After graduating five players from a year ago, Thomas Jefferson looks to reload on the run as the Cavaliers return plenty of experience with the goal of repeating last year’s success.
“I think the boys are excited about the upcoming season,” Thomas Jefferson coach Chris Myers said. “We have had some success over the past few years, and these boys are ready for their opportunity to keep that success going.”
To reach the 20-win mark, though, the Cavaliers will be relying primarily on the inside presence of returning 6-foot-6 all-conference senior center Jay Ball as well as 6-foot-2 all-conference senior G/F Tyler Brouhard. Thomas Jefferson also welcomes back 5-foot-8 senior G Kip Atteberry and 5-foot-10 senior G/F Levi Triplett.
Ball averaged 17 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.4 assists per game a season ago. Brouhard averaged 8.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 blocks and two steals per game last year.
“Our number one strength is our inside game both offensively and defensively,” Myers said. “We have two very proven varsity players in Jay and Tyler, but we will need several other players to step up and fill the void left by last year’s graduating class.
“We are very unproven at the guard position. Our new guards will have to show an ability to handle pressure, and the confidence to get to the rim or hit perimeter shots. I think that confidence will come as the year progresses.”
New additions to make an impact at the varsity level for the Cavaliers figure to be 5-foot-8 senior G Tony Touma, 6-foot-1 sophomore F Ethan Renger, freshman 6-foot-2 F Kohl Thurman and 6-foot-2 senior C Benji Carroll.
“I think we have the pieces to be competitive each night,” Myers said about his expectations for the Cavaliers this season. “We have a solid big man returning, an established shooting guard, and some other players that could step up and help us have a competitive team.”
With several new players getting accustomed to the varsity level this season, it will take time for Thomas Jefferson to gel as a unit. Experience playing together is what builds trust on the court.
“As with any team, our players must buy into their role,” Myers said about the keys for his team’s success. “As stated before, we also must gain confidence quickly at the guard positions in order for us to compete night in and night out.”
Thomas Jefferson opens the season at Exeter on Monday before traveling to Bronaugh on Tuesday. After taking part in the Gem City Classic from Nov. 28 – Dec. 3 in Diamond, Thomas Jefferson is at Everton on Dec. 6 before opening up at home on Dec. 9 against Miami.
