The excitement over the beginning of a new Gentry High School Rams basketball season is in the air.
That anticipation is justified since over the course of the last five basketball seasons, the Rams have been a regular visitor deep into the state 4A playoffs.
In fact, under the direction of Head Coach Chico Potts, the Rams have reached the Final Four on three separate occasions.
Impressively, two of those semifinal appearances have occurred over the course of the past two seasons.
That second consecutive close encounter toward reaching the state title game is something highly successful Coach Potts is hoping will serve as motivation this season.
“I am really looking forward to see how we respond this year after last year’s defeat to Florence in the semi-finals,” said Coach Potts.
He will not have long to wait as the first glimpse of his players response will be made available tonight at 7 p.m. when the Rams hit the road to take on the Clinton Arrows.
This opening game will then be followed with a visit next Tuesday by Amanda Elzy High of Greenwood. A 7 p.m. tipoff is also scheduled for this contest.
Historically, last season’s squad earned a stellar 26-8 record, which now brings Coach Potts’ five year won-loss record to a remarkable 134-32 mark.
With two returning starters back to help lead his 2019-20 squad, Coach Potts will be depending on “depth to be one of our strengths. We look to wear teams down by having the ability to substitute without losing much if anything,” he said.
However, concerns listed by the veteran coach include shooting from the perimeter, physicality, attention to detail, and the commitment to be disciplined and buying in to what the program has to offer.
As for the pair of returning starters taking the court for the Rams tonight, both are guards in the form of Deandre Brisco and Jesse Hull.
However, there are nine players still participating in football and Coach Potts is anxious to “getting them back in the gym as soon as possible.”
Players listed which Coach Potts feel may make an impact on this year’s squad are guards Clint Ferguson, Ladarius Johnson, Christopher Minton, Joshujuan Townsend, and David Windfield.
Per Coach Potts, Ferguson is a senior who “is an energetic guard that is capable of a breakout season”.
Meanwhile, Johnson is “very crafty with the ball and capable of big nights on offense and defense.”
Noting that Minton “had a really good summer,” the sophomore “showed potential to shoot well.” When discussing football quarterback Townsend, Coach Potts noted the senior is “a versatile guard that has the potential to be very good for us.”
As for Windfield, the senior may also see time at the forward position and is “a lengthy player that can slash well and is capable of shooting three pointers.”
Also listed as a forward is DeKenneth Johnson, a junior who is “lengthy with a nose for the ball. He brings a little attitude to us,” said Coach Potts.
When it comes to the Rams’ regional competition, Coach Potts expects Greenwood High to compete as a favorite to win the district title.
In the North 4A, Coach Potts is expecting Pontotoc to be battling for the top spot with their “very good core returning” this season. However, he also expects Ripley, Byhalia, and Shannon to make another push for the 4A crown.
