Team Preview: Arbor View Aggies

I’m not sure what you call it, but coach Dustin Clayton has it. He gives off the vibe of the guy that drains the 50-foot put, or banks in the 8 ball on the first try. Two years ago he entered the season, with a stacked squad and state title aspirations. That team’s season ended with a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to a Red hot Faith Lutheran Squad, featuring two Divison one players of their own. Two years later, the Aggies return as a completely new team, with no returners having Varsity experience. They're the underdog, this season, facing what seems to be insurmountable odds, and that’s just how coach Clayton wants it. "I’d much rather be in this position," says Clayton. "Our goals are just to get better everyday" Reaching those goals will depend on how fast his new team gels. HC Dustin Clayton 6th Season Division 5A 2019-2020 Record 17-10 Returners: None Key Newcomers: <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Wyatt-Jaeck.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1278277 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Wyatt-Jaeck-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1140627" first="Wyatt" last="Jaeck"] 6’6 PF 2023 (#38PHN 2023) - Jaeck has size and brings a lot of tools to the team. The majority of his scoring will be done in the paint, but he has shown a knack for stepping outside. Like many of the Aggies, it will be a development season for him, and the junior forward knows that. "I just want to develop my all-around game," Says Jaeck.       <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Ridge-Adams.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1278281 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Ridge-Adams-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1278229" first="Ridge" last="Adams"] 6’2 SG 2023 - I’ve seen Adams play exactly 3 times and been impressed with him all 3 times. In today’s scrimmage he showed defense, shooting, and a little bit of athleticism, gracefully dunking the ball home off the break. His production this season may be a good indication of the team’s success.       <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/DJ-Howard.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1278283 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/DJ-Howard-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1006753" first="Demetrius" last="Howard"] 6’7 C 2022 (#74PHN 2022) - Howard is a raw center that will be counted on to hold down the paint. His energy and exuberance embodied the spirit of the team. "We’re a young energized team" Howard sees it as his job to make sure they stay that way. "My role is to be the defensive anchor and captain".       <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Jalen-Dickel.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1278286 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Jalen-Dickel-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>Jalen Dickel 6’3 SF 2024 - Dickel seems ready for his first taste of varsity action. "Even though I’m young I’m a leader, and you can always have more leaders". Look to the sophomore to lead from behind the line, as he is one of the top snipers on the team.         Max Romero 6’0 PG 2024 (#22PHN 2024) - Romero is a good young PG, that I saw a lot of in the summer. He should provide ballhandling, and shooting for the squad. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Larod-Sistrunk.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1278287 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Larod-Sistrunk-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>Larod Sistrunk 6’4 PF 2022 - Sistrunk is a high motor, glue guy that could provide depth in both the back and frontcourt. The senior sees his main role as "being a leader that can uplift the team".         Sleeper: <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Jacques-Williams.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1278290 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Jacques-Williams-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="928927" first="Jacques" last="Williams Jr"] 2022 (#35PHN 2022) (feature image) - Two years ago Williams was one of my potential breakout players. Getting his first taste of Varsity action in his senior season, Williams is even hungrier to succeed and prepared to lead. "We’re good enough to compete," says Williams. The senior PG has always been a pitbull on the ball and has the speed and quickness to get consistent paint touches. If he shows those skills this season, then Arbor View will surprise many.,     Top Prospect: <img class="size-medium wp-image-1278291 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Sterling-Knox-2-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />[player_tooltip player_id="1253130" first="Sebastian" last="Knox"] 6’1 CG 2025 - It’s fun to watch Knox’s transition from middle school to high school. Perhaps the biggest transition is the obvious. "Moving from the 3 to the 1," says Knox. For most of his middle school career, he was one of the tallest players on the court. The lefty has a smooth game. While he’s not guaranteed minutes in a loaded backcourt this year, Knox projects as a potential long-term prospect. <a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1"> Follow Prep Hoops</a>