By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Marlon Jones

3rd year

14-28 career record

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Jordan Jones, junior varsity and varsity assistant; Devante McKinney, varsity assistant; Michael Boltz, freshman; Corey Gibson, freshman assistant.

2021-22 Record: 7-14 overall; 2-11 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Lettermen (5): Pavel Henderson, sr.; Mason Ross, sr.; Emmanuel Miller, sr.; Bryce Moneypenny, sr.; Marcus Gibson, sr.

Lettermen Lost (3): Eathan Cobbin, Ian Maimone, Christian Neff.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Ravens return as one of the most experienced teams in the Metro Athletic Conference, with five seniors and four returning starters.

The group wants to turn defense into offense and play high-tempo basketball.

“We want to put our guys in the positions they love to attack from and simplify the game,” Jones said. “We want to cause turnovers and let the athleticism of the kids make plays for each other.

“If we play together and for each other, we can be successful,” Jones added.

GUARDS

The Ravens’ backcourt brings a quality group that also has a variety of skills — and includes four seniors.

Bryce Moneypenny is quick, can handle the ball and run the offense. His quickness also pays off defensively.

“He has brought a different style of play to our team and a change of pace in our offense,” Jones said.

Maykai O’Neal is long and quick, which allows him to get to any place on the floor to create his own shot. He has good size.

“With him being able to guard multiple positions, he will cause a lot of havoc and turnovers,” Jones said.

Gibson is a plus-shooter from deep, and he understands how to get open to be in the right place at the right time with good instincts.

“He stretches the floor with his shooting and passing,” Jones said. “He makes the game easy on the other players.”

Daveon Gregory is great at cutting to the basket without the ball and also will be another outside shooting threat for the Ravens.

“He runs our offense with a change of speed that will create opportunities for his teammates,” Jones said.

FORWARDS

Senior Mason Ross transitioned to the varsity lineup as a sophomore and was a key contributor last year as a junior. He is long, tall and a sharpshooter. It is possible for him to play the two through the five for Ravenna.

“Mason’s length will help us on defense by being able to alter shots and get in the passing lanes,” Jones said.

Henderson is the “motor of the team,” according to Jones. On defense, Henderson can guard anyone on the floor and does it aggressively. Offensively, he is a good slasher, passer and has a very quick first step off the dribble.

Justice Haven will be another frontcourt player in rotation for the Ravens.

“He is another good shooter from the outside and can also shoot the mid-range,” Jones said. “He has developed into a leader on defense.”

CENTERS

Emmanuel Miller is big, strong and fast. He is extremely quick off his feet and will be a big impact on both ends of the court.

“He is the anchor of many things we do on defense and will be our biggest presence,” Jones said.

Thurman Treadwell is the tallest player on the Ravens’ roster. At 6-foot-5, he is a rim protector that can cover a lot of space with his wingspan.

“He will help us in rebounding and blocking shots, and he also runs the floor very well and can be a force in the paint,” Jones said.

WHAT MAKES THIS TEAM SPECIAL

“They have been playing and growing together since their freshmen years,” Jones said. “These group of seniors are special and they are hungry.”

TEAM MOTTO

EBE — Everybody eats.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Dean Baker, jr.; Dylan Carrozzi, jr.; Dinigil Williams, soph.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“The league is wide open this year. Anything can happen and every team has a chance to win the title,” Jones said.