by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
From Central Region champions in 2006 to out of the tournament and below .500 in 2007.
“It was a humbling experience for the whole program,” Meadowbrook coach John B. Gordon III said of the Monarchs’ 10-13 mark. “When you are at the top, that gets people even more motivated because they want to beat you.”
Now not the hunted, which way will Meadowbrook go? Gordon is thinking back to the region tournament, and he has some pieces to get the job done.
Starting with Paul Finn Jr., a 6-4 do-it-all that put in 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds per game last season. He steps into the main scoring role as Justin Harper has moved on to the University of Richmond.
“We’re looking for 21 and 12 this season,” Gordon said. “When he makes up his mind, he’s tough. I think he’s a potential All-Metro pick. He’s one of the top 10 players in the region. He has that fire.”
At the point guard spot will be Andrew Simmons. Only a sophomore, he started the second half of last season.
He’s in the Devin Johnson mold, and even wears Johnson’s No. 23. He’ll find Finn, along with a host of other talented players.
Sterling Martin is an athletic 6-4 forward that has a great feel for the game.
Look for senior guard Ahmad Bizzell to share ballhandling duties with Simmons. His defense is a sparkplug, as well, as the Monarchs look to run much more this campaign.
Quinton Doggett, at 6-7, could be one of the best big men in the region if he puts his mind to it. Look for Doug Brewer and Harry West to make an impact as well in a very competitive Central District.
2006-07 record: 7-7 Central, 10-13
Coach: John B. Gordon III, sixth season at Meadowbrook, 10th overall in region
Key players:
Paul Finn Jr., 6-4, Sr., F – The Garbage Man, soft touch around the basket, effort player, always around the ball
Andrew Simmons, 6-1, So., G – Sneaky quick, good jumpshot
Sterling Martin, 6-4, Jr., F – Game resembles Antoine Walker’s, does it all
Quinton Doggett, 6-7, Sr., C – Good rebounder, shot blocker, nice finisher
Ahmad Bizzell, 6-0, Sr., G – Great defensive player, nice 3-point stroke, quick
Harry West, 6-0, So., G – Nicknamed Jerry West, ‘nough said
Doug Brewer, 6-3, Jr., F – Gordon doesn’t know how he scores, but he does
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