By Chris Parker
Stoutland boys basketball is poised for a bounce-back season with the top three scorers from last season returning.
At the head of that group is Luke Ash. Ash averaged 18.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game last year.
“Our team leader will be Luke Ash,” Stoutland head coach Joe Nicholson said. “Luke improved his game huge over the summer and is an outstanding player. Luke is quick on the court and can play the transition game well. He is also a pretty good outside shooter.”
Jayden Pendergrass scored 6.7 points per game and led the team in rebounding at 5.3 per game.
“Jayden Pendergrass also stepped up big for us last season. Jayden started playing well about mid-season and by the end of the year was doing an outstanding job for us. He can play inside and outside. Rebounds well, has a great shot and can drive the basket,” Nicholson said.
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Shaw was the team’s leader in assists with 2.6 per game last year and was the second-leading scorer at 7.4 points per game.
“Brad Shaw is a good point guard and gets the ball to the guys we need to get it to,” Nicholson said. “Brad is also our defensive leader and keeps our team playing hard.”
Abe Stamper, Justin Crabtree, Michael Porter, Will Morrow, Isaac Hill, Aaron Franklin and Charlie Hill will round out the players expected to contribute on varsity.
“Abe Stamper is a returning starter and will be a senior. Justin Crabtree is a returning player that will be in 10th grade that could step up and play a major role for us. Michael Porter had a good summer. He will be a junior,” Nicholson said. “Will Morrow and Isaac Hill and Aaron Franklin will be incoming freshmen that could make an impact for us. Hunter Hill will be a returning player that will be a senior that could be a starter. Hunter can put points on the board. Charlie Hill will be a returning junior that can play inside and rebound well. Charlie could also break into the starting five.”
