PERRYVILLE — The Perryville Pirates’ 2025- 26 boys basketball season marked the beginning of a new chapter.
In his first year as head coach, Eli Sample guided the Pirates through a season of transition while laying the groundwork for the future of the program. Perryville finished the season with a 9-17 record, gaining valuable experience while competing against a challenging schedule.
While the win-loss record didn’t always reflect it, Sample said the Pirates proved they could compete nearly every night.
“We weren’t the most successful team as far as wins and losses,” Sample said. “But we weren’t a team that you could just come in and push over. You had to come and compete against us every night.”
Perryville averaged 51.1 points per game this season while allowing 58 points per contest. The Pirates posted a 4-6 record at home, went 1-7 on the road and finished 4-4 in neutral-site and tournament games.
For Sample, the year presented a learning experience both for himself and for the team.
“This was my first head coaching job,” he said. “It had its challenges, but overall I really enjoyed the experience and the process, and I enjoy working with my team.”
The Pirates’ senior class also faced its share of challenges over the past few seasons. Many of the players experienced multiple coaching changes during their high school careers, making stability difficult to maintain.
Sample said he was especially proud of how the seniors handled those circumstances.
“They’ve been through a lot with having four different head coaches,” he said. “That’s tough as a player. But they came in, worked hard every day and got better. I’m really proud of those guys.”
Despite the transition year, the Pirates remained competitive throughout the season and gained valuable experience against strong opponents.
Sample said several close games throughout the year demonstrated the team’s potential.
“There were some games where just a few more possessions could have made the difference,” he said. “Anything could have happened, and we could have won some more.”
Looking ahead, Sample is optimistic about the program’s direction.
Perryville returns three juniors along with several underclassmen who gained varsity experience this season. With a full offseason to work together, Sample believes the Pirates will have an opportunity to continue developing.
“We’ve got three juniors coming back and some good younger guys,” Sample said. “Those younger players getting varsity experience is going to be big for them.”
The upcoming offseason will also be the first full summer Sample has had with the program.
Because he took over shortly before the season began, the Pirates entered the year without the benefit of offseason workouts or team camps under the new coaching staff.
“That’s pretty rare,” Sample said. “Most teams get an offseason together, and we didn’t have that. Now we’ll have a summer to work together and build relationships.”
Sample said he has appreciated the support he has received from the Perryville community during his first season.
“I’ve been welcomed by the community, the boys and the staff at the school,” he said. “I’m very thankful to be here. I love Perryville, and they’ve treated me great.”
With offseason workouts, summer competition and returning experience on the roster, Sample believes the Pirates can take important steps forward next season.
For now, the focus remains on continuing to build the program.
“We’re looking forward to this offseason together,” Sample said. “It’s about building the culture and continuing to get better.”
