BHC - Boys Clinch Mtn Teams- Analysis

[tbgfan 856]

GATE CITY BLUE DEVILS

 

Coach: Scott Vermillion

 

Last season: 23-6 overall (8-0 in the CM)

 

Key returners: Tihlee Anderson (Sr., G, 5-9) 18 points, 4 assists and 3 steals; Josh Johnson (Sr., C, 6-8) 5 points and 5 rebounds; Jordan Potts (So., 5-10); Trevor Smith (Jr., G, 6-1)

 

Strength: One of top players in Virginia, Anderson has the ability to control games with his quickness.

 

Key question: Can the Blue Devils replace Jamie Hackney (Emory & Henry) and Cody Salyer? They supplied nearly 28 points a game last season.

 

Analysis: The Blue Devil story centers on defense and intensity. Anderson sets a torrid pace in both areas. GC has advanced to the Group A Final Four three of the past four years.

 

JOHN BATTLE TROJANS

 

Coach: Mike Posey

 

Last season: 6-16 overall (0-8 in the CM)

 

Key returners: Michael Johnson (Sr., F, 6-2,) 8 rebounds; Nick Sproles (Sr., PG, 5-8) 3 assists; Colby Amos (Jr., P, 6-2)

 

Strength: Team unity.

 

Key question: How do the Trojans replace the tandem of Joe Cadle and first-team ALL-CMD pick Cody Calloway?

 

Analysis: Sproles has experience at point guard, while Johnson is a powerful force in the paint. Saige Evans, who had a record-setting season in football, is new to the team. With some promising JV players, the Trojans have more depth.

 

LEBANON PIONEERS

 

Coach: Thad Lambert

 

Last season: 14-10 overall (4-4 in the CM)

 

Key returners: Cody Compton (Sr., G, 6-3), 16 points, 5 rebounds; Jerome Cobb (Jr., F, 6-3) 10.1 points.

 

Strength: Juniors Nick Bush, Robert Jones, Andrew Jessee and Lucas Smith have varsity experience.

 

Key question: Who picks up Sutton Coleman's point production?

 

Analysis: Every player except Coleman returns. Compton is a proven scorer, and the athletic Cobb has unlimited potential.

 

LEE GENERALS

 

Coach: Steve Collier

 

Last season: 11-14 overall (3-5 in the CM)

 

Key returners: Scotty Woliver (Sr., G) 12.8 points and 3.5 assists; Jordan Lanningham (Sr., F).

 

Strength: Woliver is one of the top all-around athletes in the CMD.

 

Key question? Who fills the hole left by the graduation of CMD scoring leader Gary Stafford?

 

Analysis: The offense has been led by the Stafford brothers the past two seasons. Gary Stafford paced the CMD last season enroute to breaking several school scoring records. A new leader must emerge. Sophomore point guard Tyler Maggard and the versatile Lanningham are possibilities. Collier is stressing a more aggressive on defense.

 

VIRGINIA HIGH BEARCATS

 

Coach: Jason Stevens

 

Last season: 15-11 overall (5-3 in the CM)

 

Key returners: Josh Moore (Sr., F, 6-5) 16 points, Josh Tignor (Sr., 6-1).

 

Strength: Moore combines athletic ability with a relentless work ethic.

 

Key question: How will the Bearcats respond to their new coach?

 

Analysis: Stevens is a disciple of Mike Cartolaro, his former coach at VHS, so look for the Bearcats to be aggressive on both eands of the floor. The development of players such as 6-5 senior Ahmad Eccleston, 6-foot senior Corey Young and 5-8 junior point guard Tyler Mink will be vital.

 

Life has many choices---eternity has two

[Beamerball 566]

Did they have any swva polls?

 

Coaches Poll (as listed in the KTN)...

 

CMD Boys

1. Gate City (3)........15

2. Lebanon (2)..........14

3. Virginia High..........10

4. Lee High.................7

5. John Battle..............4

 

 

KTN SWVA poll (there were no BDD previews, so that's probably why you don't see any of them before its mentioned).

 

Boys

1. Gate City

2. Lebanon

3. Powell Valley

4. Coeburn

5. Appalachia

6. J.I. Burton

7. Thomas Walker

8. Twin Springs

9. Castlewood

10. Virginia High

Edited November 22, 2008 by Beamerball