By Chris Parker
Exeter boys basketball will be looking to bounce back from a four-win season with an experienced team returning.
Seniors Zachary Lee (guard) and Nathan Tackett (center) return for their fourth seasons as starters. Lee scored 12 points per game to go with 2 rebounds and 3 assists. Tackett posted a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds per game as a junior.
“Nathan is a force in the middle that has a chance to average a double-double again this season,” Exeter head coach Tremayne Williams said. “Zachary is a shifty guard who has learned how to score as well as set others up. We are looking at him to being a good playmaker for us.”
Josue Alcaraz and Kronikle Lokot are two more returning seniors.
“Josue is a savvy player who offers us versatility on defense,” Williams said. “Kron is a natural at creating space and plays good defense when he wants to.”
Juniors Kason Nelson and Jesse Eaton round out the returning players.
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“Nelson is a Swiss army knife. He is great at several things and good enough everywhere else to be dynamic for us,” Williams said. “Eaton is a patient offensive presence that is becoming a knock-down shooter.”
Coby Johnston (guard/forward) could have an impact on varsity this year as well.
“Coby has the body and the skill to be great for us,” Williams said. “He just hasn’t shown it yet. We are hoping this year that he gets some confidence and becomes a great addition to the team.”
Most of the returning players have experience in the system, which brings familiarity.
“I think one strength for us this year is continuity,” Williams said. “Most of these guys know what their teammates are capable of and where their strengths are. I just hope that we can put this all together especially at the end of the year when it counts.”
Exeter opens the regular season Nov. 17 at Southwest.
“I hope our reputation is that we are a team that is competitive and plays hard, but that we also are a team that plays the right way. In terms of effort and attention to detail,” Williams said. “A successful season to us will be competing in every game, in every quarter. And giving ourselves a chance at winning when it matters, conference and districts at the end of the year.”
