Senior Steps Up

FAYETTEVILLE - Luke Renner, along with many of his Fayetteville basketball teammates, have been asked to grow up fast this season.

Renner, a 6-foot-1 senior guard, said the challenge to step up for the Bulldogs isn’t daunting, but more of a thrill to finally see his time on the court come.

“It’s more a feeling of excitement,” said Renner. “Our top eight players from last year are all gone, so it’s just great to be able to get out there and play.

“It’s not really pressure, it’s just excitement knowing it’s our time to lead the team.”

Renner lettered as a junior, but admits this season is a completely different experience. Fayetteville has won back-to-back 7A/6A-West Conference championships as it begins league play today at Rogers Heritage. But those titles came with players like Missouri State freshman Tyler McCullough and Arkansas freshman Manny Watkins leading the way.

Now, it’s Renner, fellow senior Mason Adams and others who are in charge.

“That’s the thing about these guys, they’re not young in grade, but they’re inexperienced,” Fayetteville coach Kyle Adams said. “But I feel like they’ve come a long way.

“We still have those nights where you wonder what the heck we’re doing. Then we come around and play well. So it’s still a process.”

Renner averages 10. 3 points, second on the team to talented sophomore guard Payton Willis, and is the team’s leading 3-point shooter at 38.9 percent. Despite those numbers, the senior doesn’t picture himself in an off ensive light.

“My job is to play defense,” Renner said. “And I can help bring the ball up the court. We don’t have anybody you’d call a star on thisteam, so we all have to do our part.”

Fayetteville (7-6) has already had a few tough losses as it prepares to begin conference play. Even though Renner believes the season could be better up to this point, he sees a team that could have a breakthrough at any give moment.

“This preseason is just getting us ready and we’re happy we’ve had those close games,” Renner said. “So now that we’re in the conference season we’ll be ready for it next time.”

Adams coached Renner’solder brother, Bo, during his time as a Fayetteville assistant coach. Now, the chance to coach Luke alongside Adams’ own son, Mason, is pretty special.

“I’ve watched these kidsgrow up,” Adams said. “This is a great time for me. My wife and I are best of friends with the Renners. And even though the losses might be hard, at least these guys continue to work hard.”