2023-2024 Team Preview: Ramsay Rams

Ramsay Rams   Class 5A Area 10   Head Coach: Denton Johnson   Last Season Record: 26-7 (According to maxpreps.com)   IG: ramsayhoops   X/Twitter: @RamsayHoops   [player_tooltip player_id='1753239' first='Jayden' last='Williams'] (6'6/PG)    <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/PH-Jayden-Williams-C.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/PH-Jayden-Williams-C.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-1639130" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Knight Eady Knight Eady</figcaption></figure>   There is a lot of optimism and excitement coming out of the Ramsay camp when it comes to Jayden. Well, who wouldn't be with a 6'6 PG that's highly versatile and has a skill set beyond his years. He is athletic, explosive off the bounce, and looks to finish above the rim when he gets to the cup. His ability to adapt to different defenses when confronted will be key this year, along with his ability to find open cutters or shooters. He will be looked upon to provide leadership on and off the court, and the Rams will go as JW goes this year. If there is one player in the state that I am looking at having a breakout season and raising his stock, it is JW. The question is going to be how will he handle the expectations.    [player_tooltip player_id='2389321' first='Zedrick' last='Powell'] (6'2/CG)   Zedrick will bring experience and toughness to a squad looking to get back to the Final Four. He is very energetic and brings 100% effort on both ends of the floor. He contributes his fair share on the offensive end of the floor and is a savage on defense. He isn't afraid to get his hands dirty with his on-ball defense, as he will get right up in an opponent's face and force them into bad decisions. Look for Zedrick to be matched-up against opponents' primary scoring option, as he will be tasked with limiting their offensive production.      [player_tooltip player_id='2389328' first='QB' last='Reese'] (6'1/G|F)   QB is a gritty and mentally tough player who doesn't back down from anything. He has ok size for the high school level, but he plays bigger than his 6'1 listed height. QB plays tough, is a good rebounder, and is a willing defender. He makes plays all over the floor on both ends and even though he has some inconsistencies, he makes plays throughout the game that show his ability and potential, making it hard to ignore him. He is a big-time contributor for the Rams, and often, what he brings is not seen on the stat sheet.   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 Johnson quickly mentioned the following two players: [player_tooltip player_id='1753392' first='Cameron' last='Ruffin'] (6'1/SG), is a 3&D player for the Rams. He is lethal from behind the arc and plays great on-ball defense. [player_tooltip player_id='1753394' first='Jeremiah' last='Ford'] (6'3/G |F) will be critical as he understands and fills his role. His athleticism and ability to be a shot-blocking presence will be vital. The coaching staff hopes that his energy can be contagious.   Look for the Rams to be a physically and mentally tough team, one of the toughest that Coach Johnson says he has had at Ramsay. The Rams will play multiple styles depending on the adjustment needs. Look to see the non-negotiable philosophy of the Rams program, which is Rebound, Defend, and Discipline, on display every night.      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 Johnson told me that his squad must be a brotherhood and committed to excellence. They must be bonded by love, loyalty, and trust. Qualities which he has been preaching since the off-season. The Rams will have to rebound, defend, and execute with elite habits, and if they can do that, Coach Johnson believes his team will have a chance.

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