Hoops preview: Chelsea boys aiming to continue upward trend

The Chelsea High School boys basketball program has not often garnered widespread attention. Prior to last season, the Hornets program had only achieved a winning season once, had never won a regular season tournament and had not been ranked in the top 10 often.

All three of those things were achieved last season. In Nick Baumbaugh’s third season as head coach, Chelsea set a school record with 19 wins. The Hornets also won the UMS-Wright Christmas Classic tournament, and they were ranked in the Class 6A top 10 much of the season.

The Hornets still didn’t garner much attention thanks to playing in Area 8 with Pelham and Helena, two of the state’s top teams last winter.

“Just a great year in every regard except for the playoffs, and we just didn’t get to experience what we experienced the previous two years [when Chelsea qualified for the playoffs],” Baumbaugh said. 

Chelsea has to replace eight seniors from last year’s squad, most notably four-year starter and unquestioned leader Joseph Lanzi, who is now at Hillcrest Prep in Arizona.

Sam Towery, Josh Hanna and Tyler Coleman are guys who will be asked to step up and shoulder their portion of the load this season. 

“Our expectations for Sam Towery are really, really high this year in every aspect,” Baumbaugh said. “I’m not asking him to fill Joe’s shoes — I don’t think that’s possible — but we’re expecting him to be our leader, with the help of the seniors.”

Towery and Hanna started all of last year, while Coleman came off the bench the latter half of the season because of the spark he could provide offensively. All three are expected to start this season.

Other seniors on the team include Jonah Moore, Colby Lambert and Cole Glandon, and all six are expected to provide a significant impact. Moore is 6-foot-6 and can play inside or outside. Lambert specializes in the 3-point shot, and Glandon is a post player who provides a lift off the bench.

Robert Marquet, Daniel Washington, Matthew Lanzi, Nyles Macon and Turner Griffin are other players who should provide support on the varsity team.

“I’m looking forward to seeing who steps up from the leadership role,” Baumbaugh said.

Even with the roster turnover, Baumbaugh said the Hornets would keep things largely the same this season.

“Our philosophy’s not going to change a whole lot,” he said. “I believe what we do works. Our guys like what we do. Obviously, we’re going to put in a few different wrinkles with it.”

The challenge of getting out of the area will be tough once again, even with the departure of Pelham star Alex Reese.

“This area is so well-coached,” Baumbaugh said. “Coach [Chris] Laastch and Coach [Joel] Floyd do such a good job. But this year, there’s an expectation of getting out with this group that we’ve got. I’m sure they’re saying the same thing.”

Chelsea has improved its schedule this season, adding the likes of Clay-Chalkville, Homewood, Vestavia Hills and Columbia to the slate. 

The Hornets begin the season at Vestavia Hills on Nov. 9.