Tigers back on the prowl

WARSAW — James Kenan basketball coach Taylor Jones said his team was poised during the preseason, a confidence that doesn’t normally come after a 6-17 campaign. The veteran coach watched patiently in 2022 when one bad event, often an injury, led to another loss. Yet Jones liked both the process and the potential of his sophomore-heavy team. He knew the cream would come to the top, even a few days into JK’s official practice this fall. “These guys are playing confident, as if they know they’re good enough to compete with anyone on our schedule,” he said. It took one game to prove that to the prep world as JK recovered from a 21-point deficit last Tuesday to beat Southern Wayne 6460 in its opener in Dudley. “Last year we relied on a lot of guys that had never done what we were asking them to do,” Jones said. “We were young, inexperienced and at one point starting four sophomores and a freshman. And we got to the point where were on our fourth point guard.” The win over the 3A Saints could be the tip of the iceberg for the Tigers, who return a ton of speed, more seasoned players and depth, since Jones often platooned five-player groups. And while the Tigers’ record was horribly bad, their games were almost always competitive. “We had 15 practices to focus on just us, work on getting into a groove, which is hard for teenagers without playing games,” Jones said. “I love our energy. “We’re going with an eight-tonine man rotation. I think part of our confidence comes from experience. These guys played in some tough games.” Wilson leads the show Point guard Tyquise Wilson starts the show for JK, which has a handful of guards and forwards who can shoot, drive to the iron, and Jones hopes, swish the nets. “He’s a smart kid who is athletic and a good decision-maker,” said Jones, whose first choice to replace him is Jeremiah Hall. Off guards Nazier Williams (5-foot-10, senior), Stephone Stanley (6-0, junior) and TJ Oats (5-10, junior) and Duplin’s Elite all-county first-team selection Ja’maury Coe, give Jones options in the backcourt. Coe is slick enough to score anywhere on the floor and is perhaps the best outside shooter in the mix. “I’ve always tried to develop our guys and I feel everyone is important,” Jones said. “We’ve got some skilled players and we’re hoping they’ll continue to develop.” Darius Howard (6-1, junior), Shywkon Williams (5-11, senior), Hasaan Kornegay (6-3, junior) and Kel Artis (6-2, senior) will work in the frontcourt. Al Smith (6-2, senior) could also see time in the paint area. “Kel and Hasaan are great screeners, athletic and have great feet and great hands,” Jones said. “Both can handle the ball and move well without it. Shywkon plays much bigger than he is.” “I like where we are and I’m hoping we can avoid injuries, even though I like our depth. “Williams is a great basketball player and a likeable player since he’s always the first one picked when they choose sides,” Jones said. “He’s quick and makes things happen you can’t teach. So quick.” JK was scheduled to host the Saints on Tuesday, its only game this week. A scheduled matchup against Clinton has to be moved as the Dark Horses play in the 2A football final on Saturday.