By Amanda Perkins
The Crocker Lions struggled last season, losing their district opener and finishing 7-20 overall. Now the team kicks off a new year ready to build on their experience and turn it into a winning season.
“I felt our players persevered and grew up in many ways, both on and off the floor,” said coach Phillip Gambill. “They were faced with adversity through youth, inexperience, and injuries. Our players went through the season and never once complained, never once made excuses.”
Gambill said his team lost five contests by less than 10 points after holding the lead in many of them at the half, and played the final minutes of one game with four players. “We have tough kids here, kids who don’t give up, fight to the end kind of guys…I was very proud of them for their efforts.”
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The Lions retain all of last year’s roster, including senior Blake Neuman, who has been named to the all-conference team for the past two years.
He is a strong defensive player and averages 14 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Neuman has the ability to shoot and score off the dribble.
“Blake’s effort game in and game out is above and beyond,” said Gambill.
Senior Drayke Hair (6’2,” senior) averaged 5.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2 assists per game last season, and the three-year letterman has a nose for the ball, according to his coach. He is capable of scoring inside and out and can rebound as well.
A two-time all-conference player, junior Adam Shockley is the “floor general” who can get to the paint and distribute the ball. “He’s an unselfish player who sees the floor well,” said Gambill. “He understands the game well and is another player who will make sure he out-plays his opponents each night.”
He put up 7.2 ppg, 3.2 rebounds, and three assists last year.
Junior Ethyn Boorom, 6’5” junior all-conference player, averaged 12.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game last year. Like Neuman, he can score off the dribble as well as in the paint and on the perimeter, forcing defenses to play him honestly. Gambill also praised his work ethic.
Also returning are Nathaniel Combs with his 6.6 points per game, as well as Dillon Porter and Brian Fincher.
Opponents may be kept guessing at Crocker’s game plan. “Offensively, we like to mix things up,” said Gambill. “We have several different sets we can throw out at any given time.”
The defensive possibilities are also diverse. The team has athletes who know how to defend, and big guys who can guard inside and out and score on the perimeter as well.
“Our team strength would be our experience,” said Gambill. “Not having any seniors last season helped us get experience we may not have gotten otherwise.”
Gambill said his balanced team is ready for the season. “The pieces to the puzzle seem to be coming together,” he said. “We have the right players in the right roles. Our guys just need to keep grinding, getting better daily. I am looking forward to getting to work.”
