Hurricane Basketball On the Horizon
Hurricane basketball is on the horizon as the varsity Canes boys squad were slated to play in a scrimmage match Wednesday at Wesleyan School in Norcross.
With football not yet complete, the new Hurricane basketball boys coach and Monticello native Chris Pennamon said that he had a tentative roster that is minus at least nine players.
When interviewed this summer, Coach Pennamon said he was very excited about returning to teach and coach the kids in his hometown community.
While Mr. Pennamon will coach the varsity squad, returning from the ranks of players to assist the head coach will be Josh Stone and Keldrick Davis. Messrs. Stone and Davis are graduates of Jasper County High School and a former Hurricane basketball player.
The preliminary roster of players include:
Seniors
Ashton Bonner
De’Erick Driskell
Cordarius Brannon
Devin Robinson
Juniors
Malik Crawford
Thomas Rogers
Nathan Grier
Corde Ross
Kedrion Jackson
Sophomores
Jordin Thomas
DeMario Thomas
Canius Dennis
Jeremiah Thurman
Jameric Driskell
Freshmen
Keon Maddox
Dakota McCullum
Coach Pennamaon is looking to add several athletes now playing football that should include but are not exclusive. Those additions include Jay Fleetwood, Dip Lawrence, Cameron LaVaughn, Chris Pennamon, Brayden Lynch, Dylan Jackson, Dallas Card, Johari Stone, and Marquis Reese.
While the Lady Canes will not make the journey to Norcross this week, the ladies will be preparing for the official season opener next Friday, Nov. 17 as the Hurricanes host the Greene County Tigers begiing at 4:30 p.m.
Varsity head coach Shakeirra Middlebrooks will reprise her role this season and is quite excited about adding a girls junior varsity squad this year.
“I am very excited about the upcoming season. I am especially excited about having a junior varsity squad this year,” she noted.
“The program is really growing and many girls are showing more interest in basketball.”
With two of her stellar players out with injuries (Mackenzie Tripp and Mia Jenkins) and one not likely to return for this season, Coach Middlebrooks said that there is plenty of talent to help supplement the losses.
The varsity head coach will once again be assisted by retired educator John Hopper and former Lady Hurricane Tracie Glawson.
Not subject to the same uncertainties as the boys squad, Coach Middlebrooks has her roster in line as of now.
The varsity Lady Canes roster includes:
Senior
Alyssa Wilson
Juniors
Mackenzie Abbott
Madison Abbott
Lacey Rutledge
Sophomores
Makya West
India Thomas
Emily Cavendar
Alicia Tripp
Freshmen
Bailey Jenkins
Hailie Tripp
Madison Smith
Katrina Callaway
Jayden Thomas
The junior varsity squad includes:
Sophomore
Jayla Standford
Freshmen
Taylor Bloodworth
Allie Jones
Janeisia Wyman
D’Asia Smith
Keshawna Hardwick
Marley Sands
Followng the home opener the varsity Lady Canes, will compete in the Warner Robins Basketball Tournament just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. The tournament will be held Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 20-21. The boys will not be competing and times have not been announced yet.