By Dave Krider
MaxPreps.com
Steve Smith has compiled an amazing 684-40 record in 22 years as head basketball coach at Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.), but this year's team - with just one returning starter - could present his greatest challenge
"I've never had two sophomores who played a lot and potentially could start," Smith told MaxPreps. "We've never been that young. Luckily, we have good-sized kids, so they can compete physically. It's kind of exciting being young but still being good. We have a very challenging schedule."
His opponents include such national powers as Duncanville (Texas), St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.), St. Benedict's (Newark, N.J.), Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) and Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.).
Smith, who has won seven national championships, does have a major building block, however, in the person of senior guard Brandon Jennings. The 6-foot-1, 170-pounder averaged 15.2 points, 11.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 3.5 steals last year while sparking the Warriors to a 40-1 record. The University of Arizona recruit will be among the leading candidates for National Player of the Year.
Jennings will team in the backcourt with 6-5, 210-pound senior Malik Story, who helped Lakewood Artesia win the California Division III state title last year. He will attend the University of Southern California. The third guard will be 6-2, 205-pound sophomore Bryon Allen, who had considerable varsity playing time last year at DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.).
Talented junior Glenn Bryant (6-7, 185), a transfer from Roseville, Mich., will play a wing position. Smith expects him to produce a double-double most nights. The center will be manned by 6-9, 318-pound junior Keith "Tiny" Gallon, a transfer from Humble, Texas. Gallon, who already has lost 21 pounds this fall, "is really skilled for as big as he is," Smith says.
The top substitutes are 6-1 sophomore Pe'Shon Howard, a transfer from St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio); 6-8, 265-pound senior Danny Jennings, who transferred from Bishop Loughlin (Brooklyn, N.Y.); and 6-8, 260-pound junior Chasen Campbell, a transfer from Independence (Charlotte, N.C.).
"I don't think we're a great outside shooting team," Smith confessed. "But I like our youth and enthusiasm."