Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/915021
28 UCW DECEMBER 13 - 19, 2017 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS GIRLS Coach: Jennifer Lance Penfield Top returners: Lachyna Mack, Sr., 5-3, G; Amor'e Kirkland, 8th, 5-1, G; Kendall Macauley, So., 5-5, G; Ayanna Williams, 8th, 5-8, C; Khalan Williams, 8th, 5-4, G. Top newcomers: Niesha Chapman, Fr., 5-7, G; Lauren Rogers, Sr., 5-8, C; Eveline Elsie, So., 6-3, C; Cherish Webb, Jr., 5-7, F; Alaniye' Kirkland, Jr., 5-6, F. Coach's comment : "We are looking to be quick in the open court and a force inside. We have a group of experienced leaders and a group of newcomers who I expect to come in and be an immedi- ate impact on the court. We do not have a lot of experience down low in the paint, but we expect to run the ball and get quick shots.'' BOYS Coach: Dan Pruessner Top returners: Jamahri Harvey, 6-4, Jr.; Milos Stajcic, 6-9, F, Sr.; Manrique Alvarado, 5-10, G, So.; Brandon Murray, 6-5, G, Jr.; Miles Ray, 6-3, F, Jr. Top newcomers: Aymeric Toussaint, 6-8, So.; Jamel Carter, 5-9, So. Coach's comment: "With only three returners, it may take a little while to gel. However, we should be able to compete toward the end of the season.'' GIRLS Coach: Donald T. Moore Top returners: Arielle Wilson, 6-5, Sr., G; Ciara Moore, 5-8, Jr., G; Jason Nolin, 5-10, Fr.; Kendal Moore, 5-6, Jr., G; Shenell Davis, 5-10, Sr., G. Top newcomers: Ally McMillian, 5-10, Fr., C. Coach's comment : "We return four starters, two skilled, elite point guards, and another athletic guard who led the team in rebounding and steals last year. In the middle, we have a 6-5 premier shot blocker who is a problem in the paint and can score beyond the arc.'' BOYS Coach: Corey Baker Top returners: Immanuel Bates, 6-11, Sr., C/F; Travon Jackson, 6-3, So., F; Jay Hickman, 6-1, So., G; Brandon Franklin, 6-9, Jr., G. Top newcomers: John Michael Wright, 6-1, Jr., G; Ian Steere, 6-9, Sr., F; Josh Nickelberry, 6-5, Jr., G. Coach's comment: "This team is very athletic. They are very coachable with a willingness to learn, as individual play- ers as well as a team, what it takes to get better as an athlete and also as a team. We are rebuilding the team. With the restructure of any team, they have to become unified. That doesn't happen overnight. I'm looking forward to having a very good year. Once we come together as one and can keep the team healthy, we are going to be very hard to beat.'' Freedom Christian basketball preview by EARL VAUGHAN JR. Northwood Temple Academy basketball preview by EARL VAUGHAN JR. Girls' basketball coach Jennifer Lance Penfield Girls' basketball coach Donald T. Moore Top returner Kendal Moore Boys' basketball coach Corey Baker Top returner Lachyna Mack Top returner Jamahri Harvey Boys' basketball coach Dan Pruessner