Team Preview: Tallwood

Classification: VHSL 6A SouthConference: Coastal (Conference 1) Head Coach: Tom Gonsules Last Season: 11-12 Key Games: 12/1 @ GreenRun                     12/11 Salem                    12/26-12/28 Norfolk Scope Holiday Tournament                    1/12 @ Landstown Key Losses: Dalon McHugh (graduated),  Rendijs Feikners (transferred) Key Returners: Tyree Golston (13 ppg), Isiaha Macer, Kenneth Smith, Adrian Beasley (9 ppg), Clifton Spann (7 ppg 7 rpg) Projected Starting Lineup:  PG: Tyree Golston SG: Isiaha Macer SF: Clfton Spann PF: Adrian Beasley / Kenneth Smith C: James Parker A biting one point loss to Granby High School in the semi-finals of the Coastal Conference tournament has made for a group of hungry Tallwood Lions. Fortunately, this year’s team will feature many of last year’s key contributors, including three game tested seniors rounding out their starting 5. However, to improve on their previous record of 11-12, they will not only need to improve their basketball skills, but their intangibles as well.  “We’re emphasizing team chemistry, hustle and intensity as our keys to success,” Head Coach Tom Gonsules said. To help enforce these principles, coaches will look for leadership from a talented group of returning players.  Tyree Golston will be counted on as a play maker after averaging a team leading 13ppg as a sophomore and receiving Second Team All Costal Conference honors. Forward Adrian Beasley averaged 9ppg during his sophomore campaign and is seeking to play an even more significant role this year.   Tallwood will also be looking for big contributions from their capable seniors including wing Clifton Span and center James Parker. Clifton Spann put up solid numbers as a junior at nearly 7 points and and was praised by coaches as a “versatile player who can play multiple positions.”  Big man James Parker is the teams best defender on the block and will be counted on to have a huge presence in the paint. With tons of experience and ability, Coach Gonsules is confident that his team can compete in the area. “If the newcomers step up to the challenges and demands of varsity basketball, our ability to limit opponents scoring opportunities, and develop good team chemistry on both offense and defense then, Tallwood Lions should be in the thick of the Conference One race,” Gonsules said. However, in order for this team to reach their goals they will need to be able to rely on more than just ability. Coach Gonsules noted that some factors that could hinder their success are individuality and lack of responsibility, which they are working on both on and off the court. This past weekend, the team spent time volunteering at the Special Olympics, where they passed out medals and spent time getting to know the events athletes.  The experience will certainly be an influential lesson in team work and sacrifice.    By spending the off season bettering themselves in all aspects of the game, Tallwood has put themselves in a position to make some noise in Conference 1 and the 6A South Region. They open up with a tough matchup at Virginia Beach rival Green Run on December 1st.