It always gets overshadowed by the football playoffs, but baskeball season has begun. Here’s a look at three of the top boys basketball teams in the state.
Morgan County: Although they lost some key pieces, it would not be out of the question to see Morgan County make another run at the Class AAA championship.
The Bulldogs beat Buford for the title last year to complete a 26-5 season. Morgan County returns all-state guard Tookie Brown, who averaged 26.7 points, and is one of the most dangerous perimeter shooters in the state. Brown has signed with Mississippi State.
Also back is Jailyn Ingram, who averaged 16.1 points and 7.1 rebounds, and DeShaven “Dee Dee” Reynolds, who may be the team’s best defensive player.
Morgan County has a new coach in Jamond Sims, a former Morgan County player who was the head coach at Luella High. He replaces Charlemagne Gibbons, who spent eight years at Morgan County. Gibbons took as job as an assistant at Florida Atlantic University.
Cedar Grove: The Saints, went 20-7 and were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Morgan County last year, should be back in the mix again this season. The Saints graduated only one key piece from last year's team.
Veteran coach James Martin stresses defense, which will always enable Cedar Grove to be a factor. In an era where teams sometimes and run and gun without purpose, the Saints preach patience and the need to take the right shot.
As a result you won’t see Cedar Grove with lofty numbers. Chris Fredrick, a 6-2 guard, led the team in scoring last year at 10.5 points. Also returning are junior Jacara Cross (9.6 points, 6.0 rebounds), and senior Kenneth Lewis (8.8 points).
Johnson: The Atom Smashers won the Region 1 championship, went 25-5 and lost to Morgan County in the Class AAA semifinals. Coach Utaff Gordon lost his two top scorers, but return 6-foot-8 forward Antwan Maxwell, who averaged 10.1 points and 7.6 rebounds. Maxwell has signed with Charleston Southern.
Next Tuesday: Three of the top girls teams to watch.
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