2016-17 Standard Democrat Boys Basketball Previews

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Charleston Bluejays
Head coach: Danny Farmer, 19th season
2015-16 record: 20-10
Conference: SEMO
Alignment: Class 3, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost a Class 3 sectional to Caruthersville
Returning starters: Mardareyon Clark, Demarcus Sharp, Jeremy Tucker
Starters lost: Dontarius Sharp, Kelvondre Moore, Tenerrious Ewing
Incoming players: Jaquavis Rodgers, Latrell Porter, Delontre Fisher
Notes: When you get your first look at the Charleston Bluejays this season, one thing that will be undeniably noticeable is their size. Though smaller lineups have done them well the past few seasons with six district titles in as many years, Charleston will roll out a squad that provide matchup problems for most. Mardareyon Clark (6-4, Jr.) and Jeremy Tucker (6-3, Jr.) return as starters along with backcourt staple Demarcus Sharp (6-2, Jr.). Joining them will be Delontre Fisher (6-5, So.), Latrell Porter (6-1, So.) and Jaquavis Rodgers (5-8, Sr.). "One of the major differences this year is that we're going to be taller," Charleston head coach Danny Farmer said. "I'm going to run out 6-5, 6-4 and that will definitely help us rebounding the ball. We won't be able to shoot it as well as we did last year, but we're going to be able to stay in games with our size." Towering over most of their opposition each night, Charleston's newfound size won't slow down the always up-tempo Bluejays. "They are big men that can move," said Farmer. "I think we'll be better than we were last year." They'll have to find a way to replace the scoring of Dontarius Sharp, who led the Bluejays with 14 points, six assists, four rebounds four steals last season. Also gone are guards Kelvondre Moore and Tenerrious Ewing, who ate up tons of varsity minutes. Charleston moves back into Class 3, District 1 after spending the past two seasons in District 2. They rejoin the likes of Caruthersville, the team that ousted them from last year's sectional, New Madrid County Central, East Prairie, Kelly, Kennett, Malden and Portageville.

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