By Chris Parker
Stoutland boys basketball will be looking for some new players to step up with just one starter and two players that lettered returning from last year’s 6-20 squad.
Junior Abe Stamper and sophomore Luke Ash have shown off-season improvement.
“I have been impressed with Luke Ash. He is a sophomore guard that has some varsity experience from last year,” head coach Joe Nicholson said. “Abe Stamper is also a returning letterman from last year. Abe is a junior and an all-around good player on both sides of the ball.”
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Other players to watch include (with quotes from Coach Nicholson):
Ryan Gross: “Is a junior that has worked hard in the off-season to improve his game. Ryan is all out all of the time with a motor that never quits.”
Charlie Hill: “Has worked hard. Charlie is a sophomore that plays inside for us. He is very quick and clears the boards well.”
Oliver Eilenstine: “Is a junior inside guy that is quick as can be and boards well.”
Hunter Hill: “Is a junior guard that shoots the ball well.”
Gunner Vlasis: “Is new to the team this year and should help us with his ball handling skills.”
Dylan Johnston: “Is a big guy that will play inside and help us on rebounds. He is also long and lanky and plays pretty good defense.”
Michael Porter: “Is a sophomore that is quick and good on the defensive end.”
Bradley Shaw: “Is a sophomore guard that will play a lot for us. He is very basketball smart takes care of the ball well and is a good court leader.”
Isiah Bell: “Is a quick sophomore guard.”
Jaydon Pendergrass and Wes Howe are a couple of sophomores that didn’t play last year, but are out this year. The freshmen are Justin Crabtree, Landon Dolan and William Stradt.
“We will be young and lack experience but our desire and hustle will be second to none,” Nicholson said. “I expect us to compete in every game and always out-work our opponent. If we can do those things the record will take care of itself.”
Stoutland opens the season on Nov. 23 at Macks Creek.
