With a relatively disappointing 10-12 season last year, Meadowbrook under second-year head coach Sam Bryant will look to push their players to improve to make the playoffs and become contenders, after failing to qualify in 2018-19.
Departures: Isaiah Richardson, Alphonzo Mason, Kelly Jones Jr., Duane Watkins.
Richardson will be playing for Erie Community College, Mason for Coastal Florida Prep, and Jones Jr. for Fork Union Academy. Watkins will be attending Norfolk State University just as a student.
Returning players: Lamondre Gregg, Sincere Clark, Ezekial Edwards, Gary Ampy, and James Patterson.
Backcourt: The Monarchs’ backcourt includes seniors Gregg and Ampy, and new transfer Lorenzo Minter. Gregg is noted to have improved both offensively and defensively over the offseason and will be looked at as one of their best players coming into the new season. With Ampy, his utilization on defense that creates more offense will be specially noted. In his first transfer year with Meadowbrook, Minter is seen as a new floor general who can fill a leadership role for the team.
Front court: On the low block, Bryant will have seniors Edwards and Clark, as well as junior Patterson. Contributing as an under the basket player last year, Edwards looks to be a multi-faceted offensive player, most notably improving his range coming into the season. However, the Monarchs and Bryant will continue to feed off of his aggressive defensive presence and dominant rebounding. The other returning starter from last year’s team, Clark, will be expected to lead Meadowbrook in both rebounding and blocks. On the wing is Patterson, who, defensively, will be able to the one through four positions on the court. Creating his offense from his defense, he uses his length well on both ends.
With their season last year, the Monarchs and coach Bryant will try to become a more disciplined team and learn how to finish games properly.
“We still have a lot of work to do and we’re still learning new roles, responsibilities, and chemistry,” said Bryant. “If we continue to work hard, it could be an exciting season for Meadowbrook.”
Bryant chooses to believe that last year was simply a building block for their success and that incorporating both new and old philosophies will be key.
If Meadowbrook puts trust in each other and their processes, look for the Monarchs to put a great season together.
