Johnsonville basketball building for strong future
Johnsonville basketball building for strong future
By David Shelton
Senior Writer
Johnsonville – As the calendar flipped to February and the end of the 2024-25 regular season is in sight, the basketball teams at Johnsonville High are gearing up for potential participation in the Class A Lower State playoffs.
Both teams have made great progress over the season and that success will springboard into a strong future. Both rosters are stocked with a bevy of underclassmen who have played key roles this season.
The boys team, coached by Casey Geter, have only a few wins but that has not dampened the coach’s spirit and optimism. The Flashes went 3-9 overall in their first 12 games, winning two of seven region games.
“We are fighting hard for the last playoff spot in our region and I think we have an 80 percent chance of getting it,” Geter said on Feb. 1. “I feel like this team has not played its best basketball yet and these final 5 games will be huge stepping stones in the future success of this basketball program. This team will be a scary first-round matchup for any team and I believe we have the potential to peak at the right time and advance at least to the third-round of the playoffs.”
Top performers this season include junior Tahkari Ross, senior Taysawn Brown, and sophomore Jackson Eaddy.
Ross leads the team in scoring at 12.8 points per game, adding 2.5 steals per game. Brown is scoring 9.5 points per game, adding five rebounds and 3.2 steals, while Eaddy chips in 7.5 points, six rebounds and two blocked shots per outing.
“This team has the potential to win multiple state titles in the next three years with a host a good young players getting important reps early” Geter says. “Seven of our 12 players are sophomores who are providing good minutes and getting better every game.
“The strength of our team is defense and depth. We have a strong collection of defensive guards to pair with lengthy wings.
Individual offensive skill progression over the next few years will be the key determinant in our overall success over the next few years.”
Despite the lack of wins, Geter says the team has developed a strong work ethic and is doing what he asks.
“Adding weight lifting as a part of practice has helped us stay healthy while playing intense defense throughout the season. The athletes have started to buy in to weight room work, translating to the court and it will show up in due time” the coach said.
The Johnsonville girls team will certainly be headed to the state playoffs, picking up five region wins by Feb. 1.
“These group of girls have had some tough battles this season, but they have a great attitude about it all, win or lose,” coach Latima Hannah reports. “Their positive attitude matches their determined work ethic. These girls stay ready to get in the gym and work towards our goals of the week.”
Much of the heavy lifting on the court is provided by a promising group of underclassmen who Hannah sees great potential.
“My two top performers are Michelya Doctor and Izabella Frieson,” Hannah reports. “ Michelya is a sophomore guard and forward averaging 10 points, seven rebounds, and three steals a game. Izabella is a freshman center averaging 4.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and three steals a game. Michelya is one of the team captains and she does a great job motivating and leading this team. Zy’Kerria Skinner is our other team captain. She does a great job with keeping her teammates calm under pressure and leading this team.”
Freshman Peyton Singletary is another starter who averages 6.2 points per game. Sophomore guard Shy Alston is coming off the bench and contributes about five points per game.
“In the next couple years, I see this team being very successful,” Hanna said. “With Peyton, her speed and toughness is a great asset to this program. Shy is tiny, but very mighty when on the court. Speed and defense will be the strengths to build on in the years to come. These girls get up and down the court fairly quickly and their defense this season has been wonderful.
“Overall, I am beyond proud of these girls. In comparison to past years, these girls have really shocked their community. Many fans have stated they enjoy watching these young girls play and have supported them tremendously. They have really worked hard this season and it is evident every time they step onto the court. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for JHS Girls Basketball.”
