2023-2024 Team Preview: Clay-Chalkville Cougars

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Clay Chalkville Cougars</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Class 6A Area 12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Head Coach: Chris Richardson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Last Season Record: 14-14&nbsp;<em>(According to maxpreps.com)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Instagram:&nbsp;</strong>claychalkville_bball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>X/Twitter</strong>: @chalkville_clay</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1342754"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6507b681374ef"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: nolimit0dev</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X/Twitter: @devonmckinnon_5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Devon is one of the best scorers in the 2025 class in the state. I have put a lot of ink on him in the past, and more ink will be put on him over the next two years. He is a smooth wing scorer who can create his own shot and get a bucket whenever needed. The last time I saw him this summer, I challenged him in one of my articles to really get more aggressive and be the complete package that he shows that he is in moments. I am looking forward to seeing how he goes about his Junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1574394"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6507b68137549"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: kj_kirk_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X/Twitter: @KJKirk4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Kevin is embarking upon his senior season and will need to be a stabilizing force and leader on both ends of the floor. He is a two-way player who impacts the game but will need to bring his relentlessness and tenacity every game in order for the Cougars to reach their season goals. He is a physical player who really wears down his opponents and seems to never take his foot off the pedal. Many will look at Devon as the team's alpha male because of his scoring prowess, but truth be told, the Cougars will go as Kevin goes this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2257725' first='Erin' last='Callens']&nbsp;</strong>(5'11/CG/'24)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: erin.weezyy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X/Twitter: @ErinCallens3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Erin is going to play a crucial role in his senior season as he will be key in handling the rock and setting up opportunities for Devon and Kevin. Teams, without a doubt, will look to contain Devon and Kevin, which will often leave Erin on a defender that he may have the advantage over. With his extremely quick first step and burst off the bounce, Erin will often have the advantage over many defenders, which will allow him to set the table for his teammates, distribute the rock that leads to scoring opportunities, and when the opportunity is there he can score the rock as he is a crafty finisher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">When talking to Coach Richardson about players needing to have big seasons for the Cougars, he spoke about <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194893' first='Demar' last='Hinton']</strong> (2027), a sharp-shooting Freshman who will contribute with his ability to space the floor; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2294752' first='Aces' last='Kennedy']</strong> (2025), who is an extremely athletic guy who is a match-up problem; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2415551' first='Victor' last='Odiari']</strong> (6'5/2025)a combo guard with length that uses his length to impact both ends of the floor; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2257728' first='Austin' last='Ray']</strong> (6'8/'24) a stretch five, that will allow the Cougars to play multiple styles of basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The Cougars play a very exciting brand of basketball, and if Coach Richardson can get out of his guys what he knows they can bring, this Cougars team could cause some problems once the post-season rolls around. Coach is very optimistic about this team because he likes that this group plays selflessly and with relentless effort. Offensively, the Cougars want to push the tempo by seeking early advantages. They will look to create scoring opportunities through purposeful ball and player movement. Defensively, the Cougars will look to control the offense by pressuring the ball all over the floor. Coach Richardson wants to see relentless effort and communication on and off the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Coach Richardson stated that his team will need character when asked what it would take for his team to make a deep playoff run, make it to the Final Four, or even win the State Championship. He is intent on making sure all involved with the program seek to build championship character daily in everything that they do. If they can build the right things the right way, they will give themselves a chance once the post-season begins.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->