2022 class: FACS has 4 promising players

<p>FACS lost two-time MVP <strong>Koby Jeffries</strong> to graduation, then the Crusaders lost 2021 guard <strong>Jelani Willis</strong> to transfer, and the departure of Willis had many thinking that FACS was going to step some steps back.</p> <p>Not so fast.</p> <p>The Crusaders have four promising players in the 2022 class that could make up for the team losing Willis. FACS also has a transfer that could contribute to the team’s success in 2019. On Tuesday, I watched the Crusaders scrimmage for an hour and a half. Head coach Dee Wilkes pointed out the sophomores, then the upperclassmen.</p> <p>FACS is lacking size, but a lot of teams in the Division II-A West Region are as well, except for Lausanne.</p> <p>Some may not believe this, but the Crusaders are a team that can win 20 or more games this upcoming season.</p> <p>Here’s my take on the team from its scrimmage:</p> <p><strong>FACS has four talented sophomores</strong></p> <p>I mentioned some weeks ago that the 2022 class is gradually starting to come together. Chandler Jackson from Christian Brothers currently headlines the class, but coach Wilkes has a potential stud in 6-foot-6 wing <strong>Daniel Egbuniwe</strong>, who just started playing basketball three years ago. Egbuniwe can score from any spot on the floor. He’s a great defender and blocks everything coming into the lane. Egbuniwe is at his best offensively when he puts the ball on the floor.</p> <p><strong>Corey Savage</strong>, 5-10, can shoot the cover off the basketball. Savage is also good at finishing in transition. <strong>T.J. Thomas</strong>, 5-11, has a knack for attacking the basket. Thomas is very aggressive on the defensive end, sometimes too aggressive. <strong>Kobe Wilkes</strong>, the son of coach Wilkes, has a high motor and thrives well in a fast paced offense. Wilkes isn’t the shooter Savage is nor is he close to being the complete package like Egbuniwe, but he plays hard and attacks the basket like Thomas.</p> <p>“I like this group a whole lot,” Wilkes said after Tuesday’s practice. “I have had this group since the seventh grade. I guarantee people are going to know about them by the end of the year. They all can play. They all play hard. They all love the game of basketball. We got a bright future.”</p> <p>Not only is Wilkes coaching a solid group of sophomores, but he’s also coaching a couple of upperclassmen that will have a positive impact on the team’s success. Senior <strong>Jayden Williams,</strong> 6-3, loves to guard the opposing team’s best post player. He has the upper body strength to hold his own. Junior guard <strong>Josh Ward</strong>, 6-0, will help the Crusaders space the floor because of his outside shooting. Ward, a transfer from KIPP, can slash to the basket as well.</p>