Team Preview: Henrico

<div><em><span style="font-size:12px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Classification</strong>: 5A South                         </span></span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:12px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Conference</strong>: 11                                   </span></span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-size:12px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Last Season</strong>: 28-1; VHSL 5A State Champions</span></span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><u><strong>Key Games</strong></u> </span></em></div> <div> <div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">12/11- @ Varina </span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">12/28-12/30 - (Henrico Holiday Hoops Tournament)</span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">1/9 - vs. Lake Taylor (VA Preps Classic) </span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">1/13 - vs. Deep Run</span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">1/29 - @ Highland Springs</span></em></div> </div> <div> </div> <div><em><span style="font-size:12px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Head Coach</strong>: Vance Harmon</span></span></em></div> <div><em><strong>Key Losses</strong><span style="color:rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">: Ryan Pearson (Navy commit, 14 ppg), Walter Williams (Virginia State commit; 15 ppg), Marquis Johnson (6 ppg), Tristan Bazemore (2 ppg)</span></em></div> <div> <div><em><strong>Key Returners</strong>: De’Monte Buckingham (21 ppg, 9 rpg), Gus Rowland (10 ppg, 3 apg), Jamal Newton (5 ppg), Timon Jones (3 ppg), Marco Suggs, Jamal Foy, Isaiah Miller</em></div> <div><em><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Key Newcomers</strong>: Richard Sanders (6’8 Forward from George Wythe)</span></em></div> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Expectations are always high following three straight state championship appearances, and it’s always difficult when you’re the defending state champs in the deepest classification in the VHSL. However, Henrico Coach Vance Harmon has been here before, and is confident that his group this year is prepared to step up to the challenge.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">"Each group that we have knows what the previous year’s veterans did to position themselves for success, both on and off the court,” Harmon said. "If they want similar results, the foundation is already in place.”</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">The foundation may be in place, but the Warriors will need to replace some big production and experience from four seniors that knew the Henrico way through-and-through. Harmon doesn’t expect this team to be the same, but there will always be similarities in the style they play.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">“We cannot replace the specific skills that our four seniors provided last year, but we hope that by committee the veterans will lead us,” Harmon said. “We are a little longer than years past, and time will tell how that will impact our style of play. We will always rely on pressure full court defense and a fast pace of play.”</span></div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">One thing they don’t have to worry about is leadership, with 5A State Player of the Year and University of Richmond commit De’Monte Buckingham returning. The do-it-all point forward was sensational in Henrico’s state tournament run, stuffing stat sheets and making highlight worthy plays, and he’ll have to do even more to carry the load this season.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">He won’t be alone however, as their x-factor and playmaking point guard Gus Rowland returns as well after a stellar season. In Henrico’s only loss of the season, a one point defeat at the hands of eventual 6A Champions Colonial Forge, Rowland was sidelined with an ankle injury. Joining him in the backcourt is defensive specialist Jamal Newton, who’s scrappy perimeter defense took the pressure off of their main offensive players as he guarded the opposing team’s best player every game.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">The biggest newcomer, and possible game changer, for the Warriors this year is the addition of 6’8 wing Richard Sanders from George Wythe. After helping Wythe win the 3A State Championship last season, Sanders transferred to Henrico after a family tragedy, and his versatility allows them to create a variety of mismatches. His mix of perimeter skills and size allows them to play the uptempo style they like, without having to sacrifice size on the glass or defensively.</span></div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Whatever changes the team has or hype that surrounds them, Harmon is simply focused on what it takes to get the job done. He understands that it’s never easy, especially playing in the deep classification they are in.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">“Our primary goal is always to compete for the Conference 11 championship, but we expect it to be tough with Deep Run, Godwin, Hermitage and Glen Allen all being good,” Harmon said.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">“In Conference 12, we expect Bird to continue its dominance. Coach Manns always prepares their teams very well. I firmly believe they will be a more complete team this season despite losing a tremendous player in Kenny Williams, and the likes of Highland Springs, Meadowbrook, Varina, Prince George and Matoaca all will present challenges.”</span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">His mix of humbleness and preparation has made Harmon one of the most successful coaches in the state the last few years, and a record of 128-20 over the past five seasons, along wit three straight state championship appearances means excellence is not only expected, it&#39;s required. Expect nothing less from another talented Henrico team this season.</span></div>