Boys 2011-2012 high school basketball preview

Join Larry Rubama for a live chat on high school basketball at 12:30 p.m. today.

FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Exit McAdoo, Finney-Smith

Former high school All-Americans James McAdoo of Norfolk Christian and Dorian Finney-Smith of Norcom have graduated and moved on to North Carolina and Virginia Tech, respectively. Who will be the next stars of South Hampton Roads?

Who’s the next state champ?

South Hampton Roads teams have won seven Group AAA state titles since 1999, and Norcom won a second straight last season. The Greyhounds also became the first repeat state champion since Woodside in 2004 and ’05. No team has won three in a row since the start of the Group AAA format in 1971.

Will Southside get shut out of the state tournament?

Not since the 2002 season, when Woodside and Heritage advanced, has a team from South Hampton Roads not made the state tournament. But there are whispers it could happen this season with five strong teams in the Peninsula District: Phoebus, Kecoughtan, Menchville, Woodside and Hampton.

Must-see events

The area’s top teams are showcased all winter: Dec. 17 at the Virginia Showcase Battle of the Bay; Jan. 7 at the second annual Seven Cities Roundball Classic; and the VirginiaPreps.com Classic on Jan. 7 and Jan. 28.

Milestones

Leroy Ricks, now in his ninth season at Deep Creek, is one victory from 100 career wins. Lakeland coach James Jones, who also coached at Franklin for 11 seasons, is three victories short of 300.

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SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT

Five players you need to know

• Nansemond River G Dontrell Brite, a 5-10 senior, was second-team All-Southeastern District last season.
• Nansemond River G Shannon Evans, a 6-1 senior, averaged 12.8 points last season.
• King’s Fork F Zach Johnson, a 6-4 senior, averaged 15.6 points a game last season and has signed with Army.
• Great Bridge G Taj Owens, a 5-11 senior, averaged 20 points to earn All-Eastern Region and All-Southeastern District honors last season.
• Oscar Smith F Chris Williams, a 6-5 senior, averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds last season.

PREDICTIONS

Last season’s records in parentheses

1. Nansemond River (21-6 overall, 15-3 district) Coach Ed Young returns four starters. Senior guards Dontrell Brite and Shannon Evans will provide a solid 1-2 punch. Brite averaged nearly 12 points a game, but also had seven assists and four steals a game. Evans was the second-leading scorer on the team with nearly 13 points a game. Also watch for 6-3 senior F Michael Copeland and 6-5 senior F John Joyce.

2. Great Bridge (13-9, 11-7) Expectations are high for the Wildcats, who last season went on a late roll, winning six of the final nine games to make the Eastern Region tournament. The Wildcats return four starters, led by senior Taj Owens. Others are 6-9 senior C Emerson Burk, 6-2 junior G Andre Banks and 6-0 sophomore G Marcus Evans. Coach Gary Obenour enters the season with 138 career wins.

3. Oscar Smith (18-9, 12-6) Oscar Smith is coming off the school’s first tournament title since 1997 and just the fourth ever. Coach LaVar Griffin believes the Tigers will be contenders again and could challenge for the team’s first regular-season title. Three starters are back, including 6-5 senior F Chris Williams, who signed with Johnson C. Smith. Transfers Kaniya Anderson (Lake Taylor), Jeff Woods (Deep Creek) and Raekwon Johnson (Norview) also will help.

4. King’s Fork (17-6, 14-4) Led by 6-4 F Zach Johnson, coach Joshua Worrell expects King’s Fork to play fast. Other players to watch include 5-10 G C.J. Hailes, 6-0 G Jaylen White and 6-3 F Byron Taylor. The Bulldogs are looking to bounce back after missing the region tournament last season.

5. Western Branch (6-17, 5-13) Four starters return from a team that many think will be much improved. It starts with 6-3 senior F Rashon Woody (15 ppg, 7 rpg) and 6-4 junior F Jashad Jamison (9 ppg, 8 rpg, 4 bpg). Also watch for 5-11 junior G Demonte Burns, 6-1 junior G C.J. Thomas and 6-1 senior G Ryne Andrews. Coach Chris Fuhrmann: “We feel we can contend for a district championship this year.”

