BOYS
Meadowbrook finished 17-7 last year, and this year’s version of the team is going to have to work hard to reach last year’s level of success. They graduated all five starters (Antonio Davis, Khylil James, Tyshawn Jeter, Elijah Baker and Wesley Hardaway), but they should get a boost from James “Amp” Williams who transferred from Clover Hill. The Monarchs ended their season last year in a 63-59 loss to Matoaca, coming in the Conference 12 tournament.
Projected Starting Five
G – Alphonzo Mason
G – Daequan Young
G – James Williams
F – Jordan Jeter
F – Richard Legree
Top Player: James “Amp” Williams is in an interesting situation. He played for the Monarchs in his sophomore year, but had to transfer to Clover Hill for his junior year to play, where he was a top scoring option for the Cavaliers. This year, circumstances allowed for him to return to Meadowbrook to play out his senior year. The 6-4 guard is looking to make a big splash and get himself noticed.
Backcourt: Amp WIlliams’ supporting cast in the backcourt is young. Alphonzo Mason will start in a guard role as a freshman, so the Monarchs will look to him this year and years to come. Daequan Young is a junior who played JV last year, and is ready for his shot at varsity ball.
Frontcourt: Jordan Jeter and Richard Legree are going to be starting at forward positions down low. While this isn’t a huge front court, it includes Legree who’s the leading returning scorer. Long and athletic, Legree will get every opportunity to shine this year.
Bench: Freshman swingman Jamon Battle could be a special player both this season and for Meadowbrook’s future.
Key to Success: Defense. Meadowbrook needs to defend strong the whole game. They have a talented offense, and will look to limit opposing offenses by slowing down the pace of the game.
X-Factor: Versatility. On a team that returns just three players, there are many new faces that are well-rounded players. Some players will have multiple roles this season and should fill out nicely.
Prognosis: There are many gaps to fill this year for Meadowbrook. Amp Williams and Richard Legree will be expected to carry the load early while other players gel and find their roles.
GIRLS
Last year, the Monarchs finished 12-10, exiting the playoffs against Manchester by a score of 56-47. The team did well last year, and the only big loss for the team was do-it-all guard/forward Jourdyn Friend, who is currently playing at Eastern Mennonite University.
Projected Starting Five
G- Nia Jenkins
G- Johnae Holmes
F- Sariah Brown
F- Lauren Ford
C- Teyondra Murray
Top Player: Keep an eye on Nia Jenkins this season. After taking a season off from basketball, she returns to anchor it down at guard. She is a good scorer, and she finds any way she can to put points on the board. Most of all though, Nia will hustle hard on both offense and defense, leading my example.
Backcourt: Johnae Holmes and Nia Jenkins will need to be in shape this year with all of the running they’ll be doing. Coach Daniel Connor says that they want to play a hard pressure defense in the backcourt, and try to create as many easy buckets and fast breaks as they can.
Frontcourt: Lauren Ford and Teyondra Murray are going to be doing a lot of the work down low, and Connor said that those two, along with Sariah Jones will be very important. Connor envisions the pressure defense extending into the front court. On offense, the front court will look to move around and get open on the perimeter and in the post.
Bench: The Monarchs have good depth and an assortment of talented bench options without a sharp drop-off in skill.
Key to Success: The key for the Monarchs this year is to pressure the ball, on the perimeter and inside. Meadowbrook wants to create turnovers and get easy points.
X-Factor: This Meadowbrook team will need to use their great team chemistry for a positive, and improve the chemistry as the season goes on. Coach Daniel Connor believes that the team has great chemistry that will only improve.
Prognosis: The Lady Monarchs look to improve on last year’s 12-10 performance. Losing Friend was a huge hit, but with their experience and the re-addition of Jenkins, Meadowbrook is poised for success.
