Three key returning starters will lead the Highland Christian boys basketball team this coming season. The trio helped the Knights finish in a tie for second place in their six team conference last year and should be even tougher to beat this time around.
Senior John Enge will serve as a captain for the group. The swingman can score from all over the floor, but excells from the wing.
John really can take the ball to the hole, said Coach Jim Underwood. Hes also a good floor leader for us.
Joining Enge in the backcourt will be junior Craig Crawford. The sweet-shooting Crawford will look for opportunities to cash in from long range.
Craigs forte is shooting the ball, said Underwood. Hes very successful at that. He fits right into whatever kind of offense were running.
Jeff Kelly also returns as a starter and will be played at several different spots on the floor. At over 62 tall, Kelly can get out on the perimeter and slash to the bucket or go inside and score around the rim.
Hes got a lot of strength, said Coach Underwood. He can play the small forward or power forward for us. Hes capable of giving us double digit scoring every night.
While Enge led the team in scoring last year, all three of the returning starters will be looked to provide significant scoring punch for Highland this season.
Two players to watch for key contributions as well are Randy Teal and Josh Mani. Teal, just a sophomore, shows a lot of promise at the guard positions.
Randy plays a smart game, said Underwood. He seems to always be at the right spot on the floor. He has excellent court vision and flows easily between spots on both offense and defense.
Mani will be another power player for the Knights, pounding the inside for rebounds and putbacks. Mani got minutes on the varsity last year but this will be his first full season with the A-team .
The league will be strong this year with Lopez Island returning Player of the Year Jordan Smith. Lummi also returns the core of its team after a strong showing last season.
Our philosophy is a commitment to teamwork, said Underwood, as well as a commitment to developing individual skills. We do our best to teach passing, dribbling, and shooting, as well as taking care of the basketball.
Highland will play a disciplined half-court offense based on balancing the floor and methodical passing. Underwood expects his group to understand similar defensive concepts of spacing and discipline.
Given good team health it should be a big year for the Knights.