After finishing the season 15-15 last year, head coach Jim Rhodes brings intrigue this year with this team but the Lions will also have a new feel to them as well. This year’s team will play smaller but Hickory Grove Christian will have plenty of ball handlers. It will also depend on who will step up this year for the Lions.
Let’s dive into the roster for this year’s team.
2021 G 6’4 AJ Smith
Smith will be the start for this team one again, after averaging 25 points per game last year as a sophomore. He will once again be a downhill bull getting to the rim and that could be even more true with his 6’4, 208-pound frame. Smith is continuing to work on becoming an even better jumper shooter and the improvements are noticeable. With losses from last year’s team, Smith will be in the running as one of the leading scorers in the state and his recruitment should continue to see a rise this season.
2021 G 6’3 Chas Stetson
Stetson is another prospect to watch that will be depended on heavily to step up. As coach says, he can do it all and will need to with the lack of size at times in the starting rotation. But Stetson has a 6’7 wingspan, scores the ball, solid ball-handler, and can rebound. He is a do-it-all type prospect and a double-double type guy for the Lions this year.
2022 G 5’10 DJ Cuttino
This young guard could be regarded as one of the best shooters on the team and he showed why in the open gym. He is a sound guard, plays with a smooth feel especially on his release, and can consistently be a three-point threat from the floor.
2021 5’11 Jorjon Nelson
Just another shooter for this squad. When talking to coach Rhodes about Nelson, he said that once he passes half court, he is in range. No matter where he is, he can let it fly. As mentioned above as well, he is just yet another player than can bring the ball up and initiate the offense.
2021 6’2 Jasiah Wilson
Coaches are always loving and wanting a glue-type player on their team. Well, Wilson is that guy. He just creates positives plays for this team, as well as bring a little size. He can score the ball when the opportunity is there but also make a difference on the defensive end.
Also keep tabs of a few other players that weren’t able to participate in the open gym but also provide depth for this roster, as 2020 6’0 Harris Russell, 2022 6’5 Sony Jackson, and 2021 Paul Moss should see action. Jackson plays football but also has played basketball in the past, as he should help with the size lost from last year.