Ethel boys basketball opens up the season hoping to build off an outstanding offseason under 13th year head coach Corey Parish.
The Tigers are going to be senior heavy this year and lean on those guys in order to have success.
The six seniors that will be leading the team are Akeem Erving, D’Ayres Merritt, Daquannay Dotson, Kendal Dotson, Damion Hill and D’Vontrae Felton.
Merritt returns after being the leading scorer and rebounder last year averaging 12.6 points per game and 6.6 rebounds per game. Dotson was second on the team in scoring averaging 11.5 points per game.
“We had a very good summer and we hope that success can carry over into the regular season,” Parish said. “Merritt and Dotson will carry a big load on the offensive end; however, we are a very balanced offensive group, so our scoring should be pretty balanced.”
Sophomore Sacarrio Merritt and junior Izik Stewart will play value roles for the Tigers.
Defensively the Tigers will rely on quickness, length and strength to slow opponents down.
“We plan on being a very up tempo team that relies heavily on our pressure defense,” Parish said. “I am extremely proud of these young men. They work and are fun to coach.”
The Tigers fell to the Confederates of Caledonia 79-55 to open the season on Thursday night.
D’Ayres Merritt lead Ethel with 15 points, while Daquannay Dotson added 13 points for the Tigers.
Izik Stewart had eight rounds, while Sacarrio Merritt added six assists and three steals for the Tigers (0-1).
