Michael Jordan, “Dr. Dunkenstien”, Dwain Wade, Kobe Bryant, and “Dr. J.” all are the big names of basketball. They are legends, heroes and icons and are forever a part of American history and culture. Unsurprisingly, Tabb High is not without its own legends. Some have been made, some are in the making and a few are still being born.
The Boy’s Varsity Basketball team at Tabb High has an ongoing “tradition of excellence”. Although many of the strong players from last year, such as Jordan Brassell and Alex Vicroy, have graduated and moved on, the team has not suffered any setbacks due to the upcoming JV players and the returning boys from last season’s team.
One out of several rising players is Emmanuel Jones. The 6’2” Junior is definitely ready to take the big step from JV to Varsity athletics. He is anticipating a new season and level of competition. Jones is known for his offensive skills and his “dead on shooting”. His combination of skill makes him a source of discomfort for any opposing teams. In the past two years, Jones has aided the JV team in an undefeated record for two successive seasons.
Although the team is happy to welcome in the new members, it is also happy to welcome back the veterans of seasons past.
6 ‘1” point guard Marcel McGee is known for his speed on the court, leadership in sticky situations and his vast knowledge of the game gained through years of dedicated practice. Marcel says that the sheer size the team has gained through players such as Mims and Smalls give the team an absolute advantage. McGee looks forward to playing with new team members and hopes to make this year the “ year of the Tigers.”
Guard Steven Sherwood is known for his good judgment in the game and his acute scoring ability. At 6 ‘5” Sherwood poses an undeniable threat to this years competition. Sherwood aspires to win districts and qualify for states. He hopes this team will have “chemistry”, which Sherwood says is one of the fundamental parts of a good team. Last season, Sherwood was the Bay River Districts player of the year. He is excited about the new JV players who have moved up for this new season.
“I hope each new teammate will not only bring something to teach, but also be ready and willing to learn and learn,” said Sherwood.
The power forward/ center for the team will be Senior Nick Mims, at 6’4”. The “power” fragment in his position name does not meet disappointment when Mims graces the court. Mims specializes in rebounds and blocking. His rebounds, paired with his uncanny blocking talents, make for a lethal combination. Mims hopes that this season will surmount by far the achievements of last year. Mims makes plans for a better defense and would like to see his team make it all the way to states. Mim expresses the opinion that the new team building good “a strong team core” is a very crucial tool to finishing this season’s journey at states.
Don Smalls is back in the game and ready for whatever the game will throw at him. Smalls’s skills enabled him to make the Varsity team his sophomore year at Tabb. He is ready to “work, learn and win.”
“Smalls is a huge asset to the team, and we are all excited to have him back, he’s kind of like a secret weapon,” said teammate Marcel McGee of the returning player.
Smalls is known far and wide for his fabulous dunking talents.
“ The kid can dunk like it’s his job...One that pays really well,” laughed teammate Nick Mims.
Although the season just kicked off, they are working diligently on their forms and high skill level each afternoon, following a long day of school and hard work. The team is eager to show off their skill and dedication. They hope to do this collectively, working together as a unit, using their individual talents to play up their positions, making the game run smoother for each of the players. If the team lives up to and accomplishes their high standards of accomplishment, they will fulfill exactly what they set out to do.