11th Region Preview: Paul Laurence Dunbar Outlook
Flipping the calendar to October means the high school basketball season is rapidly approaching. After an unprecedented start to the 2020-2021 season, programs look to get back into their routine for the launch of the 2021-2022 campaign. Prep Hoops will…
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Continue ReadingFlipping the calendar to October means the high school basketball season is rapidly approaching. After an unprecedented start to the 2020-2021 season, programs look to get back into their routine for the launch of the 2021-2022 campaign. Prep Hoops will be following along with the 11th and 12th Region top 4 finalists from last season.
Paul Laurence Dunbar Bulldogs
2020-2021 Record
10-5 Regular Season
3-1 Postseason(Loss to Fredrick Douglass in 11th Region Semi-Final)
Prep Hoops visited with Coach Murray and attended an open gym. Annual attrition is nothing new to high school sports. However, Dunbar has two missing elements that will leave big shoes to fill. Coach Scott Chalk has moved on from the sidelines. Tim Hall Jr. has enrolled at Vertical Academy in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area to play alongside other athletes including Mikey Williams.
Although it will be a concerted effort to replace Hall’s production, the Bulldogs have secured a new coach: Garvin Murray. Coach Murray’s passion and extensive resume will need to be on full display for a Bulldogs team that hopes to return to the 11th Region elite teams.
Top Returners: Nick Spadling and Lionel Kumwimba. Coach Murray will be relying on both to be leaders on and off the court. Spalding’s sophomore campaign ended as a high-volume shooter and a stat-sheet stuffer. His confidence soared as he refined his game over the summer with Ky Future Elite. Spalding’s stock is higher than ever and solidified himself as a playmaker that the Prep Hoops staff will continue to watch him progress. Look for the rising junior to have the basketball in his hands to make plays for himself and the rest of the roster. He will be the focus of most opposing scouting reports. See article: (https://prephoops.com/2021/06/2023-rankings-update-top-point-guards/)
The time is now for Lionel Kumwimba to put everything together for the Bulldogs. He must prove that he is more than a screener, rim runner, and “clean up guy.” Expect opposing defenses will key on the duo of Spalding and Kumwimba. There will not be many athletes in the state that can match up with Kumwimba’s combination of size, strength, and energy. Look for Coach Murray’s staff to find creative offensive strategies to allow Kumwimba to become a consistent force in the 43rd District.
Max VanDyke and Zach Carter will have opportunities to increase their roles as this season progresses. Both players played in every game last season and are capable of becoming consistent contributors. Coach Murray will lean on that experience as the Bulldogs face a tough early schedule with two district games before winter break.
One player that is not included in the team preview is Cade Hilt Cade Hilt 6'2" | CG Paul Laurence Dunbar | 2023 State KY . Unfortunately, Cade is out indefinitely with a knee injury. Cade was another rising junior that had high expectations. His presence on the court will be missed. We wish Cade a speedy recovery.