When you lose a player like Justin Brown – one of the area’s top players, who averaged 20 points a game – you’ve got some adjustments to make. Briarwood Christian coach Bobby Kerley hopes to do that by leaning on his big man inside.
Brown transferred to Spain Park, which is good news for the Jaguars. Not so good for the Lions.
But Kerley has 6-foot-8 center Thomas Collier.
“Thomas Collier will be the centerpiece of the team,” Kerley said. “His ability to score around the rim, rebound at a high level and defend our rim [is] critical to our success.”
Kerley also has an outstanding perimeter threat.
“Senior Jeffrey Travis, a 5-8 shooting guard, is one of the best shooters in the county and will start,” Kerley said. Senior David Corbin, 6-4, 185, will start at power forward. “He is a terrific athlete, rebounder and defensive player,” the coach said.
There are six seniors on the team. Guards Luke Dyson and Drew Bonner and center RJ Jennings will provide much-needed experience and depth.
Even with all of that senior leadership, two sophomores will play critical roles for the Lions. Carson Donnelly will start at point guard and Brayden Blythe will be a key piece of the puzzle as he plays multiple positions, Kerley said.
The fifth starter had yet to be determined heading into the season.
There are three juniors on the team. Forward Luke Miskelley and guards Barrett Tindall and Tripp Burns will contribute off the bench.
Some key players – about half the roster – were still on the football field until the Nov. 13 playoff loss to Austin, so they’ll take a while to round into round-ball shape. They’ll need to do it quickly, because the schedule started off fast and furious with six games in eight days just a week after the football season ended.
The Lions, 14-14 last season, do look to be a decent shooting team, but not the most athletic in the area, which includes Final Four participant Homewood, Pelham with star big man Alex Reese and John Carroll Catholic in Class 6A, Area 9.