DUDLEY – Rebuilding a basketball program isn’t an overnight job. It takes consistency, a strong work ethic and a positive culture.
Brian West is starting to see that once again at his alma mater.
The second-year head Southern Wayne varsity boys’ basketball coach said he saw continuity, effort and a competitive attitude during the latter part of the 2022 season.
“There were times where we would normally get pushed out of the gym, but because the character grew with our young men, we stayed right in the game and we gave ourselves a chance to win [late in the season],” West said. “We just weren’t there yet as a basketball team to execute and finish.”
Just two starters — Chris Carmon and Chris McDuffie — return from a year ago.
Carmon nearly averaged a double-double with 8.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per outing. McDuffie contributed 10.6 points and snagged 7.2 rebounds each time he stepped onto the court.
“Those two guys worked on their game constantly in the summer and also ran cross country [this season],” West said. “McDuffie is our ‘Charles Barkley.’ He can shoot outside, but also go to the glass and rebound.”
The duo has to find some scoring support.
West says the remaining three starting spots have been highly contested during preseason practice. Some players have rotated into the system and joined a core group that looks to improve on last year’s 4-19 campaign.
A former all-conference performer during his prep days, West plans to get a better assessment of his 15-player roster during tonight’s season opener against Goldsboro. The Cougars have won three straight in the series and 20 of 29 meetings overall since 2007.
“I think all can contribute in a major way once everyone knows their roles and the chemistry flows,” West said. “It’s a fun team, everyone is athletic … can run, jump, defend – a team full of guys who can play the game and at a high level.
“If everyone puts their hard hat on and comes to work, I think you’re going to see a team blossom right in front of your eyes.”
Southern Wayne has non-conference dates against Eastern Wayne, James Kenan and North Pitt. The Saints open Quad County 3A action at home Dec. 13 against East Wake.
