Jefferson boys’ basketball coach Bolling DuBose doesn’t mind his team flying under the radar this year in the preseason.
He probably prefers it that way, actually, since it serves as added motivation for a team returning six seniors off a Final Four squad.
“All they’ve heard since last season when the year was over is ‘y’all aren’t going to be any good next year because Darius (Minor) and J.J. (Damons) aren’t here,’” DuBose said, referring to Jefferson’s two graduated stars from last year.
While it’s true that Jefferson lost its top two scorers — Minor and Damons — the Dragons plan to play the same brand of basketball that has won them seven region titles in the last 10 years.
DuBose says it’s not what you lose, but what players you plug into those vacancies.
Starting with the front court, Jefferson returns junior Andrew Bartek (6’0”), an undersized but physical center, and Chris Jackson (5’11”), a small, but skilled defender at power forward. Meanwhile Hoytes Damons, a 6’3” center, provides a big body inside. Also in the post is Will Puckett, a 6’4” junior post player who emerged over the summer.
On the perimeter, Jefferson has good depth at the no. 2 and no. 3 spots.
Guard David Watson, who played a lot last year off the bench, is the team’s best outside shooter, while the versatile Tate Chesser can play any of the perimeter positions. A big addition is 6’3” sophomore transfer Byrant Shirreffs — Jefferson’s starting quarterback on the football team — who could probably play any position on the floor, DuBose said, but naturally plays the no. 3 spot.
The key to the season lies at point guard, DuBose said, where Andre Daniel will try to take the place of Minor. Daniel has a lot of talent and is a good distributor of the basketball, according to the coach.
“The biggest question mark to how quickly we become a good team is going to be at the point guard position,” said DuBose, noting that Jefferson must also settle on a backup point guard.
Also back this year are junior Austin Thompson, a good shooter who can play either point guard or shooting guard; Joe Boyd, an “excellent shooter” who can play shooting guard or small forward; much-improved senior Dre Clarke, who could see action at small forward or shooting guard; junior De Clarke, who can play point guard or shooting guard; junior Dustin Casey, who’s brings strength inside at forward or center; sophomore Jeshua Kidd, a player with a great shooting touch and much potential as a future Dragon post player according to DuBose; and Cole Givens, who will play in the post.
DuBose hopes to settle on a nine to 10 player rotation by January.
“I do think we have some depth,” DuBose said. “And the way we play, I think we’re going to need that.”
Jefferson has scheduled tough in November and December to prepare it for region and subregion rigors. The Dragons will have to be extra prepared for a Region 8-AA that’s added Hart County and Elbert County in the South subregion and East Hall in the North.
Elbert County is an Elite Eight team from last year, while Hart County returns eight players. Hart County, along with East Hall, are the early favorites to win the region in DuBose’s opinion.
But DuBose said Jefferson has the personnel to hold its own against its high-powered region foes.
“I do like the kids we have coming back,” DuBose said. “I thought we had a good summer when they began to learn how to play with each other. And I do think that we have a lot of pieces, that if the kids learn how to play together, we could have another real good season.”
So for now, DuBose is happy that other teams are being talked up, while discussion of his team is limited.
Of course, Jefferson flying under the radar depends on whom you ask, DuBose points out.
The Class AA coaches’ poll (which is often based on last year’s top 10) has the Dragons ranked at … no. 5.
