Manual’s perimeter game on both ends of the court features seniors in Braxton Houston, Caleb Redman and point guard Montez McNair.
MANUAL (14-10) – Solid program with fourth-year coach Don Bowling (47-26) … defending Greater Indianapolis Conference champs … seven seniors return ... 6-7 senior Jalen Johnson (22.0 points, 10.9 rebounds), an Indiana All-Star candidate, can score in post, off the dribble and from 3-point range … experienced senior backcourt has 5-10 Montez McNair at point with 6-1 Willanta Hankston (10.2 points) and 6-2 transfer Caleb Redman … late blooming 6-7 senior Ijazz Ab-dulleman up from JV, complements Johnson … more court savvy from seniors 6-4 Ricky Belt, 5-10 Braxton Houston and 5-9 Shiaya Parker … 6-6 soph Jacquavious Brandon adds depth … close-knit group … quick and rangy … good chemistry … could exceed 18 wins of 2016-17 … big weekend Dec. 7 with first home game and Dec. 8 at Beech Grove.
Coach’s comments: “We should be better than last year. Most of these kids have been in the program with me for four years, so they know the identity and culture of Manual basketball. We have speed, quickness and length. Jalen (Johnson) is a top-15 player and has several D1 offers. This is the fastest team I’ve had here. The team chemistry is good, a lot better than last year. Winning the city tourney is our first goal. This group will fight back and play hard. I really believe our five could play with any five in the state.
Coach’s comments: “We should be better than last year. Most of these kids have been in the program with me for four years, so they know the identity and culture of Manual basketball. We have speed, quickness and length. Jalen (Johnson) is a top-15 player and has several D1 offers. This is the fastest team I’ve had here. The team chemistry is good, a lot better than last year. Winning the city tourney is our first goal. This group will fight back and play hard. I really believe our five could play with any five in the state.
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