The old saying that you need a program to identify the players may very well apply to this year’s Brandon varsity boys basketball team.
The Blackhawks lost about four-fifths of their offense from last year’s team, which went 16-6 overall and won the Flint Metro League with a 13-3 record. Among those graduated players are three who were named to the second-team Flint Metro League squad last season: Donald Carter (now playing at Marygrove College), Gary Glasby and Adam Howard.
Of the six returning players from last year’s team, the key returnee is senior point guard Adrain Harges, who was named the Blackhawks? Most Valuable Player and was a first-team All-League selection.
Brandon Coach Tim Donnan said the Blackhawks lost 81 percent of their offense from last year, and Harges accounted for a significant chunk of their remaining offense ? 16 percent, to be exact.
‘He’ll be a big part of what we’re doing this year,? Donnan said.
Two other Blackhawks who saw some playing time last year, sophomore Quin McNally and junior Josh Williams, are expected to see their roles increase this season. ‘Hopefully, they’ll play a key role this year,? Donnan said.
As far as any newcomers who may play a key role, Donnan said it’s a little too early to tell who those players will be. ‘We’ll have to wait and see ? we’re kind of figuring that out,? he said. ‘We’re a pretty young team.?
When asked what he expects from the Blackhawks this year, Donnan acknowledged they will be ‘learning as we go,? but still thinks the team will display intensity and a solid work ethic.
‘Our big things are we want to play hard and give forth our best effort,? he said. ‘We want to come together as a team, play together, and get better with each practice and game.?
As the Blackhawks attempt to defend their Flint Metro League championship, they will have plenty of competition. Donnan said there are about five or six teams that could contend for the title, including the Blackhawks.
Brandon is scheduled to open their season Tuesday, Dec. 5 against a familiar foe in Goodrich. Donnan said he thinks the Martians will play with something to prove, following last year’s game between the two teams, which saw the Blackhawks win by double digits.
‘I expect a highly motivated team,? Donnan said. ‘I’m sure (Goodrich) Coach (Gary) Barns won’t let them forget last year. They’re always well-conditioned at the beginning of the year. It’s a rivalry game.?