2020-21 Winter Preview: Gainesville Boys Basketball

gainesville-10

By Chris Parker

Gainesville boys basketball saw a huge jump in wins last season going from 5 wins in 2018-19 to 16 wins in 2019-20.

“We had a solid group that won some close games early in the season that I feel built our confidence and we were able to keep competing well throughout the year,” head coach Morris Jenkins said. “Our guys seemed to commit to team success and because of that had a respectable season.”

Bryce Hambelton is a key returning player from that team. As a sophomore, Hambelton averaged 15.3 points and 8.3 points per game on his way to first-team all-conference honors. He shot 70% from the field.

“Bryce did a good job of playing to his strengths. He was able to utilize his size to be a consistent scoring and rebounding threat. We were also able to surround him with good shooters and passers and they all seemed to work well together,” Jenkins said. “When his intensity level is at a high level he can be hard to handle. We expect him to be a more consistent rebounder along with developing more mental toughness to deal with opponents defensive strategies used against our team.”

CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF THE WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS

Fellow juniors Landry Jenkins and Jake Leeker also return as starters. Leeker averaged 10.8 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.5 steals per game as a sophomore. Jenkins contributed 8.7 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists per game last year.

“Landry has a strong passion for team success and demonstrates that daily. (He is a) good team and position defender, and a good shooter who moves well without the ball and has a good understanding of team strengths,” Coach Jenkins said. “Jake progressed well last season. (He) was a much improved player in the lane last year and improved his defensive play. (He is a) good shooter who also can use his dribble to help create team scoring situations.”

Seniors Isaac Barnett and Westin Wilson along with junior Ryan Poe and sophomore Wyatt Alms, Grayden Rowbotham, Carter Wise and Camdenton Evans all also return for Gainesville.

“We are optimistic about the upcoming season and believe with the right effort and attitude we will have a chance to have a solid competitive team,” Jenkins said. “We have some key returning experience and also like the group of players that will be competing to fill varsity spots. Our emphasis will be to build around great effort and team-first attitude. Defense and rebounding have to be consistent day in day out and offensively we will strive to execute to our strengths. Our hope is that when others see our team they see a group that works well together, is respectful to all, and our play reflects enthusiasm for what we are doing. We hope to improve throughout the season and be playing our best ball in February.”

Gainesville opens the season on Nov. 24 at home against Bakersfield.

Related Posts

Loading...