October 31, 2022
With a new coaching staff in place, the East Central Community College Warrior basketball team is ready to bring a new era of play into Decatur.
The Warriors are coming off a 5-17, 2-12 record a year ago, but have high hopes for 2022-23 as the team looks to play a modern style of basketball.
"We don't necessarily have a true post player on the roster, but we have loads of versatility," said first-year Warrior Head Coach Dylan Shields. "We have a group of players that range from 6'0 to 6'7 that can all play the same type of basketball, which makes us a dangerous team."
The Warriors will be looking for that offensive spark as ECCC ranked eighth in the conference with 72.9 points per game last season. Luckily for the Warriors, the leading scorer, Christopher Keys, who poured in 15.4 points per game, returns to the team for his sophomore season. He is joined by other key sophomores, Tynerious Daniels, David Berry, Damian McKnight, and Antwan Hatten. All of whom were in the top-ten scorers on the team last year. Other experienced sophomore players that will be joining the Warriors this year include Tai'Reon Joseph, a transfer from Radford University, Christian Freeze, and Julius Ellerbee, a transfer from South Plains Community College.
"Having veteran guys is huge for us, especially the leadership component they bring to the team," said Shields. "You can't fake or trick your way through this league, you have to have experience, and we have lots of it ... there is no substitute for that."
Joining the group of talented sophomores is a class of freshmen that bring excitement, energy, and competitiveness to the lineup. These players include Isaiah Williams, Cameron Lewis, Landry Amsini, Jay'Lan McNair, Eli Walker, and redshirts Tegen Boyd, Justin Thompson, and Avontae Jones.
The Warriors look to bring an exciting style of play into the Brackeen-Wood Gymnasium this year as the squad hopes to implement a new offense that does not follow the traditional pattern offense. The offensive attack will feature sets and plays initiated by coach Shields and new assistant coach Jordan Whittington from the bench but allows the players on the floor to make adjustments and read the defense in real-time to make adjustments.
The fast-paced action will help build a cohesive bond among the team as communication and trust in teammates are paramount in this offense. Pair this high-octane offense with a deep roster of talented guards and the Warriors look to have chances to light up the scoreboard in 2022-23.
"Our guard play is very strong," said Shields. "We have numerous players that can handle the ball and find ways to score."
Defensively, the Warriors are talented from top to bottom as the versatility not only makes for a strong offense but a lockdown defense.
"Normally when you think of versatile players, people's minds go straight to offense, but in reality, it makes a very strong defensive team," said Shields. "We have a variety of players that can guard multiple positions and that can switch off players. This athleticism puts us in a great spot to avoid mismatches which is what most offenses try to exploit."
The Warriors look to break into the MACCC with a new air about them in 2022-23. With new coaches at the helm, a strong group of returning sophomores, and a group of freshmen itching to prove themselves in the college ranks, ECCC has the ability to turn heads this season.
"My goal this year is to give our team a chance to win every game we play, and to truly believe that we have that ability," Shields said. "If we can stick together, compete every night we take the floor, and play with love as a team, then that will be a successful year for East Central Warrior basketball."
