HS Team Preview: Langston Hughes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After making a deep playoff run into the Final 4 last year, Langston Hughes returns a solid group and picks up a pair of impact transfers. This team will be their biggest and longest that they've had in years making it tough for opposing teams to matchup well. They'll be led by a strong group of seniors and Coach Rory Welsh who's done an excellent job with the program, winning state championships in 2017 &amp; 2018. Behind their combination of size, senior leadership, and playoff experience, Langston Hughes will be tough to beat in February &amp; March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Roster</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 6'0 PG [player_tooltip player_id='1501776' first='Randy' last='Latham']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1501776' first='Randy' last='Latham'] is a natural point guard and explosive athlete. He started several games last season but will be handed the keys this year and could be in for a breakout campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 6'2 G Kabrim Roberts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roberts will play a vital role, providing lockdown defense on the perimeter and knocking down spot-up 3s. Team-first glue guy that brings more leadership and experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 6'5 W [player_tooltip player_id='1223238' first='John' last='McQueen']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1223238' first='John' last='McQueen'] should be the primary scoring threat and will be important to the team's success this year. He's athletic, versatile, and can score at all 3 levels. McQueen has already established himself as one of the top 2024s in Georgia and certainly has All-State potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 6'6 F Hassane Diallo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Diallo transferred in from Southwest Atlanta Christian where he had a big junior year. He provides versatility in the front-court with his ability to guard multiple positions and play the 4 or the 5.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 6'7 F Jalen Colbert</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jalen Colbert also transferred over from Southwest Atlanta Christian. He's a hard-nosed forward that hits the glass hard and can guard positions 1-5. Colbert also has a nice touch around the rim and should provide more scoring on the interior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 6'7 C [player_tooltip player_id='1227086' first='Jelani' last='Thurman']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1227086' first='Jelani' last='Thurman'] will anchor the middle for Langston Hughes, providing a unique combination of size, strength, and athleticism. He'll have a major impact on both ends of the floor. Thurman is committed to play football and basketball at Ohio State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->