Justin Reese has turned the Abilene High boys basketball team into a consistent winner in his three seasons as the head coach back at his alma mater. He returns two starters and six lettermen this season from last year’s team that finished 18-9 overall and 6-5 in rugged District 2-6A.
He must find replacements, however, for his two leading scorers from a year ago – point guard Jalen McGee, who signed with Midwestern State, and 6-6 post Nathan Watts.
Reese is counting on a pair of tall senior guards – 6’3” Jeremiah Talib and 6’1” Hayden Williams – to carry the scoring load this season for the Eagles.
‘Jeremiah is a long, athletic guard who can finish at the rim and shoot it from 3,” Reese said. “He also has great vision and makes his teammates better. Hayden is a shooting guard who can stretch the defense with his 3. He is also a threat off the dribble.”
Jake Breckenridge, a 6’1” junior, is “a knock-down shooter from 3,” according to Reese, who called Breckenridge “a smart player who has a great feel for the game.”
Mario Berry, a 6’4” sophomore, will have to step up to provide the Eagles with some much-needed height inside.
“Mario is a long, lanky forward who has a good face-up game,” Reese stated. “He is getting better and better.”
Senior guard Sami Kanayo will provide depth in the back court for Abilene High.
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