Greenville High School boys basketball coach Delmar Sprouse will get his first real look at his team when the Hornets begin practice on Monday.
Still, Sprouse already has a good idea of who will lead his team when their season begins Oct. 31 at home against Greenwood.
Point guard Morgan Green along with 6-foot-7 big man Jequan Roberson are expected to play pivotal roles this season for the Hornets.
Green will be the team’s slashing point guard. Last season as a junior, Green played in a supporting role to star Danny Washington. After breaking a number of Greenville basketball all-time records, Washington has now graduated.
He was one of seven seniors who played on last year’s team.
“It is going to be different not having Danny out there. He has started for me ever since I have been here” said Coach Sprouse, who is entering his fourth season as the head coach. “But, I am also looking forward to this season, and the challenge that we have in front us. The kids have had a great summer, and I think we have the talent to be successful.”
Playing beside Washington last season, Green still managed to make his presence known as he averaged 11.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
“Now that Danny is gone it means that it is my time to lead the team,” Green said. “I learned a lot over the years watching Danny play, and I believe that I am now going to have my best season yet.”
Green said there are no limits to how far he believes this team can go, especially because of the addition of Roberson.
Roberson is returning to Greenville after playing for Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. Roberson said he is coming back to Greenville to be with his family, but also because he has a huge desire to play for his hometown team.
“I grew up playing with these guys in elementary school and in middle school, and I cannot wait to get on the court with these guys again,” Roberson said. “I think this season is going to be great. We have all the elements to be successful.”
Roberson said he is also looking forward to playing with players like Dekobe Lewis, Derrick Jackson and Justin Wright. Lewis, Jackson and Wright are all expected to play key roles this season.
“All of my teammates have been great, and I think we are going to really come together as a team,” Roberson said.