I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do.”

Lexington beat Dickson, 64-43, in the season opener at home last Friday night.

Beck is an optimist. He knows that his players had to get use to his coaching philosophy and habits. But, now in his third year, he is expecting his ‘Dawgs to know the routine.

“Through the years since I’ve been here, we’ve gone through a learning process and they’ve learned what is expected of them as players,” Beck said. “The guys coming up now know that stuff by now – what I expect of them.”

Penner and Dawley will be important players down low in the paint for Beck and the ‘Dawgs.

“Our two big men, Penner and Dawley, will be critical to our success,” Beck said. “They can control the middle. Dawley does a fantastic job and he is one of our top vocal leaders. He did a good job of making himself better during the summer around the bucket.

“Penner, at one point last year, was averaging a double-double in points and rebounds. We’re hoping he can start off that way this year. Both of those guys have cemented their spots in the lineup.”

Muniz moved back to Lexington this year after a couple of years in Texas, the coach said.

“We look at him as being a crucial part of what we’re going to be.

“Heath Winterton at guard will be a good one. Dylan Cottrell had a good year in football and we’re hoping to get the same type of effort from him on the court. I’m also looking forward to seeing Teagin Pruitt who has battled knee issues off and on the last couple of years.

“We’ve been working with him slowly and it seems this year he’s ready for take-off. Teagin is a really good kid and we’re looking forward to seeing his abilities on display.” 

All in all, it looks like Beck and the ‘Dawgs have good reason to be optimistic about this season.

“This is a good bunch of kids and that’s what I look forward to seeing this year. They’re very coachable and hard working. They’re dedicated and want to win. It should be fun,” the coach concluded.