Team Preview: Mojave Rattlers

<p>For my money, Mojave’s home gym is the best in the state. Just walking into the "Snake Pit" brings chills. The gym is such a draw, that it was able to attract powerhouse Bishop Gorman in for a rare out-of-state, nonconference road game this year. After a slow start in the 2019-20 season, the Rattlers rebounded, reeling off wins in 10 of their last 13 under 1st year head Man Kejuan Clark. A young team two seasons ago, they return even younger after the cancelation of last season. When asked about his returners, Clark responded. "We have none". What they do have is a plethora of players, all bringing unique skills to the table. Although they’re young, Clark is not shy about his goals. "We want to win Conference". He’s not shy about his philosophy either. "We’ll reach our goals if we play feisty on the defensive end every night" This is a team that is 10 deep, with size, playmakers, and shooters. If they live up to Clark’s goals, they're going to prove to be a tough out. </p> <p><strong>HC:</strong> Kejuan Clark 3rd Season. </p> <p><strong>Division:</strong> 4A </p> <p><strong>2019-2020 Record:</strong> 13-14</p> <p><em>Key Newcomers:</em></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/TJ-Mctyer.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1268872 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/TJ-Mctyer-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1015503" first="TJ" last="McTyer"] <em>5’9 PG 2023 (#18PHN 2023)</em> - Mctyer is one of the players I’m most excited to see this season. The PG could be the catalyst for the squad and has the talent to be the best player on the floor on some nights. He killed in the scrimmage, using a nice mid-range pull-up that he’s perfected. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Nathan-Sherrard.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1268873 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Nathan-Sherrard-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1226904" first="Nathan" last="Sherrard"] <em>5’9 CG 2024 (#26PHN 2024)</em> - Sherrard is a Sniper and brings instant shooting to the squad. He wasted no time in the scrimmage burying back to back 3’s. While he knows he’s a shooter, the 4.0 student also understands where he needs to improve. "I’m working on my D, and PG Skills," says Sherrard. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Giali-Chapman.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1268876 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Giali-Chapman-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="985628" first="Giali" last="Chapman"] <em>6’3 SG 2023 (#17PHN 2023)</em> - The growth of Chapman will play a large part in the success of the team. He’s one of the best playmakers on the team, and his ability to get others involved could really jumpstart their offense. He didn’t mince words when discussing his goals either. "I want to separate myself," says Chapman. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Tony-Williams.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1268877 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Tony-Williams-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1142272" first="Tony" last="Williams"] <em>5’11 PG 2024 (#33PHN 2024)</em> - Williams provides the team with another Sniper to space the floor. He’ll be getting his first taste of Varsity action, but that didn’t deter his confidence. "I’m going to try to compete with everybody," says Williams. He also said that he expects his team to make the playoffs, his ability to knock down shots for them, will be crucial in reaching that goal. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Amarius.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1268894 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Amarius-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1268846" first="Amaris" last="Quenum - Stewart"] <em>6’4 PF 2022</em> - Stewart is a transfer from North Carolina who should provide instant Frontcourt Depth. He saw action in 7 games last year for a Farmville team that went 15-0 in route to capturing the 2A crown.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Zarshon-Cousin.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1268895 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Zarshon-Cousin-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1037513" first="Zarshon" last="Cousin"] <em>6’1 SF 2024 (#38PHN 2024)</em> - Cousin has all the physical tools to be an impact player. The athletic wing scores in transition is a playmaker and has the ability to defend multiple positions. Because of his skillset, the sophomore adds depth throughout the roster and provides another tool for coach Clark. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Sleepers: </em></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Zekus-McDowell.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1268880 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Zekus-McDowell-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1268862" first="Zakeus" last="Mcdowell"] <em>6’5 SF 2023</em> - Mcdowell stood out in the scrimmage, he has good length, and showed that he can score the ball in a variety of ways. The slashing wing has a game that reminds you of former Spur and NBA Champion Stephen Jackson. He even brings a similar mentality. When asked about his expectations for the season, Mcdowell answered "Play as a team, and Play D together" </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Jamarion-Smith.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1268881 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Jamarion-Smith-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1268865" first="Jamarion" last="Smith"] <em>6’2 SF 2024</em> - Smith is a nice find for the team. He’s another young athletic positionless player. A relentless rebounder who displayed a quick second jump, he gobbled up nearly every board in the scrimmage. He also showed some of the aforementioned defensive feistiness mentioned by coach Clark. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Top Prospect: </em></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/CJ-Shaw.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1268878 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/CJ-Shaw-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1268866" first="CJ" last="Shaw"] <em>6’3 SG 2025</em> - Shaw played well in the scrimmage, but it was the admiration from his teammates, that cemented him as the top prospect. Shaw is a beautiful slasher who, at times looks like he’s gliding to the rim. When asked about the most impressive player, he was nearly unanimously selected by his teammates. The freshman carries himself with quiet confidence and maturity. When asked about his goals for the season, Shaw responded "Be a leader, and win" </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow Prep Hoops</a></p>