2023-2024 Team Preview: Midfield Patriots

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Midfield Patriots</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Class 3A Area 9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Head Coach: Courtney Jones</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Last Season Record: 25-6&nbsp;<em>(According to maxpreps.com)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Instagram:&nbsp;</strong>midfieldhoops</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>X/Twitter</strong>: @midfieldhoops</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1936553' first='Armonie' last='Franklin']&nbsp;</strong>(5'9/PG/'25)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Instagram: _monied1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Armonie is hands down the floor general for this year's Patriots team. He will be looked upon to be the leader on the court and to keep the Pats in rhythm and in the flow of what Coach Jones desires. Being a 3-year letterman brings about a lot of responsibility for Armonie as he will be looked upon to lead due to his experience. He has good court vision, nice handles, and knows how to set up his teammates to be successful. His presence on the floor is going to be critical to the success of this year's team.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1959252' first='Aaron' last='Adams-Martin']&nbsp;</strong>(6'1/G)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Aaron is going to be a critical piece, particularly on the offensive end of the floor, as he will be looked upon to provide scoring, especially after the Pats lost a good bit of their scoring from last year's seniors. Aaron can get it done at all three levels, and he is also a very good defender who can guard multiple positions. He is a two-way player, and the Pats will need him to be on the court as he will be able to impact both ends of the floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2415145' first='Brandon' last='Riddle']&nbsp;</strong>(5'10/G)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Coach Jones is very high on Brandon and believes that he is the most talented kid on the team. The key to Brandon will be his mental approach to the game because he is almost unstoppable when his confidence is high. He is a dynamic scorer who can quickly fill up the scoring column. Look for Brandon to have a breakout year, as Coach Jones will look for Brandon to be the best on the floor at times and will lean heavily on his ability to produce offensively.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">When talking to Coach Jones about players needing big seasons for the Pats, Coach quickly spoke about Aaron and Armonie. They are the two most experienced players and have played behind some great names. Both guys will be looked upon to continue building on the culture of Midfield Hoops. The Pats will go as Aaron and Armonie go and will go as far as they take them. If the Pats' schedule is anything like it usually is, this young team will be tested early and will need Aaron and Armonie to keep the young guys optimistic about the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Look for Coach Jones's team to look similar to what has become known as the 'Midfield Way.' The Pats have made the dribble-drive offense a staple in their culture. Along with the dribble drive, you will see a lot of high-ball screen action. The Pats will bring organized chaos on defense and look to turn their defense into offense. As it has been with Coach Jones' teams over the years, they will be disciplined and have a high propensity for having a high attention to detail.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">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, Coach Jones told me very sternly and simply that his team must be able to overcome their youthfulness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->