Turkey Tourney Preview: The Wayne City Indians

Wayne City Coach Jeff Morris sent this to me he said it was from a local paper where he filled out a questionnaire.  I assume the Wayne County Press

How many starters did you lose from last season?

We lost four starters and some valuable players off the bench.  The lone returning starter from last year’s team is Jaxon King.

Who, if you have an idea yet, do you look for to fill those roles?

I look for Senior Remington Henson to step into a starting position.  He is a big body that should supply a solid inside presence.  Transfer  (Overton High School, Memphis, TN)  Jayzale O’Neal (Junior) is extremely quick and has great court instincts.  I look for him to share duties at PG with King.   Juniors Dane Horton and Dalton Smith are both high energy players that are very athletic.  Sophmore Travis Dickey has really improved and will be able to spread the floor with his ability to shoot.  Junior, Nate Barbee is a high energy defensive specialist who should be able provide depth at the guard position.  Foreign exchange student Enrico Carbonetti has been impressive in practice and has shown good instincts on both sides of the basketball.  Several other players will provide valuable minutes in the rotation.

What areas do you look to improve on from last year?

Wayne City was really good last year.  To try and compare a team with so much experience to a team with so little varsity experience returning would be a little unfair.  Ultimately, we are going to work hard and try to get better every day.  Best case scenario, we are playing our best basketball by seasons end.

Who do you see being leaders on this team?

I look for King to be our floor leader with his previous varsity experience and high basketball IQ.  I also look for O’Neal to help lead the team, he has already shown his ability to communicate and help other players in practice.  Henson will also supply senior leadership for the team.

What style of game do you want to play this season?

On the defensive side we want to pressure the ball and play tough hard nose defense.  Offensively we would like to push the basketball in transition, but look for a high percentage shot if nothing is available on the break.

 

What are some goals you have for this season?

We haven’t really sat down and talked a whole lot about team goals for the upcoming season.   I believe most teams’ main goal for season is winning a Regional Championship and see what happens after that.   I think competing for MTC Conference among other tournaments would be our secondary goals.  I just try to tell the kids to work hard and get better every day.

What are the biggest challenges you face coming into a new program?

I would say the biggest obstacle is that everything will be new for both the kids and me.  I didn’t get hired until after summer contact day period and didn’t have any days to work with or see them play. The kids are learning a new system and how I expect things to be done.  I’m trying to learn about all the kids and their strengths and weaknesses.  Trying to do this and have a game after 2 weeks of practice is tough.  The kids have had a great attitude about everything and are working extremely hard.

What are you looking forward to the most, coming into a new program?

I enjoy the challenge and the process of being a part of a new program. The kids are extremely excited about what we are trying to do.    It’s definitely going to be a challenge, but if the kids continue to work we should have successful year.

 

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