By Chris Parker
Stoutland boys basketball took a big step forward going from one win two years ago to a 14-13 record last year. The Tigers are expecting to take yet another step forward entering coach Joe Nicholson’s third season with an experienced group returning.
“Our biggest strength will be having five of our top six players from last years team back,” Nicholson said.
A trio of seniors lead the way for Stoutland.
“We will have several team leaders this season,” Nicholson said. “Luke Ash, Brad Shaw and Jayden Pendergrass will all be seniors and each of them have been starting the last two seasons, and Luke has been starting since he was a freshman. All three of these players know the system well and they know what we are trying to do and they will be instrumental in getting everyone else on board. Luke is excellent at taking the ball to the basket and drawing the foul while Jayden is tough on the boards and Brad is all out hustle on both ends of the court.”
Ash was the team’s leading scorer last year averaging 20 points per game on his way to first-team all-conference honors. He also led the team with 67 steals. Pendergrass was the team’s top rebounder with 207 averaging 8.5 points per game. Shaw scored 8.7 points per game and led the team with 65 total assists.
Junior Justin Crabtree returns to the starting lineup as well. He averaged 4.8 ppg.
“Justin is a varsity returning starter,” Nicholson said. “No one that we play outworks Justin. He is a big part of our defense and rebounds extremely well. Justin had a great summer and has worked very hard to put himself in a position to have a big year.”
Sixth man Will Morrow is back for his sophomore season. Morrow averaged 4.3 ppg.
“Will Morrow will also have a large impact for us this season,” Nicholson said. “Will is a scorer, very smart on the court, and received a ton of playing time last year as a freshman and is ready to go.”
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Freshman Michael Kincaid will look to make an immediate varsity impact.
“Michael Kincaid is an incoming freshman that has had a very successful junior high basketball career and should be ready to step-in and help us right out of the gate,” Nicholson said. “Michael is a very hard worker and handles the ball well and is also a solid shooter. Michael plays both ends of the court well and will be a valuable piece of our team this year.”
Classmate Gavin Franklin also has the potential to have an immediate impact.
“Gavin Franklin is a freshman big that will add a little size to our team and give us another big guy to go along with Porter and Pendergrass,” Nicholson said.
Sophomores Aaron Franklin and Jack Helton will be newcomers to the varsity lineup.
“Aaron is an excellent defensive player that stands a good chance to break the starting five. He will help us big this year in Varsity,” Nicholson said. “Jack Helton is a sophomore guard that could see some playing time.”
Michael Porter has shown marked improvement in the off-season.
“Michael Porter worked hard this summer and improved his game on offense and defense,” Nicholson said. “I think Michael realized his role and worked on the things that he needs to work on to be able to help us.”
Stoutland opens the regular season on Nov. 18 at Halfway.
“I want us to be on the floor after every loose ball, chasing down every missed shot and never taking a play off,” Nicholson said. “I want us to be the team that other teams dread playing.”
