“We want to have a winning season,” said first-year Blazers head coach Jonathan Matheson of Emerald, who is assisted by Korey MacArthur of New Annan.
“If we lose it won’t be a big deal. Mainly, we want to teach them how to play the game.”
By that, Matheson refers to cutting down on constant running and gunning while adding some set plays to the Blazers’ playbook.
“I’d like to slow it (pace) down a little, and get some (set) plays in,” added Matheson, who is no stranger to KRHS basketball.
He played on the 2009 P.E.I. School Athletic Association senior A boys’ gold-medal–winning team, which was coached by former athletic director Ryan Hunter.
The Blazers travel to Charlottetown on Wednesday to open the 2011-12 regular season against the Colonel Gray Colonels.
“I just want the kids to enjoy it, and we want to win a few games because this will be the last time for some of them (playing basketball).”
Three starters Matheson will lean on heavily are guard Jason Sobey, centre Ben Milligan and point guard Sam Milligan.
“All three played before, and they are actually very good athletes,” said Matheson.
Ben Milligan is one of six Grade 12s on the Blazers. The other seniors are small forward Spencer Dougay, small forward Blaise Roberts, shooting guard Brodie McKenna, power forward Jordan Shea and centre Isaac Jay.
Overall, the Blazers are comprised of 14 players from Grades 9 to 12.
“Hopefully, we will have an athletic team,” said Matheson. “So far they are doing very well.
“They are all in shape, and are all pretty athletic.”
The Blazers will compete in the Charlottetown Rural tournament Dec. 16 and 17. Matheson added this tournament will aid the development of the team’s younger players.
“People who may not normally start will get an opportunity to start and play,” added Matheson.
jpsports@journalpioneer.com
