Southern Wayne senior guard Neveah Hines-Bass, with ball, can expect double- and triple-team defensive schemes against her on the court this season. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
DUDLEY — Here are a few story lines to follow after Southern Wayne launches its 2024-25 varsity girls’ and boys’ basketball campaigns Friday evening at Goldsboro.
Will the girls be one-dimensional offensively?
Sidelined half of last season due to concussion protocol, Neveah Hines-Bass is healthy and has the “all-clear” to rule the hardwood this winter. The senior is 153 points away from hitting the 1,000-mark for her career.
Expect opposing coaches to constantly double-team the guard and force her teammates to create offense. Don’t anticipate the strategy to bother Hines-Bass, who isn’t afraid to drive to the basket and get fouled.
She’s joined by junior Kymora Stokes and sophomore Destiny Bullock. The combo gained experience operating the Saints’ offense during Hines-Bass’ lengthy absence that lasted nearly half of the Quad County 3A season.
Stokes knocked down 4.7 points per game. Meanwhile, Bullock averaged 2.5 points. Also back is Kylie Hyde, a multi-sport athlete who played a reserve role last season.
“I believe our defense is going to be our strengths this year [because] we’re always relying on that for some easy offense,” veteran SW head coach Ricky Lofton said. “We are still young and expect to finish in the middle, if not higher in the conference, if we stay healthy.
“[The girls] are very coachable, they play hard and having fun doing it.”
Southern Wayne logged a 9-16 worksheet last season. Hines-Bass helped guide the Saints to the QCC tournament title in 2023 and the QCC regular-season championship in 2022.
Boys
The “Slasher” and “Charles Barkley” are gone.
Southern Wayne lost Tyquavious Williams and Chris Carmon to graduation.
Youth is the Saints’ calling card.
But, that description is a little misleading.
Of the four key returning players saw considerable playing time for SW alum and head coach Brian West a year ago. He’s been pleased with the preseason work ethic.
“[They] put in continuous work day-in and day-out, stayed in shape, put up shots and steadily worked on the craft of the game,” West said. “They soaked up every aspect of the game and fell in love with the process of the game.
“[We’re] a young team who is coachable, like to be around each other and the enjoy the process of growing together as a unit. I put them to a test practice after practice … came together with no talking, complaining, griping [and] that’s valuable for a young team.”
Dynamic guard Kairell Evans emerged as the Saints’ top scorer last season. A streaky 3-point threat, the sophomore knocked down 13.5 points, doled out three assists and cleared four rebounds per game.
Jayden Hardy isn’t afraid to attack the glass like Carmon. His strength is drawing defenders to him, however, he has developed a solid court awareness that allows him to find open teammates around the basket.
Hardy provided 12 points, 8.5 rebounds and two assists an outing last season.
Demetrius Elliott scored 6.8 points while Douglas Wynn Jr. contributed 4.8 points each time he stepped onto the court. West hopes to see them embrace and expand their respective roles as the Saints look to improve upon last year’s 9-16 record.
“I don’t put expectations on my teams,” West said. “I am a firm believer that expectations will devour building blocks if those expectations are not met,” West said. “I embrace on what effort we put in the classroom, during the offseason, during practice and the effort they give once the ball tips off [in a game].
“I will always challenge my guys to give their best effort until they hear the [final] horn sound. I like the challenge and process of grooming this team.”
SW athletics director David Lee announced the Saints will not field a JV girls’ team this season. The JV boys’ contest tips at 4:30 p.m. inside venerable Norvell T. Lee Gym on the Goldsboro High campus.
You may reach sports writer Rudy Coggins at prepswriter2@gmail.com or call/text 919-709-9257.
