Erin Nelson Photo by Erin Nelson
Hewitt-Trussville’s Reid Stodghill (13) shoots the ball in a game against Hoover at Hoover High School on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022. Photo by Erin Nelson.
Jeremy Monceaux isn’t necessarily satisfied with seasons ending in the area tournament, like the last one did for the Hewitt-Trussville High School boys basketball program, but much progress was made in his first year leading the program.
Sometimes it is tough for a first-year coach to establish expectations of how he wants things to work. But that hasn’t been the case for Monceaux. He sees a strong work ethic and desire to succeed from the players in the program.
“I think it has a lot to do with the kids and their hunger for wanting to be successful,” Monceaux said.
Last season’s team improved from eight wins the year before to an 18-win season. Even with that impressive growth, Monceaux thought the team could easily have won 20 games if a few plays had gone differently in key moments.
The most significant returner for the Huskies is Reid Stodghill, a 6-foot-8 forward who played in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Game over the summer.
“He’s been able to expand his game a little bit on the floor. He’s going to be our anchor for us,” Monceaux said.
Lake Williams is another senior who played last season. He was a key defender for the Huskies but will be expected to produce plenty on the offensive side of the floor as well.
“It’s a little different for him. He’s always been that hard-working, good defender type. Now, he’s got to produce for us,” Monceaux said.
Jathan Fulmer, Larry Eddleman, Jaqson Melton, Caleb Hooper, Sam Jordan, Jake Cochran and Grayson Williams make up the rest of a large senior class.
Ben Warren, a junior, is making the jump from the junior varsity squad, but Monceaux expects him to be a key part of the offense. Dave Carter will be a post player to support Stodghill in the paint and may give the Huskies the option to have both players on the court at the same time.
Rashad Rolley and Colt Wells are sophomores expected to play plenty as well. Despite their youth, the Huskies need them to progress rather quickly.
“Those two are going to have to grow up really quick if we’re going to compete and win some games. We’re expecting big years from them,” Monceaux said.
The hallmark a Monceaux team is to possess a “defense first” mentality. This year’s team will be no different in that regard. The offense will be a work in progress as the season gets going.
“There’s some question marks going into the season about what’s going to happen on the floor. Hopefully, as we continue to establish the program, it’ll get a little bit more consistent,” he said.
Hewitt-Trussville will play in Class 7A, Area 6, against Chelsea, Oak Mountain and Spain Park. The Huskies will also play teams like Douglas, Vestavia Hills, McGill-Toolen, Pelham, Huffman and others that will challenge them sufficiently.
“We have some of the best coaching in our state inside of our area,” he said.
A playoff run for the first time in many years would be nice for the Huskies, but Monceaux simply wants to see his team continue to rise in his second year leading the charge.
“More than a postseason run is probably setting a standard for our ability to win games and be competitive. If we focus on those things, that run will eventually happen,” he said.
