By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Marlon Jones

4th year

32-34 career record

THE TEAM

   • Coaching Staff: Jordan Jones, JV; Davante McKinney, assistant; Michael Boltz, freshman; Larenzale Askew, freshman assistant.

   • 2022-23 Record: 18-6 overall; 11-3 Metro Athletic Conference.

   • Returning Lettermen: None.

   • Lettermen Lost (9): Maykai O’Neal, Emmanuel Miller, Pavel Henderson, Justice Haven, Marcus Gibson, Mason Ross, Bryce Moneypenny, Thurman Treadwell, Daveon Gregory.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The 2022-23 season for the Ravens was the culmination of multiple years of hard work and dedication by both the players and coaching staff.

It resulted in the single-greatest season in school history, with the 18 wins being the most for a single season. The program also celebrated a long-awaited league championship, finishing as co-champions with the Woodridge Bulldogs.

The large senior class that made it all possible has since graduated, leaving the 2023-24 roster without a single returning letterman.

To make up for the extreme roster overhaul, the Ravens will rely on speed and defense.

“We will need to use our athleticism to get into the open court,” Jones said. “We will have to play defense and buy in.”

GUARDS

Dylan Carrozzi, a senior, steps into the lead role in the backcourt after a stellar junior-varsity season a year ago.

“He is an aggressive scorer and capable playmaker.”

Junior Bryant Thompson will also step into a contributing role for the Ravens.

“He is our best overall on-ball defender, who can catch teams by surprise on the offensive end as well.”

Another contributor will be senior Austin Marshall, who brings toughness, intelligence and playmaking abilities.

FORWARDS

Junior Nigel Williams was a standout player for the JV team a year ago and appears poised to translate that success to the varsity team.

“He is a downhill scorer, who can play and score from all three levels of the court.”

Senior Dean Baker is another frontcourt player that will emerge in an expanded role. He received limited varsity minutes last year, but brings toughness to both sides of the ball and the ability to guard multiple positions.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Curtis Ross, soph.

“He hit a nice growth spurt over the summer and if he is willing to buy into the 3 or 4 role for this team, he can be a nightly mismatch for slower bigs and smaller wings.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We are small, but we make up for it with our athleticism and speed.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“The league is wide open. Last year means nothing at this point and every team is very hungry.”