‘Dogs benefiting from a pair of transfers

Morgan County head coach Cody Anderson has seen a significant difference this season in his program after adding senior transfers Ryan Moore and Jamauri Evans to the roster this past summer.

Moore and Evans provide depth to a young team with a lot of underclassmen. The pair of transfers also bring in varsity experience and leadership from the previous programs they played with.

Anderson said there was an adjustment period when both transferred, but they figured out things “quickly.”

“Morgan County is very grateful that Jamauri and Ryan are here. I’m very grateful to coach them,” Anderson said. “Anytime you have additions to your program, it’s not always an addition. By adding another player, it doesn’t always get better, but these two have great character and are great human beings as well.

"Coming in as a senior, it’s a hard, tough transition. It’s supposed to be a year that a player thrives. They know the coach, culture, and offensive and defensive systems, and these guys learned relatively quickly. It’s a testament to them as people, but also as players.”

Moore joins the ‘Dogs after playing at Newton for the past three years under former Morgan County coach Charlemagne Gibbons. He played with some of the most elite players in the nation last year.

Moore has enjoyed the transition and likes playing for Anderson, who he said is very similar to Gibbons. He acknowledges they share the same philosophies and principles when it comes to the sport.

“It’s kind of different, but also kind of the same ‘cause (coach Anderson) has the same mindset as my other coach did. Things are bigger than just basketball,” Moore said. “I’m trying to grow more.”

Moore knew the rich history of Morgan County basketball and wanted to be a part of something special. That’s a huge reason why he decided to change schools right before the start of his senior year.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound shooting guard brings a different dynamic to Morgan County. Moore is an experienced ball-handler with the ability to score. He also is one of the Dogs’ top rebounders as well.

Moore is averaging 15.6 points per game, a team-high. He’s also grabbing 4.4 rebounds per contest. Moore also leads the team in 3-pointers made (55) and 3-point percentage (42.3 percent).

Moore played a big part in Morgan County’s 85-42 victory over Ola on Dec. 29. He scored a team-high and season-high 30 points as he tied a program record by hitting 10 shots from beyond the arc.

Moore’s ability to put points on the board helps ease the loss of Jaturi Brown and Harrison Peaster, who both graduated last year. However, Moore doesn’t care about stats, he just wants to lead.

“I feel like my experience plays a big factor. My ability to shoot the basketball helps as well,” Moore said. “Being a leader to the younger guys, like the guys at Newton were to me, is important, too.”

Evans transferred to Morgan County after helping lead Hancock Central to the postseason last year. Moore played a pivotal role for the Bulldogs and added depth at the guard position.

This season, Evans has taken on a lot more responsibility with Morgan County as a key piece in their front court. The 5-foot-9, 160-pound senior has become a starter for the Dogs since he came in.

“It’s been great. I came into a different environment wanting to get better,” Evans said. “I’ve been enjoying it, taking it day by day. Just trying to get better and improve as the year goes on.”

Evans has gotten better throughout the season, averaging 8.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.

When Evans stepped on the court for the first time, he wanted to make the team better for Anderson. He wanted to do that for the coach that gave him a chance to get better in his senior year.

Evans also likes mentoring the younger players and learning things from them at the same time.

“I feel like when I came in, I wanted to do anything (coach Anderson) asked me to do,” Evans added. “I wanted to do anything to make the team better in every way. I feel like I’ve done that, but there’s still work to be done. I bring leadership and connection to the team. I love all these guys.”

The pair enjoy each other’s company. Both feel like they’ve been playing with each other for years.

When on the court together, Moore and Evans play with the same intensity. They’ve developed a connection on the court, and when they’re playing at a high level, it is hard for opponents to stop them.

“He brings energy every game,” Moore said of Evans. “He brings energy on offense and defense. He passes the ball great and is an all-around great player. I’m glad to have him as a teammate here.”

Evans shared the same sentiment about Moore.

“Ryan is just a great player overall,” Evans added of Moore. “Besides shooting the ball, because everybody knows that he can do that, he’s a great teammate. He makes sure that I keep my head up.”