2022-2023 Team Preview: Chelsea Hornets

Chelsea Hornets   Class 7A Area 6   Head Coach: Nick Baumbaugh   Last Season Record: 13 - 18   Instagram: N/A   Twitter: @ChelseaBoysBB   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/11/PH-Paul-Lanzi-C.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/11/PH-Paul-Lanzi-C-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1647316" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='836591' first='Paul' last='Lanzi'] (6'4/Combo Guard/2023)   Instagram: Planzi5   Twitter: @planzi5   Paul has been in the Hornets program for what seems like forever. He is ranked #25 in our 2023 rankings and should have a huge senior campaign for the Hornets. He has proven he can get it done at the lead and off-guard spot. Not only are the keys, but the entire bus is in Paul's hands heading into the season. He has the experience and leadership ability to carry the Hornets, but the question is how much the supporting staff will bring to the floor down the stretch in the playoffs. I am looking forward to seeing the body of work that Paul will put together in his final year as he is a threat shooting from three, crafty around the basket with his finishes, and knocks down the mid-range elbow shot with ease.     <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-primary-color has-text-color">He is ranked #25 in our 2023 rankings and should have a huge senior campaign for the Hornets.<cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/11/PH-Avery-Futch-C.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/11/PH-Avery-Futch-C-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1647317" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='2257712' first='Avery' last='Futch'] (6'3/PF/2024)   Instagram: N/A   Twitter: N/A   Avery will be considered an undersized PF in many spaces, but two things that cannot be ignored are the energy he plays with and the vast potential associated with his game. He will be counted on for scoring and rebounding in which Coach Baumbaugh has all the confidence in the world that Avery can provide them both this season. Avery is not your stereotypical power forward, but he fits the mold in every way aside from his size. Look for Avery to be a key factor in the Hornets' plan throughout the season, and we will see just how much he can deliver.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-primary-color has-text-color">Avery is not your stereotypical power forward, but he fits the mold in every way aside from his size.<cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/11/PH-Aiden-Owens-C.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/11/PH-Aiden-Owens-C-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1647318" width="256" height="256" /></a></figure>   Aiden Owens (6'5/PF/2025)   Instagram: Aiden_owens21   Twitter: @aiden_owens21   Aiden is a rising sophomore with one of the best work ethics on the Hornets team. Coach talked about his desire to get better, and you see it every time he steps on the court, hits the weight room, or is working on conditioning; look for Aiden's length to cause a lot of problems on both ends of the floor. He will be called upon to be a scoring option, but we will see if his inexperience will hinder him from truly blossoming into the caliber player that Coach Baumbaugh will need for him to be this year.    <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-primary-color has-text-color">Aiden is a rising sophomore with one of the best work ethics on the Hornets team.<cite>Terry J. Drake</cite></blockquote>   When asked about two players that will be key pieces of the puzzle for his team this season that was not listed in the top 3 above, he quickly mentioned the following two players:   Dylan Brown (2023) is a senior that is ready to prove he deserves to be on the floor and not only playing big minutes but in critical points of the game for the Hornets. He is a player who, when he is on the floor, gives 100% energy and effort. He has emerged as a very hard worker on and off the court and should be an excellent role player as he embarks on his final year.   [player_tooltip player_id='2262615' first='Jaxon' last='Shuttlesworth'] (2024) will come off the bench for the Hornets and need to play big minutes at times to give Aiden and Avery a break. The Hornets should be fine regarding production when Jaxon enters the game, as he is an extremely athletic kid who can score the rock. When it comes to point production, on any given night, Jaxon can provide double-digit scoring for the Hornets. He is a high-energy and effort caliber player that could be a difference-maker.   Season Outlook   The Hornets are looking to play much faster than in the past. From my conversation with Coach Baumbaugh, he wants to push the tempo and put pressure on the opposing team from the tip to the final buzzer. Coach believes that the depth of this year's team will be a deciding factor in a lot of matchups, as he will be able to keep fresh legs in the game. In the half court, the Hornets will patiently work the ball around, looking for a great shot. Don't let the contrasting play fool you because the Hornets believe in doing 'Whatever Is Necessary' this season to get the job done and secure victories.   Coach believes that all the pieces need to come together, with guys buying into their roles, so the team may succeed this year. He is looking for his veteran guys to step up and make plays when needed. If the Hornets can take care of their area and then get into the regional, then he believes his team can shock a lot of people with a fighting chance at a birth to the Final Four. With no easy teams in 7A, Chelsea is looking forward to the opportunity to compete against the biggest schools in the state.   Key-Matchups:   Nov. 10: vs Vestavia (Home)   Nov. 29: vs Ramsay (Home)   Dec. 2: vs Thompson (Away)

Chelsea Hornets