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The Rock Island Rocks Preseason Report
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Returning Key Players
(Part-time/Full-time Starters)
Ray "Munchie"
Muskeyvalley
(5’11", 160 lb. Sr., Point Guard)
Grant Snyder
(6’4", 190 lb. Jr., F)
Mike Brozovich
(5’10", 150 lb., Sr., G)
Brandin Smith
(6’3", 170 lb., Jr. F)
Marcus McQueen
(6’1", 165 lb. Soph., G)
David Wilson
(6’3", 165 lb., Sr., F)
Other key
players
Howard Davis
(6’3", 170 lb., Soph. G/F)
John Carothers
(6’4", 175 lb., Sr., F)
Bryan Madison
(6’3", 175 lb., Jr., G)
Cortez Hunter
(5’11", 165 lb., Jr. Point Guard)
Players lost to
graduation
Andre Ford, (Nick Jones
has transferred from Rock Island High School – starter as a junior last year)
Season Outlook:
Possible Strengths: While we will basically
be a young team still, we do have a number of players back who saw significant minutes
last year. We will have good athleticism with quickness throughout the line-up.
Possible Weaknesses: We will not be a big
team,so size may be a problem. We are looking for our outside shooting to improve and
become more consistent. There will be an adjustment period with at new staff taking over.
Style of Play: We will be a team that
tries to use our quickness defensively and offensively. We want to push the ball, but need
to understand when we will need to work the ball around to get a good shot.
"We hope to be able to get some wins under our
belt to gain some confidence early in the season, but are trying to focus on long-term
improvement throughout the season. By doing this, we hope to be at our best late in the
year. There are a number of questions regarding personnel and roles that will have to be
determined as we progress, and there is always an adjustment period when players are
adapting to a new system."
Western Big 6 Outlook: "Quincy and Moline
look to be the favorites on paper. Quincy returns some talented players from last year.
Moline lost a lot from last year’s Elite 8 team, but fills in nicely with some
players that didn’t see much time last year. From there, I think the other four teams
have a lot of question marks. UT will definitely benefit from a 6’9" Division I
transfer, and Galesburg will have the Walker kid. Each of these teams’ success may
depend on the supporting cast. Alleman lost everybody, so they may take a few weeks to
gain some experience. We will have a lot of questions adapting to a new system."
Top Area Class AA Teams: Moline and Rochelle will probably be the top two seeds in our
Sectional Complex, and then it’s up for grabs. Rockford Boylan should be very good
and the likely Super Sectional opponent for whoever comes out of our Sectional. |
