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Boys basketball: Supersize: The Colony lack varsity experience, not size
BY JUSTIN THOMAS, jthomas@acnpapers.com
With just three returnees, there are plenty of fresh faces on the court as the season begins for The Colony's varsity boys basketball team.
But with as much height as they've ever had, as well as plenty of capable scorers, Cougar coach Cleve Ryan is hopeful The Colony can repeat its recent success.
The Cougars have reached the playoffs in at least each of the past five seasons, including deep runs in the past two years. Two seasons ago, the Cougars advanced to the semifinals of the Class 4A State Tournament. Last year, The Colony won four postseason games before bowing out in the regional finals against Fort Worth Arlington Heights.
"Things change every year and we're still trying to figure out where everyone fits," Ryan said. "But that's part of the fun. You have to try and play and grow as a team and sometimes that takes time.
"I definitely happy with the start we've had. But it's still early and each game brings out something different. We still have a lot to work on."
Returnees for the Cougars include point guard Kendall Jones, forward Antoine Burrell and guard Jonathan Gentry. Last season, Burrell garnered second-team all district honors, as did Jones.
Newcomers to the varsity include guards Blake Goddard, Jared Wiseman, Cameron Williams and Bobby White; forwards Damien McIntosh and Zach Leday; and posts Aaron Miller and Steven Hedrington.
"We've have 11 guys on varsity that I feel can contribute," Ryan said. "And we're more heavy on four's (forwards) and five's (centers) than we've ever been. They can all help out and should benefit us defensively and with rebounds."
However, don't anticipate the increase in height to drastically alter The Colony's approach.
"We're going to keep trying to do what we've done," Ryan said. "There are always adjustments you make based on your personnel."
Led by Burrell, and with plenty of depth, The Colony appears to be well-equipped in the post.
However, the squad is more than capable of receiving production from its backcourt members and wings.
"We're going to play inside out but we have guys that can shoot the ball," Ryan said.
Zach Leday, in his first season on varsity after spending last year on junior varsity, has averaged 30.3 points per game in The Colony's first three contests. Wiseman has also hit "big shots" en route to posting nine points in the win against Lakeview, while Burrell and White posted 15 and 11 points, respectively, in the win over Frisco. McIntosh chipped in 19 points against the Trojans.
"It's good to see different guys you can count on at this point of the year," Ryan said.
Jones, meanwhile, continues to thrive running the offense.
"He does a good job of handling the point and getting everyone involved," Ryan said. "He's a pass-first point guard and then he's a pass-second point guard. We're actually working with him on being ready to shoot a little more. He's just so unselfish."
While the offense is making strides, defense is always Ryan and The Colony's top priority.
"It still needs to improve," Ryan said, "but I've been pleased with the effort I've seen. The offense is sometimes ahead of the defense this early, but we're always working on our defense."
The Colony faced Creekview Tuesday (results not available as of press time) and continues at 7:30 p.m. next Tuesday against Hebron.
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