Chris Dye sparks hope to reshape and revive Delta C-7 basketball

Chris Dye, right, coaches his Delta C-7 Chargers through a shooting drill at practice.

Photo by Kaelin Triggs, Delta Dunklin Democrat.

DEERING, Mo. - Chris Dye returns as Delta C-7 high school basketball coach.

In 2023, the Chargers experienced their first winning season in over eight years.

However, after finishing 9-16 last season, Dye wants to bring back some of their winning ways.

Davon Stewart and Anthony Johnson hope to lead the Charge as the team’s only two seniors.

“We’ve been playing pretty intense,” Johnson said. “Everybody’s getting after it and putting in the work to prove their spot on this team.”

According to Stewart, the team’s wheel fell off towards the end of the season and in the postseason. After beating Naylor in the first round, the Chargers fell to Cooter in the semi-finals.

“This year we have a lot of positivity,” Stewart said. “Everybody cares more this year. We are looking for that district championship this year and I really like the way coach has us playing so far.”

Johnson said Dye has been pushing to have the right attitude this season. This has helped the players encourage each other and feel more confident on the court.

“He’s been great,” Johnson said. “He helps us with everything, just understanding the game better. The big thing we have been working on is his attitude because we pretty much have everything else we need to be successful.”

They have also experienced an increase in energy from this group compared to previous years. This might be due to having a competitive group of underclassmen.

The team introduces five freshmen along with two sophomores.

“We have the energy and positivity,” Stewart said. “If we all believe in each other and do the right things we can definitely get that district title.”

The Chargers will have their first home game on Friday, Nov. 22 against Delta (Delta, Mo.).