2008 Kingdom of the Sun Invitational Tourney Preview

December 26-30 ……. Vanguard HS ……Ocala, Florida

Baton Rouge, Louisiana-Christian Life Academy

The “Crusaders were 41-2 last year returning 3 starters.  Coach Todd Foster has built CLA into a 1A state power in “Cajun County”.  His team has won 3 state titles 1996, 2006, and 2007.  This years team lost 57-56 to Austin-East, Tennessee in the finals of the nationally recognized “Rumble of the Ridge” in Arkansas.  All-State 6’3” junior Langston Galloway (21.2 ppg) paces the attack while 6’5” junior Patrick Robinson (12.4 ppg) and 5’10” junior Corey Self (10 ppg) has the experience for another championship run. An 18-1 JV team adds depth to this talented Cajun Club.

Decatur, Georgia-Columbia

After recording a 30-3 record and a 4A state title, the Eagles under Coach Phil McCrary return 3 starters to go along with a group of talented underclassmen.  The Eagles won the coveted Kingdom title in 2005 in an overtime thriller over CLA.  Boasting a tall front line led by 6’5” junior Jershon Cobb (17ppg-6 assists), 6’8” Danelius Sessions (15 ppg) 8 rebounds), and 6’7” junior Pierre Tyson (15 ppg-10 rebounds) usually control inside play.  Add in 6’5” freshman Jordan Price, the number 2 ranked player in the Peach tree state and you can see why the Eagles have reloaded for another championship run.  McCrary enters his 21^st year at the helm of this state powerhouse with an outstanding 428-172 record.

Alpharetta, Georgia-Milton

Coach David Boyd carries a 491-173 record over 24 years of coaching and now enters his 2^nd season leading the Eagles back to prominence in the tough 5A competition in the Peach Tree state.  3 starters return off a solid 12-14 team led by 6’8” sophomore sensation Julian Royal who was named “Freshman of the Year” last season with a 18.3 ppg-11.2 rebound average.  6’4” sophomore Dai Jon Parker is listed top 15 USA in the 2011 class while 6’2” sophomore Shannon Scott, son of former University of North Carolina All-American Charles Scott transferred from Lovett.  Two other senior transfers in 6’ T.J. Williams from Collins Hill and 5’11 Eric White from Campbell will handle the guard chores.

Barrington, Rhode Island - St. Andrews

The “Saints” are known on East coast circles as a cage power under Coach Mike Hart who has a 271-111 record in 14 years.  The “Saints” return 2 senior starters off a 16-16 club in 6’7” senior Russel DeRemer (8ppg-7 rebounds)  and Michael Accaoni (12ppg). 3 new transfers fill a void in depth as 6’7” junior Youri Dascy (10 ppg-8 rebounds) plus a pair of a sophomores in 6’5” Michael LaPlante (18ppg) and 6’3” Michael Carter-Williams (16ppg) bring in a lot of offense ammunition to the program.

Cincinnati, Ohio- LaSalle

The 2006 Kingdom Champions return to Ocala again for their 6^th appearance in Ocala.  The Lancers went 13-10 lat year in the tough Cincinnati Catholic league and return two starters. Bowling Green University signee 6’7” senior Dan McElroy (14.2ppg – 6.2 rebounds) will lead the offensive attack while team mate 5’6” senior Jordan Crawford (11ppg) will help direct the offense with 6’2” sophomore Ryan Flemimg. 6’3” sophomore Brandon Neel can score and 6’5” senior Austin Cummer will help inside.  Coach Dan Fleming is a fixture on the Kingdom sideline and has a 257-173 overall coaching record in 20 years.

St. Petersburg-Lakewood

The “Spartans” have become a frequent visitor to Kingdom wars.  Under the direction of Coach Danny Wright who has compiled an envious 628-264 record over 33 years of coaching.  This years quintet will have 2 states return off a 5A region 3 championship club that ran off a 29-3 record.  6’3” senior Shamon Cox (11ppg) and 6’2” junior Dominic Lane (9 ppg) will pace a small but quick defense lineup.  5’9” senior transfer Justin Minnis (8ppg) from St. Pete High and 6’2” junior Ladarius will contribute heavily.

Pensacola High School

One of the top in-state powers out of the Panhandle in the 2008 KOS field.  4 starters return off an outstanding 25-4 team led by the 1-2 offensive scoring punch of a pair of seniors in 6’6” Terrance Beasley (13 ppg- 8 rebounds) who signed with Florida International University and 6’6” Erin Straughn (19 ppg-8 rebounds) who signed with East Carolina University. The “Tigers” are coached by highly successful mentor Bob Stinnett who won both a state Junior College championship and a prep state title coaching 17 years compiling a 335-130 record.

