Classification: VHSL 5A Conference: 11 Head Coach: Jacob Oliver Last Season: 17-7. Lost in Conference Semifinals to Matoaca. Key Dates: 11/30 – Hopewell (lost 81-96) 12/19 – Osbourn (Vantage Hoops Holiday Classic @ Woodbridge) 12/29 – Middleburg…
Classification: VHSL 5A
Conference: 11
Head Coach: Jacob Oliver
Last Season: 17-7. Lost in Conference Semifinals to Matoaca.
Key Dates:
11/30 – Hopewell (lost 81-96)
12/19 – Osbourn (Vantage Hoops Holiday Classic @ Woodbridge)
12/29 – Middleburg Academy (LC Bird Holiday Classic @ LC Bird)
1/30 – Landstown (Vantage Hoops RVA Classic @ LC Bird)
2/8 – LC Bird
Who they Lose: Antonio Davis (11.4 ppg); Tyshawn Jeter (7.8 ppg); Elijah Baker (10.5 ppt); Khylil James (9.8 ppg); Wesley Hardaway (9.6 ppg)
Key Returners: Richard Legree (9 ppg), Jordan Jeter
Key Newcomers: James “Amp” Williams (14.3 ppg at Clover Hill as junior)
Projected Starting 5: James “Amp” Williams, Richard Legree, Davion Gilliam, Randy Finn, Jordan Jeter
At times, the Meadowbrook Monarchs were an enigma last season. They fought every game with a balanced and tough lineup that didn’t back down from anybody, but blew a lot of big leads in the second half as they lost a lot of winnable games down the stretch. It’s no surprise that finishing is an emphasis that Head Coach Jake Oliver is making early this season.
“We will succeed if we trust in the system, one another and finish every possession on the defensive end,” Oliver said.
The Monarchs have some gelling they will have to do early, as they have to replace their entire starting from the year before. They had a balanced offensive attack last season, but this year will be very different with two wings that can really fill it up.
The only major contributor that is returning is 6’5 forward Richard Legree. The lefty averaged 9 points per game in a sixth man role, but will be leaned upon heavily this season with his ability to score it in the mid range over smaller defenders. His wing mate (PUN intended) James “Amp” Williams is also a volatile scorer who can really get it done from deep. The 6’3 wing is athletic enough to get to the rack, and his ability to stroke it from deep means he can fill it up in bunches.
The two give Meadowbrook a good scoring duo with good size and athleticism, as well as experience.
“We’ll have to lean on Legree and Williams for a lot of scoring , but we’ll need to be very good defensively to compete in a tough conference.”
This Meadowbrook team doesn’t just look different than last season, they have a completely different methodology and set of problems. While last season they were deep and experienced, they didn’t have a true go-to scorer down the stretch in close games. That isn’t a problem this season with Williams and Legree, but they will have to gel as a team and find role players that will have to step up quickly.
“We’ll be young and inexperienced, and our bench depth and how soon the new guys can gel and pick up the speed of the varsity game will be a concern,” Oliver said. “However, we will have length, athleticism and speed on both ends.”
The Monarchs dropped their first game to rival Hopewell 96-81, but their ability to run and score it at a high mark was impressive. They will host Colonial Heights December 3rd, before taking on Granby in the ASSIST Tip Off Classic December 5th.