Roth to keep Bulldogs in upper echelon in 7A

Tyler Roth may be the new face of Fayetteville High basketball. That face has been Payton Willis the last three years, but Willis is now at Vanderbilt and his accompanying senior class, which included Spencer Brown, Demaunte Youngblood, August Carlson and Josh Breathitt, are all graduated and moved on. Roth saw significant playing time last year for the Bulldogs, who won the 7A-West conference title before falling to Bryant in the state tournament. “I went through the ups and downs of a varsity season last year,” Roth said. “I need to have incredible leadership skills and be a coach on the floor. I’ve always tried to lead by example but this year I’m going to have to make sure I’m the most vocal guy on the floor. The guys on the team look up to me so I have to have a next play mentality at all times and stay positive.” Even though Fayetteville lost a lot of production, there’s still a lot to look forward to roster-wise. “I don’t believe we can replace what we lost, but every year is a new beginning with opportunity for everyone,” Fayetteville head coach Kyle Adams said. “We have some young men that are ready to make their mark on FHS basketball. Some have waited their turn patiently and have been great teammates along the way. One of the freshmen teams won the regional tournament last season, and there are still a number of players that gained experience a year ago. “We aren’t as big or athletic as we were last year, so we are going to have to learn how to play together as a team with fewer dribbles and more passing and moving without the ball,” Roth said. “We’re going to have to do the little things and play harder better than any other team in the state to win conference and the ultimate goal, to win state.” What Roth did in the summer impressed his head coach. “Tyler played more than any other returning varsity players,” Adams said. “He played with an AAU team out of Missouri that was very successful. From what I’ve seen from Tyler so far he is ready to take on more responsibility. He’s our leader on and off the floor. He leads by example every day in practice.” Roth has plenty of leadership to draw from himself, as Adams, along with assistants Brad Stamps, Lance Fisher, Jeff Boogaart and Jordan Rose all provide instruction and wisdom that he can take with him every day. “My relationship with all my coaches are awesome,” Roth said. “The three years that I’ve been at FHS each relationship has grown and I know that once I’m done playing basketball I’ll always be able to call them up and go see them to see how they’re doing.” Adams appreciates the camaraderie that the coaches on his staff have with one another. “I’m blessed to work with staff we have here at FHS,” Adams said. “All are great coaches, but more importantly are great role models and teachers as well. They have made me a better coach and I learn from them every day.” Photo Credits: Derek Oxford

ROTH TO KEEP BULLDOGS IN UPPER ECHELON IN 7A

Photo Credit: AR Hoops

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