Team Preview: Atlantic Shores

<div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Classification</strong>: VISAA D2</span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Conference</strong>:  Metro</span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Mike Hudgins</span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Last Season</strong>: 25-9</span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Key Games</strong>: </span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">12/21 - v. Trinity Episcopal</span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">12/22 - v. St. Anne’s Belfield </span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">1/11 - @ Norcom </span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">1/14 - v. Bishop Sullivan </span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">1/28 - @ Huntington Prep</span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">1/29 - @ Mountain Mission </span></em></div> <div><em><strong>Key Losses</strong>: Isaiah Cotton(14ppg), Shawn Coleman (6ppg, 8rpg)</em></div> <div><em><strong>Key Returners</strong>: Jordan Cannady (11ppg), Hunter Ladler ( 8ppg, 7rpg), Marvin Trotman (10 ppg), Giantaras Bartaskas (12 ppg, 7 rpg), Christian Kimbrough (10 ppg, 8 rpg)</em></div> <div><em><strong>Key Newcomers</strong>: Mastadi Pitt (Hampton), Logan Wells (Western Branch), Byron Nelson (Oscar Smith), Jordan Banks (Green Run), Tragen Falls (Tallwood)</em></div> <div><em><strong>Projected Starting Lineup</strong>: </em></div> <div><em>PG Mastadi Pitt</em></div> <div><em>PG Jordan Cannady</em></div> <div><em>SG Hunter Ladler</em></div> <div><em>SG Giantaras Bartaskas</em></div> <div><em>F Marvin Trotman</em></div> <p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Atlantic Shores returns to the court looking to stay atop a tough and competitive Metro Conference.  Last season the Seahawks dominated league play, finishing as both the regular season and tournament conference champions. They went on to compete in the state quarterfinals and ended with an impressive overall record of 25-9. This year’s team is set to pick up where they left off and have hopes of expanding on their previous success.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">“Finishing at the top of conference and making a run in the state tournament are both attainable and will be our goals as we embrace the process daily, ”Coach Mike Hudgins said confidently.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">To accomplish these goals Atlantic Shores will feature a well balanced scoring attacking with 4 returning players who averaged 10 or more point per game last season.  Jordan Cannady, averaged 11ppg and 5 apg as a junior and has the skills to create shots for both himself and his teammates. Sharp shooter Gintaras Baraskas adds a mix of both scoring and defensive ability. Last year he averaged 12 PPG and 8RPG, while shooting a Curry-like 40% from behind the arc. Rounding out the offense will be Christian Kimbrough and Marvin Trotman, both capable scorers who will be counted on for their strength and size. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">The Seahawks will have also the benefit of some incoming talent, adding transfers Mastadi Pitt, Logan Wells, Jordan Banks and Byron Nelson to the roster. Pitt, who won PenSouth Player of the Year as just a sophomore at Hampton last season, will be entrusted with handling the basketball a lot, giving the Seahawks a balanced five out lineup that can all put it on the floor and attack.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">This year’s roster is impressive but the team knows it will take more than talent to continue their reign in the Metro conference.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Coach Hudgin reiterated this. “With our team it will come down to chemistry and culture. We have the depth and if they are willing to work together and take on the idea that team success is most important, we will have great season.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Atlantic Shores will open the year against Life Christian Academy on November 24th before moving right into conference play with Denbigh Baptist Christian on December 1st.</span></p>