Jacksonville-Wolfson

Another in-state powerhouse from the River City.  The “Wolfpack” racked up a 24-6 record before losing in the region playoffs.  The “Pack” returns all 5 starters led by 6’6” junior Aaron Bowen (18ppg) who has committed early to Marquette University and 6’7” senior Chris Rozier (14ppg).  A pair of a seniors in 6’7” Sheddrick Coleman (8ppg) and 6’6” Brett Roberts (9ppg) make the Pack’s inside attack strong. Coach Bruce Rosebrock has been at the helm for 17 years compiling a 377-117 record. He led Wolfson to a 1997 title behind University of Alabama star Kenny Walker.

 Williston

The “Red Devils”  are becoming a recognized power in 3A sunshine state hoops.  Last years team logged a 21-8 record advancing into the regional semi-finals.  4 starters return touting an all underclassmen  lineup.  A trio of juniors in 6’1” Issac Floyd (10ppg),  6”1” Deonte Welch (13ppg) and 6’1” Kelcey Coleman (7ppg) will lead the way.  6’5” sophomore James Hunt gives the Devils an inside presence.  The “Devils” are recently crowned champions of the Tim Brinkley Memorial Tournament.

 Lecanto

The “Panthers” are a first time entry into the Kingdom.  Compiling a nifty 28-1 record losing in the 4A regional semifinals last season. They return 4 starters off a talented quintet with 4 seniors 5’9” Nick Cortez (20pg),  6’2” Elijah Bradley (13ppg),  and Stephen Buckley(8ppg) will provide leadership. Depth will be a luxury as a group of young guns come up off a 20-0 JV team. Coach Chris Nichols has an overall 242-208 record in 19 years leading Lecanto.

North Marion

The “Colts” are a fixture  in Kingdom lore because of its proximity to the northside of Ocala and the intense rivalry of former deceased Coach Tim Brinkley who passed away in a tragic automobile accident.  Coach Dave Waters has a mixture of senior leadership  in 5’11”  Eddie Rocker (5ppg) plus an abundance of youth in 5’10” junior Brandon Carr (7ppg) along with  two talented freshman who enter  the fray in 6’3” Sean Price and 5’7” Markell Hawkins who have brought energy to the program.

Gainesville-The Rock School

The “Lions” are a 1A state power under Coach Svend Wilbekin who has compiled a 153-97 record over 11 years at the helm.  Two starters return off a 15-7 club but has a solid starting group led by 6’2” sophomore Scottie Wilbekin (14ppg- 6 assists) and 6’5” junior Vlad Kondratyer (8ppg) who signed with Bryant University in Rhode Island.  6’5” junior Ray Velez has vastly improved to help provide depth that is needed.

Orlando-University High

The Cougars are another first time entry into the Kingdom field.  Coming off a 17-11 record returning 3 starters, the “Cougars” are looking for another winning campaign.  Three seniors will pave the way in 6’5” Darrick Evan (18ppg – 8 rebounds), 6’ Evan Jones (14 ppg) and 6’1” Kelvin Harden (9ppg-8rebounds).

Lake Butler-Union County

The “Tigers”  makes their first appearance in the Kingdom under new head Coach Jonathon Willis.  Coming off a successful 17-10 campaign it will be a completely new look as 2 starters return in a rebuilding year.  6’1” junior Marcus Albritton and 6’1” Alvin Jernigan will provide leadership for the new additions.

Gainesville Eastside

The “Rams” are known for intensity on both sides of the ball under Coach “Pop” Williams. Last years club went 17-10 and return four starters. The junior guard combo of 6’2” Dennis Mavin and 5’10” Jerrod Owens are quick as lightning and have been two year Varsity starters. 6’3” Junior Caesar Wright is an athletic inside player and newcomer 6’1” Freshman Rajon Armstrong fits right. A winning JV team at 12-7 will provide the depth to a potent speedy group.

Ocala Vanguard (Host)

The “Knights” are always a tough opponent on their home court and are coming off a 15-12 campaign returning 3 starters. 5’10” sophomore guard Brandon Farmer (11.5ppg) started as a Frosh last season gaining valuable varsity experience. A pair of seniors in 6’4” Terrant Hamilton (7ppg-7 rebounds) and Justin Gunsby (6ppg) will hopefully guide a young group of talented sophomores led by  6’2” Marcus Hagins, and  6’ Tikeem Platt. Coach Jim Haley enters his 36^th season in leading the Knights to a 650-384 record along with 3 state titles.