2023-2024 Team Preview: Spain Park Jaguars

Spain Park Jaguars   Class 7A Area 6   Head Coach: Chris Laatsch   Last Season Record: 25-7 (According to maxpreps.com)   Instagram: Sphsboysbskball   X/Twitter: @Sphsboysbskball   [player_tooltip player_id='2257723' first='Korbin' last='Long'] (5'10/PG/'24)   Instagram: _Korbinlong2_   Korbin is a tough, physically strong guard who aggressively attacks the rim. He plays with a low center of gravity, which helps him attack and finish with balance. He is a poised PG who has vision and does a good job distributing the rock. He is a tough on-ball defender that really puts a lot of pressure on ball-handlers. Despite being under 6'0", he is a good rebounding guard. He is the only returning starter from last year's Final Four squad.    [player_tooltip player_id='1711201' first='Nick' last='Richardson'] (5'11/PG/'24)   Instagram: nickkk.rich   X/Twitter: @nickkk.rich   Nick is a really good multi-level scorer who will be looked upon to replace a lot of the scoring that the Jags lost from last year. He is tough off the bounce and does a good job finding open teammates after he collapses the defense. As good as he is scoring off the bounce, he is just as good from the perimeter. Nick competes at a high level and will probably be one of the Jag's top scorers this year.   TJ Lamar (6'6/PF/'24)   Instagram: Lilterry31   X/Twitter: @TLamar31   When it comes to TJ, the most interesting thing about him is that he is just embarking upon his third year of organized basketball. What is even more eye-opening is how his stock is increasing. I had several conversations with college coaches during the off-season asking about TJ with strong consideration. He is long and athletic, with really good timing when it comes to boarding and contesting shots. He has a high motor and brings a lot of energy and effort to the floor. Every time I have seen him, he has improved and added something new to his game. I am excited to see what he will do during his senior campaign.        When asked about two players who will be key pieces of the puzzle for his team this season that were not listed in the top three above, Coach Laatsch quickly mentioned the following two players:   Josh Fonbah has excellent potential, and his team will need him to play to the level he is capable of. He is a highly skilled player who plays with a lot of grit and will need to be able to produce with the minutes provided.      [player_tooltip player_id='1958753' first='Harrison' last='Stewart'] is a guy who will be able to provide the Jags with outside scoring. The challenge will be when teams run him off the line, and he will have to put the ball on the floor and create. One thing I know about Harrison is that he is focused on his development and will work hard to be the player that can contribute to winning.     The Jags have experienced a lot of success in the past few years and will look to continue the style of play that brought about the success. Coach Laatsch says his team will try to play fast and score in the open floor. They will continue to try and be a team known for their play on the defensive end of the floor. His guys will defend hard and extend their defense out far when they are capable. Some would consider this a rebuilding year as the Jags are very inexperienced, but the optimism is they have guys who believe in what Coach Laatsch wants to do and are willing to do the work needed every day.   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 Laatsch told me that after losing 78% of their scoring along with four starters, his guys will need to steadily improve each day and become a better offensive team individually and collectively. With this team's character and work ethic, Coach Laatsch believes that his guys will reach their potential.

Spain Park Jaguars