By Chris Parker
Marion C. Early boys basketball is looking to keep up the momentum from last season’s 20-win team. It was the program’s first time to hit the 20-win plateau since 2011-12.
A pair of all-district players graduated from that team leaving just three returning varsity players.
Isaac Francka (senior) and Jacob Presley (junior) return to lead the team.
Francka will have an expanded role this year.
“Isaac Francka has a great attitude and wants to do what it takes to win,” MCE head coach Jonathan Winslow said. “(He) leads by example and verbally, is a hard worker understands the game and what we need to accomplish.”
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Presley is the team’s leading returning scorer and rebounder. He averaged 9.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last season.
“Jacob Presley leads by example works hard should be one of our leaders in scoring and rebounding this year,” Winslow said.
Junior Landen Burrow will see an expanded role this year after averaging 5.8 points, 2 assists, 1.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game last season.
Hayden Arthur (senior), Ben Lewis (junior), Wyatt Mitchell (junior) and Dawson Hook (senior) are newcomers to watch this year.
“These kids have played together for several years, and had a really successful JV season two years ago, I love their competitiveness and how hard the play,” Winslow said.
MCE opens the season Nov. 28 through Dec. 3 with its home tournament.
