By Chris Parker
Mansfield boys basketball is looking to get back above .500 after back-to-back seasons below .500. The trio of Tom Emerick (junior forward), Chase Cartwright (junior forward) and Rylan Adams (senior guard) will be looking to lead the Lions to that mark this year.
“Tom Emerick is a two-year starter who led our team in scoring and rebounding last season. Tom is an athletic forward who is looking to have a big junior year,” Mansfield head coach Cody Shelton said. “Chase Cartwright is a two-year starter that can play anywhere on the floor. He will look to have a bigger impact offensively this season. Rylan is the returning point guard. He is a strong and smart senior guard who leads our team. We look for him to be our coach on the floor this season.”
Emerick averaged 15 points and 8 rebounds per game last year on his way to first-team all-conference honors. Chase Cartwright was named honorable mention all-conference after he contributed 10 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2 assists per game. Adams chipped in 6 points and 3 assists per game.
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London Dennis (junior forward), Chase Kelley (junior guard) and Ethan Bennett (senior guard) also return for Mansfield. Dennis averaged 4.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. He brings a strong basketball IQ and shooting. Kelley is a defensive stopper. Bennett is an athletic slashing guard.
Stone Sawyers (junior forward), Landon Campbell (sophomore forward) and Jaden Flake (junior guard) will be newcomers to watch. Sawyers brings a physical and energetic presence. Campbell is a versatile player moving up from junior varsity. Flake is a strong shooter.
Success for Mansfield will start on the defensive end.
“We want our strength to be our defense and rebounding. This group plays very well together and we hope to use that chemistry to be successful,” Shelton said. “We need to cut down on turnovers and be able to get stops at the end of games.”
Mansfield opens the season on Nov. 23 at home against Forsyth.
“This is a great group of kids that have worked hard to get to the point where they can compete at a high level,” Shelton said. “Our schedule is very competitive and we look forward to competing this season.”
