LINDEN — North Montgomery boys basketball will rely on experienced players to improve up on last year’s 5-19 season. Charger Coach Chad Arnold will be entering his fifth season with North Montgomery and is expecting the squad to improve on last year’s season.
The Chargers will be led by several players who played on the successful football team. Arnold hopes to see the success carry over to the basketball court.
“Several of our guys had a good football season and I believe that will boost their confidence,” Arnold said. “The players are working hard and really paying attention to the coaches. We want to be aggressive and physical which is what we need in the Sagamore Conference.”
Arnold expects to see junior Kelby Harwood, who led last year’s team scoring 11.8 ppg., pick up his game this season. The 6-3 junior was also the team’s leading rebounder grabbing 4.8 caroms and averaged nearly four assists per contest.
“Kelby can be a really good player”, Arnold said. “He works hard and is very coachable. He wants to be good and he wants the team to be better this year.”
Joining Harwood will be seniors Jarrod Kirsch, Ross Dyson and Noah Hopkins. Adding depth and size to the team will be newcomer senior Corbin Meadows.
“Ross has started for three years and he is showing he is ready to do what it takes for the team to have success,” Arnold said. “He has worked on his shot and I think he will be a good play maker for us.”
Kirsch is considered the team’s top outside threat. In his previous three seasons the lefty has earned the reputation of being a good shooter from outside the three-point line.
“Jarrod is a good athlete and is very coachable,” Arnold said. “He got off to a slow start last season but I anticipate him being ready to go. Again, he is a senior with a lot of experience that means a lot to this team.”
Hopkins and Meadows will bring some muscle to the team. He complimented both players for working hard and willing to be keys on defense. Both athletes were successful defensive players in football and Arnold expects them to be physical on the basketball court.
“Hopkins and Meadows will compliment each other,” Arnold said. “We plan on having them substitute for each other but when they are both in the game, I am sure they will handle the paint for us.”
Junior sharpshooter Cam Enlow is expected to contribute to the team along with classmates Kaiden Ireland and Cam Claycomb. Sophomores Jack Warren and Colton Arnold will get playing time according to the coach.
The Chargers open Nov. 21 at Fountain Central. The Mustangs are expected to be one of the area’s best after coming off a semi-state appearance a year ago.
