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Basketball
US National High School Preview Series
Thu, October 31, 2024 at 08:10 AM . California
The Olympian High School boys basketball team is ready to hit the court once again, and the buzz around the team is building. With a strong group of returning players and some promising new additions, this season is shaping up to be a memorable one for the Eagles. Coach Marty Ellis has been hard at work preparing his team for the challenges that await them, and he gave us some insights on what fans can expect to see on the court this year. The Eagles are fortunate to have a talented core of returning players from last season, who are expected to make a big impact on the team's success. Coach Ellis highlighted five key players who he believes will lead the charge on the court this year. First and foremost is JJ Walker, who plays the vital point guard position for the team. Coach Ellis describes him as the glue that keeps the team together, orchestrating the offense and stepping up as a leader when needed. Next up is Tristan Anderson, known as the defense catalyst of the team. Coach Ellis emphasizes his importance in setting the tone for the rest of the team and stresses that for the team to succeed, they will need Anderson to perform at his best. Sammel Humphries, who is dubbed "Mr. Offense" by Coach Ellis, is looking to emerge as a lockdown defender this year, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court. Xaiver King and Yaseen Chemsi, the two big men on the team, are also expected to step up and contribute in a significant way. Coach Ellis notes that they have been working hard on their skills and conditioning since May, and he's looking forward to seeing them step into key roles this season. In addition to the returning players, Coach Ellis also mentioned a few newcomers who he believes will make an immediate impact on the team. Mathew Hurtes, Koa Cardena, and Nijil Sherrard, who played together for the Prospects team under Coach Will Grey, are all friends who have known each other since they were five years old. Coach Ellis gives credit to Coach Grey for keeping them together and is excited for them to join the team this season. As the leader of the team, Coach Ellis emphasizes the importance of having a strong and positive team captain. He looks for qualities such as strong communication skills, a positive attitude, a good work ethic, and the ability to lead by example.