2019-20 First Look: Mt. Carmel

<p>When accepting the job to become a team's new head coach, you want to be able to have a strong impact on the team's overall success immediately, But for Mt. Carmel, head coach Trevor Quinn knew it would be a process. Sporting a roster full of youth, he knew there would be plenty of obstacles along the way and that the 2018-19 season would be used as a growing opportunity and a long-term investment for future seasons.  </p> <p>The Cougars finished with a 7-24 overall record last year. And while that could be viewed as a disappointment, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic for the upcoming season. Let's get into the reasons why.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Moving on</strong></span></p> <p>2020 guard <strong>Teon Rushing</strong> decided to transfer to Mervo for his final high school season. 2020 wing <strong>Khalil Dukes</strong> transferred to Parkville.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Returning starters</strong></span></p> <p>2022 point guard <strong>Deon Perry</strong> will be the cow bell for this Cougars team. He was one of two freshman to be named All MIAA Honorable Mention last season and will look to build onto his resume in 2019-20. He will shoulder much of the ball handling and facilitating. The 5-foot-8 point guard obviously doesn't overwhelm his match up with size, but his quickness, ability to score from all three level and create for his teammates is what makes him so valuable.</p> <p>2020 combo guard <strong>Billy Minor</strong> brings another guard that brings ability to get into the heart of the defense. When defense's key on Perry, Minor will be expected to step up and hold his own at the guard spot. </p> <p>2020 <strong>Kobe Edwards</strong> is a 6-foot-6 forward that does the little things needed to win games. He plays hard on both ends and will be used heavily as a utility guy for the Cougars.</p> <p>2020 wing <strong>Will Little</strong> suffered a broken fibula yesterday in workouts, but is expected to return in 6-8 weeks. Little had to play the four for the majority of minutes, but with some additions to the frontcourt, he should be featured more on the wing when playing in bigger lineups. At 6-foot-5, he brings size, length and has improved his overall game by being dedicated in the gym this past summer.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Impact Additions</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Toby Nnadozie</strong> is a transfer from Perry Hall who will reclass from the 2021 class to 2022. He is a 6-foot-4 off guard that brings tremendous athleticism to the Cougar lineup. Nnadozie will make his impact felt the most in the open floor where he can showcase his above the rim finishing. A focus in his development will be his jumpshot and using his dribble for a purpose. Nevertheless, he's a major addition who will help this team take the next step in improving.</p> <p> 2021 forward <strong>Koralp Turk</strong> is a transfer from Turkey. Turk brings size at 6-foot-7 and a legitimate floor stretching option in the frontcourt, which will help open driving lanes for players like Perry and Nnadozie. While his athleticism doesn't blow you away, Turk plays with great strength and a feel on how to gain inside position on shots to help impact the glass.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Coach's outlook</strong></span></p> <p>Head coach Trevor Quinn accepted the Mt. Carmel job mid way through last summer. Last year was used much for a feeling out period and learning experience. Coach Quinn is excited with the team's new additions not only for what they can do on the floor, but also the high character with which they hold themselves off of it. He expects Perry to take the next step in becoming a leader and the catalyst behind the team's success.</p>