Pamplico – Hannah-Pamplico boys basketball coach Jimmy Williams has had a couple of successful seasons recently with talented and veteran teams.
The Raiders are a bit younger this winter so the veteran coach is showing patience as they develop chemistry and learn to play together.
“We have a lot of new faces out there running around,” the coach said. “The last few years we have had a lot of experience. We have a few returners but a lot of guys that are being asked to step into new roles this year. It’s early and we are putting the pieces together. We are still trying to figure out what we want to be. It’s a process.”
The Raiders have opened the 2023-24 season with a 3-4 record. Williams is confident that the team he has assembled can and should be a competitive unit when region play begins in January. The Raiders are not playing games over the holidays and Williams feels a lot of good practicing will help the team move forward.
Hannah-Pamplico is led this season by junior guard Tylin Jenkins, who does have solid experience. Jenkins is a returning all-region performer who averaged 12 points per game as a sophomore. Through seven outings, Jenkins is averaging 14.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.
“He’s one of the top players in the region and he can carry the load for us,” Williams said. “We have to contribute around him, give him some help.”
Some of that early help has come from freshman point guard De’Auje Bacchus, who has averaged 14 points per game early on.
“He’s had a good start,” the coach said. “We didn’t expect him to have such an impact but he has been more than we expected.”
Another returning starter is senior forward Jermaine Tompkins, who contributes about six points and five rebounds per game as a steady performer.
Rounding out the usual starting five are junior Mason Hanna and senior Shemar Eaddy. Both were reserves last season but have increased their role this winter. Hanna has averaged five points and seven rebounds per game early on.
Giving some production off the bench are sophomores Jimike Williams, Demarion Sparks, Va’Shon Washington and Kamari Wilson.
“We’re playing pretty well defensively so far but we’re only averaging about 48 points per game,” Williams said. “That needs to improve. We need a little more production from everyone. It’s hard to win with just two guys in double figures. We need a third consistent scorer and then have everyone else chipping in with some points. But, I really believe that will come once we get into region play. This team has potential.”
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