By Chris Parker
Stoutland boys basketball is coming off a 17-9 season and must replace five graduated players.
Two players who averaged in double figures scoring return in senior point guard Michael Kincaid and junior forward Jesse Dickinson. Both were starters last season.
Kincaid averaged 11.2 points per game with 4.7 assists and 3 rebounds per game.
“Michael is an excellent point guard,” Stoutland head coach Joe Nicholson said. “He can shoot the three extremely well and is an outstanding defensive player.”
Dickinson scored 11.5 points per game with a team-high 7.3 rebounds per game.
“Jesse is a solid all-around player,” Nicholson said. “He can dunk with ease and is extremely quick. He is also very dangerous on the boards and drives the basket well.”
Junior forward Brodie Millsap is also returning starter who scored 6.1 points per game.
“Brodie has a motor that does not quit,” Nicholson said. “He is all over the court with a ton of energy. He never takes a play off and on the press, there is nobody like him.
Austin Pribble, junior guard, was a part-time starter last season and scored 3.9 points per game.
“Austin is a good offensive player,” Nicholson said. “He drives the basket and shoots well. He is also excellent help in getting the ball up the court against pressure.”
Riley Bench could see time in the starting lineup after missing his sophomore season with an injury.
“Riley was out all of last season with an ACL tear,” Nicholson said. “He is back, healthy and will be a great addition to our team. When he went down last year it left a big void that we could not fill. He is very good on both sides of the court and can shoot the three as well.”
Logan Rogers (senior forward), Austin Goins (junior center), Kameron Brent (freshman guard), Brandon Sterling (senior guard) and Cooper Witt (sophomore guard) all are in the mix for varsity time as well.
Nicholson on Rogers: “Logan is new at Stoutland this year and will compete for a starting position. He’s a big, strong player that is a solid all-around player.”
Nicholson on Goins: “Austin has a lot of size and worked hard over the summer to improve his game. He should see some serious varsity minutes.”
Nicholson on Brent: “Kam had a good summer and is an excellent shooter. He will see varsity playing time.”
Nicholson on Sterling: “Brandon is another player with tons of energy and a motor that does not quit.”
Nicholson on Witt: “Cooper worked hard over the summer to improve his game and should help us out in varsity this season.”
Stoutland opens the season on Nov. 24 at home against Macks Creek.
“I think we are positioned to have a very good season,” Nicholson said. “I think when all is said and done our win total will top last year’s.”
