2020-21 Season Preview: Henderson Collegiate Pride

<p>Experience is one thing that shouldn’t be an issue for the Henderson Collegiate Pride in 2020-21 as they return five senior from last year’s squad looking to repeat as state champions. Here’s a look at their season preview.</p> <h4>Key Returners</h4> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="575163" first="Javonte" last="Waverly"] | 6’4 Guard/Wing |  2021</strong></p> <p>Waverly returns after leading the way in 2019-20 alongside [player_tooltip player_id="770282" first="Kalib" last="Matthews"]. He posted 16.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 4.2 apg and 1.2 spg and returns as their leading scorer and one primary playmaker from a season ago. He can do a little bit of everything and since growing a couple inches over the summer, he’s due to make waves for Henderson Collegiate.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="770286" first="Akhiris" last="Holden"] | 6’5 Forward/Wing | 2021</strong></p> <p>Holden returns as one of the leading scorers and the leading rebounder for the Pride after producing 12.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.6 bpg, 1.3 apg and 1.3 spg in 2019-20 as a junior. He’s an athletic forward prospect at 6-foot-5 who’s best days of basketball are ahead of him on both ends. Look for him to turn a corner in 2020-21.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="770304" first="Nick" last="Green"] | 6’3 Shooting Guard | 2021</strong></p> <p>Green returns after putting up 9.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.1 apg and 1.5 spg in the starting rotation. He’s found his confidence on the perimeter as the season approaches and can be a lights out shooter when he finds his rhythm. Defensively, he makes his presence felt as well. He made 60 3-pointers in 2019-20 while shooting 35 percent from the floor, look for that number to rise.</p> <p><strong>JaQuaveon Venable | 6’1 Guard | 2021</strong></p> <p>Venable returns as the leading playmaker from a season ago after dishing 5.1 apg along with 6.3 ppg and 2.9 rpg as a junior. He’s an emerging combo guard that defends with pressure and should be a solid backcourt mate alongside [player_tooltip player_id="1082589" first="Todd" last="Ragland"].</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1082598" first="Davon" last="Allen"] | 6’4 Forward | 2021</strong></p> <p>Allen is a returner after putting up 4.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 1.4 apg in 2019-20. His role should grow in the rotation given his ability to operate inside the paint and clean up the glass on both ends. He’s already drawn attention from some junior colleges in the area.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1082597" first="Omahj" last="Evans"] | 6’1 Guard/Wing | 2021</strong></p> <p>Evans is a reserve that returns after putting up 5.2 ppg and 3.0 rpg as a junior in 2019-20. He’ll play a much bigger role this upcoming season with his ability to always find a way to make his impact felt when he’s on the floor. Look for him to play a breakout role in the Henderson Collegiate rotation.</p> <p><strong>Kaleb Royster | 5’11 Guard | 2021</strong></p> <p>Royster came off the bench for the Pride in 2019-20 and will probably do the same in 2020-21 while playing a bigger role in the rotation as a scoring spark off the bench. He’s a much more fluid and confident shooter and starting to find his way attacking the paint for Henderson Collegiate.</p> <h4>Key Newcomers</h4> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1082588" first="Ellis" last="Williams"] | 6’1 Guard | 2023</strong></p> <p>Williams joins the Henderson Collegiate rotation after spending his freshman season at Franklinton, where he averaged 9.9 ppg. He’ll be a solid reserve in their backcourt given his ability to attack the rim and defend the basketball. He’s already turned heads on the grassroots scene this past summer with Garner Road 3SSB. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1082589" first="Todd" last="Ragland"] | 6’1 Point Guard | 2022</strong></p> <p>Ragland spent time on the JV level honing his skills and it’s paid dividends for his development. He’ll probably run the starting point guard position in 2020-21 and he looks ready to fill the void. He’s an explosive athlete getting to the rim, crafty off the bounce and has a high IQ for making plays on the floor. Look for him to be another breakout name in this bunch.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1082590" first="Jarrod" last="Small"] | 6’6 Forward | 2022</strong></p> <p>Small is another prospect that spent time on JV last season and could find himself in the starting rotation in 2020-21. He’s a bruiser in the post with a knack for rebounding in bunches and finishing at the rim. As he learns to make an impact on both ends, look for him to grow in the Henderson Collegiate rotation.</p>