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November 21, 2009 Cartersville, Georgia
SPORTS
Cass looks to add to last year
Cass’ Tarris Batiste puts up a shot against Cartersville at home last year. SKIP BUTLER/skip.butler@daily-tribune.com
If you look up the word adversity in the dictionary, the Cass Colonels' first-round playoff game at Loganville last year would have mirrored the definition. Down by more than 20 points with 5:24 to go in the game, the Colonels fought their way back to win the game in overtime and advance to the second round.
This year, the Colonels will look to build on that experience in hopes of not only making the playoffs, but going further than they did last year. With new head coach Greg Scott and three returning starters, Cass seems to have all of the pieces in place.
"Some things will be familiar from last year, but we'll also do some things different," Scott said. "We're going to play up-tempo on both sides of the ball."
Cass returns 6-foot-3-inch center Henry Shepherd, 6-foot-2-inch guard Tarris Batiste and 6-foot 3-inch forward Jarette Rhine to the starting lineup. The Colonels also have four transfers that will see time in the rotation.
Landon Killian (Excel Christian) will take up space on the inside at 6 feet 4 inches, while Jay Stephens (Darlington), Steven Nation (Rockmart) and Zell Morris (Cartersville) should see significant action along the perimeter. Shawn Souvannaraj, Sam Taylor and Trey Walker are also returning for the Colonels, giving them 10 players that Scott can confidently put out on the court.
"We're excited about this year," Scott said. "We have a good mixture of players."
Scott said the experience factor is going to be key for his team.
"That's one thing we won't have to worry about," he said. "Our guys know how to play in close games. We played in 10 games decided by five points or less last year, so that will help us.
"These guys got a taste of the state playoffs last year, and they want to go back. They know we'll have to work to get back there since we're in such a tough region."
Last year, Region 7-AAAA parity was evident as teams 2-11 could beat each other on any given night.
"Hillgrove is No. 1 in the region and return a lot from last year," Scott said. "Dalton and Sprayberry will be tough again. Sequoyah and Rome were young last year, so they have a lot returning. It's going to be another year where anybody can beat anybody.
"That's why it's important to win your home games in region play and then try to win some on the road. You only get to play each team once in region play, so each of those games will be important."
Scott believes there are two x-factors for the Colonels this year. He said the Colonels have to create offense from their defense and they have to shoot the ball well from the perimeter.
"We have all of the makings for a team that is good in the paint," he said. "We're going to play an inside-out game, but when the ball is on the perimeter, we have to make our shots."
With five guys that can score inside, Scott is confident in their ability to get points in the paint.
"They're going to get a lot of points if they play the way we know they're capable of playing," he said.
The Colonels will kick off the season Nov. 28 at Woodland, with a home game against Adairsville scheduled for Dec. 4.
This year, the Colonels will look to build on that experience in hopes of not only making the playoffs, but going further than they did last year. With new head coach Greg Scott and three returning starters, Cass seems to have all of the pieces in place.
"Some things will be familiar from last year, but we'll also do some things different," Scott said. "We're going to play up-tempo on both sides of the ball."
Cass returns 6-foot-3-inch center Henry Shepherd, 6-foot-2-inch guard Tarris Batiste and 6-foot 3-inch forward Jarette Rhine to the starting lineup. The Colonels also have four transfers that will see time in the rotation.
Landon Killian (Excel Christian) will take up space on the inside at 6 feet 4 inches, while Jay Stephens (Darlington), Steven Nation (Rockmart) and Zell Morris (Cartersville) should see significant action along the perimeter. Shawn Souvannaraj, Sam Taylor and Trey Walker are also returning for the Colonels, giving them 10 players that Scott can confidently put out on the court.
"We're excited about this year," Scott said. "We have a good mixture of players."
Scott said the experience factor is going to be key for his team.
"That's one thing we won't have to worry about," he said. "Our guys know how to play in close games. We played in 10 games decided by five points or less last year, so that will help us.
"These guys got a taste of the state playoffs last year, and they want to go back. They know we'll have to work to get back there since we're in such a tough region."
Last year, Region 7-AAAA parity was evident as teams 2-11 could beat each other on any given night.
"Hillgrove is No. 1 in the region and return a lot from last year," Scott said. "Dalton and Sprayberry will be tough again. Sequoyah and Rome were young last year, so they have a lot returning. It's going to be another year where anybody can beat anybody.
"That's why it's important to win your home games in region play and then try to win some on the road. You only get to play each team once in region play, so each of those games will be important."
Scott believes there are two x-factors for the Colonels this year. He said the Colonels have to create offense from their defense and they have to shoot the ball well from the perimeter.
"We have all of the makings for a team that is good in the paint," he said. "We're going to play an inside-out game, but when the ball is on the perimeter, we have to make our shots."
With five guys that can score inside, Scott is confident in their ability to get points in the paint.
"They're going to get a lot of points if they play the way we know they're capable of playing," he said.
The Colonels will kick off the season Nov. 28 at Woodland, with a home game against Adairsville scheduled for Dec. 4.
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