Boys' Latin basketball coach Cliff Rees will kick off his fourth season with most of his starting lineup back from last year’s 19-13 team that lost in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association B Conference championship game to St. Paul’s.
It's unlikely, though, that the Lakers will reach their full potential until the second half of the season because two starters, senior guard Blair Brooks (6-feet) and senior point guard Jerel Archer (5-10) are returning from knee injuries.
“I don’t have any doubt those guys will come back and be at full strength,” Rees said.
Brooks (6-0) could return around Jan. 1. He averaged 12 points and three assists per game last year.
Archer sparked the team late last season after earning a starting berth. He’s expected back in the lineup sometime in December.
“Once he became our point guard, we went 9-1,” Rees said. “He is very steady, an excellent athlete and a very smart player.”
With Brooks and Archer missing, freshman point guard Jaylin Andrews (6-2) will be the backcourt player to watch.
Andrews has good quickness and isn't bashful about shooting.
“He has a ton of potential,” Rees said. “He is very athletic, an excellent shooter and has a high basketball I.Q.”
The Lakers also bring back junior forward Kodye Pugh (6-7) and senior forward Patrick Spencer (6-2) to anchor a strong frontcourt.
Pugh was solid on offense, defense and as a rebounder last year. He has received scholarship offers from Georgetown and Georgia Tech, according to Rees.
“Pugh is one of the top players in Maryland,” Reese said. “He is very versatile. He shoots, runs and jumps well.”
Spencer is a solid inside scorer and rebounder. He averaged 14 points and seven rebounds and has committed to play lacrosse at Loyola University Maryland.
“He has the type of talent that he could play basketball in college if he wanted to,” Rees said.
Rees is looking for senior forward Shawn Stephney (6-1) and sophomore guard Brandon Bradsher (5-9) to step up while Brooks and Archer sidelined.
The backcourt will be bolstered by two reserves: junior guard Michael Morsberger (6-2) and Dom Maggio (6-3).
Two junior guards who moved up from junior varsity — Rees’ son, Spencer (5-10), and Jason Chappell (5-9) — also should contribute.