Season preview: Christian Brothers
Senior guard Chandler Jackson will have the attention of each opponent the Purple Wave will face in 2021, but Jackson has teammates that are going to go to war with him on every possession. I was on hand for Thursday’s…
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Continue ReadingSenior guard Chandler Jackson will have the attention of each opponent the Purple Wave will face in 2021, but Jackson has teammates that are going to go to war with him on every possession.
I was on hand for Thursday’s open gym session.
Here are my three observations.
Solid depth at point guard
Christian Brothers head coach Bubba Luckett has depth this season at the point guard position. As of right now, 5-foot-10 guard Zion Owens will get the starting nod as the team’s floor general. Owens has had to wait his turn for the past two seasons, playing behind the likes of Reese McMullen, Eli Federman, and Harrison Kelly. Now, it’s his turn to step into a starting role. Owens is the fastest guard on the team, with sharp ball handles and great court vision. On Thursday, he made great passes in half-court possessions, used his speed to get in the middle of a defense, and knocked down shots from the perimeter. Owen’s sneaky good defensively, especially when there’s a 50-50 ball up for grabs. There aren’t too many players that are going to out hustle him for the loose ball.
Senior guard Nehemiah Ausley and junior guard Jack Pender are the final pieces in the rotation. Ausley is similar to Owens, in terms of athleticism, shot making ability and passing ability. Pender, by Luckett’s own observation, is by far the team’s best shooter. The 6-1 guard can knock down 3-pointers from way beyond the 3-point line. Junior guard Michael Pepper is another knock down shooter that should provide scoring whenever it’s needed.
Barrett Burchyett is the perfect forward
Burchyett, a 6-8 forward, will blend in well with the Purple Wave. On Thursday, he showed how well he can move without the basketball, roll to the basket out of pick-and-roll situations, and make shots from the perimeter. If needed, the junior can post up on the block, and he loves to rebound. Burchyett should have a productive season for Christian Brothers because he will be surrounded by guards who know how to give him the ball, and Burchyett knows where to be on the floor at all times.
Drew Petro plays big
Petro is only a 6-4 forward, but he plays bigger than his height. Petro rebounds the ball well, runs the lane very well, and plays hard on both ends of the court. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Petro be one of the team’s top rebounders at some point in 2021. The Purple Wave also have junior forward Hunter Pratt, who’s capable of making shots. He will need to help on the rebounding front. Ashton Strother, a senior forward, will provide depth in the frontcourt.
Final thoughts
Luckett will be able to play 10 guys with no problem. Christian Brothers has the pieces to make its second-consecutive final four appearance in the Division II-AA state tournament.