2021’s starting 5: East Tennessee edition
If I were a high school basketball coach, I would want to put the best five players on the floor that I know will win a state championship. So, I’m putting together a starting five I would have the most…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIf I were a high school basketball coach, I would want to put the best five players on the floor that I know will win a state championship.
So, I’m putting together a starting five I would have the most confidence in to beat the other team.
Here’s my starting five.
Point guard
Zion Swader, Siegel: The 6-foot point guard can score, but I will need him to be a floor general. Swader only needs to get his four teammates involved. He averaged five assists last season for the Stars. By the talent that’s going to be around him, Swader’s assist average will double.
Shooting guard
Kley McGowan, Cleveland: I need a shooting guard that can put the ball on the floor and shoot lights out from 3-point range. McGowan fits that bill. He averaged 11 points per game last season for the Blue Raiders. McGowan has a quick release and can shoot off the dribble. He can create his own shot. It’s hard to pick over McGowan.
Small forward
Isaiah Jones, East Nashville: Jones can play positions 2-5, but for my team, I just need him to play the three. The 6-6 ½ forward improved on his shooting this past season. Jones really showed people how solid of a shooter he is off the dribble. Jones also rebounds the ball well. He averaged 15.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game last season. I need a kid like him on my team.
Power forward
Jonathan Milloway, Oak Ridge: Teams wouldn’t be able to play zone against this team. Milloway makes it difficult. The 6-8 forward has solid post moves. His mid-range game is deadly, and Milloway can step out and knock down 3-pointers. Milloway will allow my team to space the floor. He’s a walking double-double. Jones is, too.
Center
Bretner Mutombo, Hamilton Heights: To wrap up my starting five, I need a center that can rebound and block shots. Mutombo is the guy I want on my team. He’s 6-10, so the guards on the other team aren’t going to be too quick to drive into the lane. The frontcourt of Mutombo and Milloway will keep teams outside of the paint. Mutombo knows how to finish at the rim, so when Swader throws it up to him on the fast break, everyone will need to get out of the way.
You see, my team is very balanced, because all five of these players are unselfish. These players have winning attitudes. I’m probably winning back-to-back state titles in any class in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.