First-year head coach Andy Johnson (center) has a talented quartet in (from left to right) Justin Jackson, Allonzo Trier, Derryck Thornton Jr. and Horace Spencer.
Photo by Jann Hendry
Andy Johnson (First year)
2013-14 record: 31-5, No. 13 final national ranking
KEY RETURNERSO'Shae Brissett (6-8, So., G/F)
Justin Jackson (6-8, Jr., G/F) – UNLV verbal commitment
Horace Spencer III (6-8, Sr., F) – Auburn verbal commitment
Derryck Thornton Jr. (6-1, Jr., G)
IMPACT NEWCOMERSShakwon Barrett (6-2, So., G)
Jayce Johnson (6-11, Jr., F)
Aleksa Novakovic (6-7, Sr., F)
Donnie Tillman (6-6, So., F)
Allonzo Trier (6-4, Sr., G) – Arizona verbal commitment
Khalea Turner (6-8, Sr., F/C)
PILOT STORYLINES* It may be Johnson's first year as head coach, but he's going into his sixth year with the program and has played a major role in establishing a culture of success at Findlay Prep. The Illinois native isn't ducking the expectations that come with his new position. "We set out every year to try to compete and win the national championship. That's the standard we set and our guys are working hard and doing the right things to try and achieve that."
* Trier was a huge addition to the Pilot roster over the summer. Pegged as the No. 11 2015 prospect in the
247Sports Composite, the 6-4 guard is an explosive scorer. Ironically, he scored 36 points for Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.) last December in a win over Findlay Prep. "I think what gets overlooked with him is his ability to create for others," Johnson said.
* Findlay Prep is a little light on true guards, but the versatility of Brissett, Jackson and Spencer – all in the 6-8 range – should help offset that deficiency. The Pilots have a true floor general in Thornton, who is regarded as a Top 10 prospect in 2016.
KEY DATESDec. 17-19 – Tarkanian Classic
Jan. 2 – vs.
Our Savior New American (Centereach, N.Y.) at Hoophall West
Jan. 3 – vs.
Riverside Academy (Reserve, La.) at Hoophall West
Jan. 17 – vs.
Stevenson (Lincolnshire, Ill.) at Spalding Hoophall Classic
Jan. 19 – vs.
Wayne (Huber Heights, Ohio) at Flyin' to the Hoop
Jan. 24 – vs.
Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) at Big City Showcase
