Damian Mitchell
Sports Editor
Updates on the men’s basketball teams in the coverage area:
SPRINGVILLE — Record: 7-1
Head coach Jeff Smith has his team sitting well and playing exceptional basketball so far this season, starting the season 6-0 so far. Senior guard Max Harrison leads the team in scoring, averaging about 16 points per game. His hot start really came to light after an impressive 25-point game against Ashville on Nov. 30, in which he scored 25 points with 21 points coming from seven three-pointers.
Games this week: Dec. 11 @St. Clair County, Dec. 14 vs. Center Point
Hewitt-Trussville — Record: 4-2
Under first year coach Jeff Baker, the Huskies have started off strong and their only losses have come by a combined 10 points. The team averages right above 60 points per game and looks to only be trending upward as the season progresses. The Huskies look to keep up the team play ahead of individual success, and a perfect example is the Nov. 30 win against Oak Mountain when four Huskies put up double digit points, with Brandon Copeland leading the way with 14 points, Colin Glover scoring 13, Jaxon Hunter with 12 points and Cameron Glover adding 10.
Games this week: Dec. 15 vs Mortimer-Jordan, Dec. 17 @ Pleasant Grove
Pinson Valley — Record: 4-4
Looking at the Indians basketball program, you realize that the hiring of head coach Darrell Barber was not one that would take some time to see results. He is by far one of the best coaches in the game. He has his team sitting at 4-4 on the season and, even in those losses, the Indians still look very impressive to start the 2018-2019 season. The Indians will have players Demarqus Densmore, Geordan Pollard and Ga’Quincy McKinstry on the roster now after winning the state championship in football Dec. 7.
Games this week: Dec. 10 vs. Parker, Dec 11. @Fairfield
Clay-Chalkville: Record 2-5
The Cougars are stumbling out of the gate, but do not count out coach Jeremy Monceaux and the job he has done so far. The Cougars fell short to Gardendale 56-50 on Dec. 7, who entered the game with a 5-3 record. This Cougar team will compete. To say that the team is not capable of turning around their misfortunes is selling them short. In due time, they will gel and get back into the win column.
Games this week: Dec. 11 @Pell City, Dec 13. vs Chelsea, Dec 14. vs Gadsden City
