2 different teams
The Clay-Chalkville High School boys basketball team that takes the floor in the month of November will likely look nothing like the one that finishes the season.
That’s because the Cougars and head coach Jeremy Monceaux are counting on upwards of seven student-athletes who star on the gridiron for the football team to also make a significant impact for the basketball team.
But basketball season starts in early November, while the Cougars’ highly successful football team aspires to play into December.
Jaden Johnson could be the starting center. Jaylin Mack could start on the wing. Cameron Ware could start at point guard. Judah Walton could get significant playing time and Khalib Johnson, Jordan McCants and Jayden Sweeney could also contribute.
“It’s going to be two different teams,” said Monceaux of when the football players join the basketball team. “I don’t expect or want them back before December 15, which would be a week after the [football]state championship.”
Monceaux, entering his fifth year as the coach at Clay-Chalkville, hopes that some of the younger players who will be forced into action early on will gain valuable experience and confidence that pays off down theroad.
“It could end up being a blessing in disguise,” he said. “If the guys that play backup roles to them in a normal situation develop into some players and some experience to where those guys come in and we’re even more ready to go, because those guys have gotten some minutes.”
Two of the Cougars’ five seniors are football guys, so Dayon Bryant, Parker Charles and Chance Armstrong will be relied on to help lead the team before the calendar turns over. Monceaux expects big things from Bryant, who will likely have to start the season playing forward. Charles and Armstrong have been around the program for four years and have improved each season.
“We’re full of question marks,” Monceaux said. “What’s it going to look like when we start? Will we have enough early to compete? Once the football team comes to join us, how quickly will we adapt with the chance of them maybe not playing or practicing until mid-December?”
Prior to the beginning of official practice, Monceaux said he was still trying to figure out the best style of play for his team. Clay-Chalkville’s strength will be on the defensive end of the ball if this season’s team is anything like the last four years under Monceaux.
It’s clear the Cougars will have their work cut out for them this year, and they will compete in Class 6A, Area 12 with Pinson Valley and Pell City.
“This will be by far the most young and inexperienced team we’ve ever had since I’ve been here,” he said. “There’s a culture in place that is very healthy; the guys work hard and they understand the expectation.”
Clay-Chalkville opens the season at the Sneaky Pete’s Rebel Classic at Vestavia Hills the week of Thanksgiving.