6. Indian River (11-12, 10-9) The Braves graduated All-District players Rodney Livingston and Keon Tatem. But coach Chavez Mabry believes this team may have more chemistry. It starts with senior Darryl Fuller (10 ppg). Senior forwards Jerrod Thomas and Vernon Washington must contribute on the boards, and senior guards Dwight Cherry and Juwan Alvarado also will be counted on.

7. Deep Creek (8-13, 7-11) Hornets coach Leroy Ricks will rely on senior guards Devaun Straw and Melvin Smith. One player he’s expecting big things from is 6-4 sophomore G Marcellis Perkins, whom Ricks thinks could become Deep Creek’s next big college recruit.

8. Grassfield (12-13, 10-12) The Grizzlies played well in several offseason camps and leagues, and coach Andy Schwerzler hopes that translates into victories. The returners: 6-0 senior G Daris Montgomery (8 ppg), 6-2 senior F Chris Smalls, 6-3 senior F Rod McKinley and 6-2 junior F Demond Dowson.

9. Lakeland (10-13, 9-9) The trio of 6-4 senior G Marchial Walden (11 ppg, 6 rpg), 6-4 senior F Rodney Goodman (9.7 ppg, 7 rpg) and 5-10 junior G Sampson Worrell (8.2 ppg) is back. Also watch for sophomore G Khalil Carroll and junior F Rodney Stith.

10. Hickory (8-14, 6-12) Mark Pearman replaces Shane Smith, who stepped down as coach after seven seasons. The Hawks graduated leading scorer Michael Foley (20.5 ppg). Zach Inman, a 6-4 senior forward, and Deante Gregory, a 6-2 senior guard, must pick up the scoring slack. Pearman also will count on senior Terrence Gray, 5-9 point guard, to lead the team offensively and defensively.

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BEACH DISTRICT

FIVE PLAYERS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• First Colonial G DeAndre Barber, a 6-0 junior, was second-team All-Beach last season.
• Green Run F Mark Hall, a 6-4 senior, averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds to earn second-team All-Beach District honors.
• Landstown G Sedric Nady, a 6-1 senior, averaged 15 points at Cox and was an All-Beach District pick.
• Kellam F Ramone Snowden, a 6-5 junior, averaged 12 points and helped the Knights win the Beach District regular-season and tournament titles.
• Salem G Divante Walker, a 5-11 senior, averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds to earn first-team All-Beach District honors.

PREDICTIONS

Last season’s records in parentheses

1. Kellam (27-1 overall, 18-0 district) The Knights were the first Beach District team to go into the Eastern Region tournament unbeaten since Salem in 2000. Kellam graduated several players, including all-state selection Trey Freeman, but the Knights return 6-5 F Ramone Snowden, 6-7 F Chris Garner and guards Ifeanyi Osuchukwu and Dean Moroccu.

2. Landstown (18-8, 14-4) Coach Dwight Robinson said the Eagles “will be talented, quick and athletic.” They are led by senior point guard Darren Roberson, who could emerge as one of the top players in the district. One key addition is guard Sedric Nady, a transfer from Cox. Also watch for 6-3 senior F Tim Marshall, freshman C Darius Bolstad and F Jahnathan Maxwell.

3. Green Run (8-14, 7-11) The Stallions could be the surprise of the district. They already had talent coming back in 6-4 F Mark Hall (17 ppg, 10 rpg). Junior F Lequon Thomas (4 spg) is the team’s best defender and sophomore Tyler Blount averaged 12 points while hitting 40 3-pointers as a freshman. Plus, 6-3 sophomore Keon Buchanan transferred from Maury.

4. First Colonial (10-13, 8-8) Coach Mark Butts said this team is his best group since the district-winning 2007 squad. The Patriots have good size, good shooters and boast five players taller than 6-4. Butts considers DeAndre Barber one of the best point guards in the state. Seniors Avion Jones and Trevor Small averaged eight points a game last year.

5. Salem (12-13, 9-9) The SunDevils may not be at full strength for several weeks because several players also were on the Beach District regular-season champion football team. Divante Walker, Darius Fredrick and star QB Bucky Hodges, who did not play last season, will be key additions. “We will have one lineup in the early part of the season, then another later on,” coach Justin Parrish said.

