WILMINGTON-The Ashley boys basketball team has reasonable expectations entering the season with a number of returning players from a year ago.
Bryn McSwain is in his fifth season as head coach of the Screaming Eagles. Ashley finished with a 10-12 record, 2-8 in conference, last season.
“Even after losing a great group of seniors, I think we still have the talent to compete in a tough Mideastern Conference with teams like Hoggard and New Hanover,” said McSwain. “The biggest thing is that we use our speed and athleticism to dictate the tempo of each game with the ability to shoot the ball from the outside and put great pressure on defense.”
At center, 6-foot-7 senior T.J. Williams will be the focal point of Ashley’s offense. Williams was named to the all-conference team as a junior and is the leader of the team.
“You can’t say enough about the intensity and work ethic T.J. brings to the gym each and every day. He definitely did a lot of growing up over the last year and has learned to keep his emotions in check on the floor, and we look forward to him leading us this season,” McSwain said.
Following his senior year, Williams will take his talents to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he will play collegiate ball.
Clayton Mcgee will guide the team from the point as a three-year varsity player. He spent most of the offseason in the gym as the senior wanted to get stronger and become a more physical guard. Tyre Gathright will play out on the wing as the sophomore saw considerable playing time last season. Gathright started four games as a freshman.
“Tyre’s ability as a slasher to get to the basket will pay huge dividends for us on offense. He will need to learn to assert himself more on the floor,” McSwain said.
Ridell Cambridge is coming off a broken foot that ended his sophomore year. The 6-foot-2 guard is skilled in the back court with his capability to shoot the ball. Cambridge also has great vision, but has to commit himself to playing within the flow of the game.
Junior all-conference soccer player Tony Mack is a newcomer to the team. Mack adds quickness to the roster. Look for him to take over games with his speed and ability to get to the basket.
P.J. Brown rounds out the team at the forward position. He is playing his first year of basketball at Ashley, but McSwain has been impressed with his athleticism and presence down low.
Ashley opened up the season this past week with a 77-44 win at Topsail. Gathright singed the nets for a game-high 21 points, and Williams had 16 points.
The Eagles will face Laney, Hoggard and New Hanover during the conference schedule, but Ashley also has early season matchups against West Brunswick on Dec. 4 and Jacksonville on Dec. 7.
