Photo by Kyle Parmley.
Hewitt-Trussville head boys basketball coach Marcus Thomas instructs his team during a practice session Wednesday, Nov. 8, at Hewitt-Trussville High School.
Marcus Thomas can’t hide his excitement when talking about his Hewitt-Trussville High School boys basketball team this season.
He’s in his third year leading the program, and if the Huskies’ solid summer is any indication, it could be a memorable one.
“We’re excited about it,” Thomas said.
The Huskies didn’t take the leap in Thomas’ second year that many hoped for, but new roles for several players and injuries that stunted the cohesiveness of the team were partly to blame.
But there has been one constant on the floor since before Thomas’ arrival, and that is the prolific scoring ability of Damon Harper. The shifty guard burst onto the scene his freshman year and has been the team’s leading scorer each of the last two years.
“We expect him to stay in that role,” Thomas said.
Malachi Moore and TJ Alexander may not be available for the first several weeks of the season due to the success of the football team, but they are two other critical returnees that “make us turn,” according to Thomas. Alexander is a senior while Moore is just a sophomore, but their skills make for a tough matchup against any team.
“Our athleticism is going to catch a couple people by surprise,” Thomas said. “I don’t think people are going to think we’re going to be as athletic as we are.”
Hewitt-Trussville’s seven seniors should be able to provide needed stability and production for a team that will also rely on some younger players.
Bryant Howell has continued to progress and played well at times last season. Patrick Bishop shot the ball as well as anyone on the team throughout the preseason period.
The shooting ability of Jordan Eaton will also benefit the Huskies. Jaylon Reese and Davis Burgin are the team’s other seniors. Burgin took a few years off from basketball while he focused on football.
Thomas has also been impressed with 6-foot-5 junior forward Sam Cork, who has grown into his frame and is “moving a whole lot better.” Jaxon Hunter is a versatile player who will also see plenty of playing time. Brooks Horton has also ascended to the varsity squad.
Hewitt-Trussville is particularly excited about its sophomores. Moore will combine with Cameron Glover and Jamyre Reese to provide the Huskies with additional punch.
“When we’re locked in, we’ll be able to play with anybody in the state,” Thomas said.
On the floor, the Huskies take pride in their defense, and Thomas believes his team is versatile enough to match anything another team throws at it.
“It’ll be a fun game, it’ll be a fast-paced game, but when we have to grind it out, guess what? We’ll grind it out. We don’t have any problem doing that,” he said.
Hewitt-Trussville is looking to gain a spot at the table in the postseason, a place it hasn’t been since 2012. The Huskies believe they have the capability to do so, and Thomas sees the desire in his team to make that dream a reality.
“Every team, ninth grade, JV and varsity, all of them are going to come in with a chip on their shoulder this year,” he said. “They have it. They have that ‘it’ factor.”