6. Tallwood (19-7, 13-5) Tallwood has been one of the top teams in the district for the past six seasons. But all-district players Tyrice Thomas and Darren Creary graduated. The top returner is G Tommie Flournoy, who averaged seven points last season. Seniors Matthew Nelson and Terrell Myles also are back. Senior G Demetrie Martelly, who moved in from New York, also should help. Coach Tom Gunsalus said the Lions will be quick and aggressive.

7. Bayside (11-12, 9-9) The Marlins won’t have a lot of size, but they will be athletic and quick. Top players include senior guards Zhamir Burns, D’Ante Southerland and Alondo Jackson.

8. Ocean Lakes (9-13, 8-8) Dolphins coach Mike Head said two weeks ago that if he had to put together a starting lineup, he wouldn’t know who would start. Two players who should see significant playing time will be senior G Athan Reynoso and junior G Dre Dessenberg, who each averaged five points a game last season.

9. Kempsville (4-17, 3-15) The Chiefs return just one varsity player in senior G JaQuan Morton. Hasahn Carter, a transfer from Boston, should provide scoring in the post.

10. Cox (9-13, 8-10) Coach Bobby Wolfe felt pretty good about this season until Sedric Nady – a second-team All-Beach District guard last year – transferred to Landstown, leaving Cox with just one returning starter.

11. Princess Anne (2-20, 1-17) Top players Justin Washington and Kris Marsh graduated after last season. But coach Robert Woodley said the team looked good during the preseason. “The attitude and work habits of each player have been tremendous,” he said. “We are looking for a better year.”

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EASTERN DISTRICT

FIVE PLAYERS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Maury G Mike Basnight, a 5-10 sophomore, shared Eastern District Newcomer of the Year honors last season.
• Lake Taylor G Marquise Chandler, a 5-10 junior, shared Eastern District Newcomer of the Year honors last season.
• Maury G Jamal Ferguson, a 6-5 senior, signed with Marquette and is a two-time All-Eastern District selection.
• Norview G Rashawn Madison, a 6-0 senior, was second-team All-Eastern District last season.
• Norcom guard Devin Patterson, a 5-10 senior, returns for the back-to-back Group AAA champion.

PREDICTIONS

Last season's records in paremtheses

1. Maury (16-9 overall, 9-5 district) The Commodores will miss 6-3 sophomore Keon Buchanan, who transferred to Green Run. But Jamal Ferguson will have a chance to prove he is a big-time player. Last season, Ferguson (16.7 ppg, 6 rpg) was a bit inconsistent, but expect him to make up for it this year. He also has help in sophomore G Mike Basnight (8.8 ppg). Ferguson’s 6-5 sophomore brother, Jaleel (6 ppg, 5 rpg), and senior guards John Young and Charles Staton also will contribute.

2. Granby (13-11, 7-7) The Comets made great strides last season under then first-year coach Mike Donovan. Much more will be expected this season as Granby puts an experienced, athletic and balanced team on the court. It is led by 6-5 senior C Kareem Thompson, 6-1 senior G Aubry Burrus, 6-1 senior G Chris Edmond, 6-2 senior G Aaron Johnson and 6-0 junior F Tashad Charity.

3. Norcom (30-1, 13-1) The Greyhounds graduated six seniors, including Dorian Finney-Smith, but All-District G Devin Patterson (10.4 ppg) is among the holdovers. Others to watch are 6-3 senior F Isaac White, 6-2 junior G Malique Trent, 6-5 junior F James Whitaker and 6-4 senior C Marcus Haynes. “Losing six seniors is never easy to replace,” said Norcom coach Leon Goolsby, “but the Greyhounds are up for the challenge.”

4. Booker T. Washington (22-5, 12-2) The Bookers lost seven seniors and Brandon Self transferred to Norfolk Collegiate. But coach Darren Sanderlin returns 6-5 senior F Antonio Phillips (5 ppg), 5-11 junior G Marquise Coleman, 5-11 senior G Sheldon Cuffee and 6-0 senior G Troy Jenkins. The Bookers “will have to learn on the job,” Sanderlin said.

5. Norview (8-14, 7-7) Many believe Norview will be near the top of the district. It has a senior-laden team led by guards Rashawn Madison (16 ppg), Halston Cyrus (8 ppg), Jason Luckie (8 ppg) and Cedric Barfield (7 ppg). Junior Antwan Fulford, a 6-5 forward, also will contribute.

