By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Justin Rahim, 1st year, 0-0 career record.

Coaching Staff: Matthew Culkar, JV; Ronald McClain, freshman.

2024-25 Record: 5-18 overall, 3-11 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Lettermen (5): Curtis Ross, sr.; Sean Jordan, sr.; LaDarion Askew, sr.; Braylon Burks, sr.; Mark Miller, jr.

Lettermen Lost (3): Bryant Thompson, Nigil Williams, Jaxon Kelly.

League: Metro Athletic Conference.

TEAM OUTLOOK

Five-year head coach Marlon Jones resigned following the 2024-25 season and the Ravens’ new leader is Justin Rahim, who previously was the head coach for two seasons for the Heartland Christian girls and two years at Kennedy Catholic.

Rahim’s offensive and defensive philosophies center around hard work and teamwork.

“Offensively, we want to play to the strengths of our team and play unselfish basketball.

“Defense is a non-negotiable for me. We will look to speed teams up with constant pressure and be the aggressors. Defense is not up for debate.”

WE WILL HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…

“If we love the sound of the band more than the sound of our own drum. If the program buys into unselfishness carrying for your brother and leaving it all on the floor each possession, we will be headed in the right direction.”

GUARDS

Three lettermen return to help guide the backcourt.

Senior Sean Jordan brings leadership and strong ball-handling.

“He is like an extension of the coach on the court.”

LaDarion Askew, another senior, has speed and athleticism from the wing. He will also be a key to the team’s defense, applying pressure on the perimeter.

Junior Mark Miller is another quick player, who can do a variety of things on the court.

Also expected to provide depth for the Ravens are Mason Scott, Syaire Sanders and Darius Wilson.

FORWARDS

Senior Curtis “CJ” Ross returns after leading the team in scoring and rebounding last season at 13.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He was named to the All-Metro Athletic Conference and All-Northeast Inland District teams.

“He will be counted on to be a leader on the court and off the court.”

Ross’ game centers around his athleticism and quickness, but he also has size and confidence to score and defend.

Braylon Burks, a tall and long letterman, can score around the basket and has the potential to be a top-level defender and rebounder.

CENTERS

Blake Cutting provides size in the paint and will be “expected to contribute on both ends of the floor,” according to Rahim.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Staying the course. There will be bumps in the road, but staying together with a brotherhood mindset on the common goal once adversity hits will be important. Every team faces adversity at some point, but we must respond in a positive manner.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“This is my first season coaching at Ravenna, so I haven’t seen most of the teams play. I have heard of the good competition, so we must go through it to reach where we want to go. In my mind, at the beginning of every season, everyone has the same opportunity and it’s wide open.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Rahim’s grandfather, Isaiah Moss, has been a pastor at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church (South Prospect Street) in Ravenna for 41 years.