6. Lake Taylor (6-16, 4-10) Defense and rebounding will be key for the Titans this season. They are a young, but talented group led by 5-10 combo guard Marquise Chandler, who shared Eastern District Newcomer of the Year honors. Titans coach Kenneth Brown expects Chandler to have “a break-out season if he continues to understand that he is the key to making our team better.” Others to watch are 6-4 junior F Donovan Powell and sophomores Darnell Jenkins, Treyvond Lockhart and Jalyn Holmes.

7. Churchland (4-17, 2-12) Coach Pat Dulin finally has something that he hasn’t had in his first two seasons as coach: height. He also has three-year starters in 6-2 senior F Kyle Bynum and 6-0 junior G Dre Demiel. Another key addition is 6-4 senior G Marius Walker, who moved in from Texas.

8. Wilson (7-13, 3-11) The Presidents haven’t had a winning season since joining the Eastern District in 1996. But coach Ron Cabbler hopes to build on last year’s seven wins with a smaller and faster team. They will be led by 6-2 senior guard Terry Jackson (13 ppg, 5 rpg) and 5-10 senior guard Rayshad Riddick (8 ppg, 6 apg, 2 spg).

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PRIVATE SCHOOLS

FIVE PLAYERS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Bishop Sullivan G Marcus Burwell, a 6-4 senior, was second-team All-Tidewater last season after averaging 18.7 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.
• Cape Henry G Devon Hall, a 6-5 sophomore, will be one of the top players in South Hampton Roads this season.
• Norfolk Christian G Mike Murray, a 5-9 senior, averaged 11.7 points and 5.5 assists last season.
• Norfolk Collegiate F Brandon Self, a 6-6 junior, transferred in from Booker T. Washington.
• Isle of Wight C Nathan Silvertson, a 6-5 junior, averaged 12.5 points and 8.5 rebounds last season.

Notable

Bishop Sullivan (23-6 overall) The Crusaders will rely on G Marcus Burwell, who last season scored 20 or more points 11 times, including 30 against Cape Henry. Senior G Pat Rice (11 ppg, 6 apg) also should help.

Cape Henry (24-5) The Dolphins are the overwhelming favorite to win the Tidewater Conference. That’s a lot of pressure for Mark Hall, who replaces longtime coach Larry Ward. The Dolphins will be led by Hall’s son, Devon. Last season, he averaged 10 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. Cape Henry also has 6-7 C Westley Valentine, Terry Morris and transfers Aryon Hutton (Green Run) and Jimmy Paige (Middleburg Academy).

Isle of Wight (20-9) The Chargers must replace Metro Conference MVP Brandon Privette, who graduated. They return 6-5 junior C Nathan Silvertson (12.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg), an All-Metro Conference pick. Other key players are 5-10 senior G Ben Epps, 5-11 senior G Collin Bowden and 6-4 junior F Rainer Marfio.

Norfolk Academy (6-20) Coach Eric Acra said the Bulldogs will be young this season. He hopes to rely on team defense to carry them. They will be led by senior Andrew Balitsky (5 rpg, 4 ppg), Walt Plumlee (7 ppg, 3 rpg) and Barrett McLendon (4 ppg, 3 rpg). Newcomers Tyler Holmes and Jordan Kovach also should help.

Norfolk Christian (25-6) The defending VISAA Division III and Tidewater Conference champions are going to miss star James McAdoo, a two-time Parade All-American now at North Carolina. But a strong nucleus returns that will make the Ambassadors competitive. It starts with senior G Mike Murray. Others are 6-6 F Mario Nixon (9.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg), 6-3 F Kwontie Moore (6.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and 6-7 C Courtnye Wynn (8.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg) – all of whom played on the state-runner-up football team.

Norfolk Collegiate (9-11) Coach Jim Markey said the Oaks are back “in a big way.” One reason: the addition of 6-6 F Brandon Self, a transfer from Booker T. Washington. Markey also returns three starters in 6-6 C Zach Morrison (6.5 ppg, 8.2 rpg), 6-3 G Teddy Rich (12.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg) and Markey’s son, Jack, a 5-10 guard who averaged eight points and three assists last season.