Program Preview: Bristol Prep Academy
An unofficial count of prep schools in Tennessee this year reveals a booming cottage industry. Believe Academy (formerly TNG Prep) joins Lausanne Collegiate, Tennessee Prep Academy, and Hamilton Heights Christian.
Enter Bristol Prep Academy nicknamed the Bristol Prep Pacers.
Head Coach Patrick Grayson has assembled predominately regional talent from Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
Though they intend to play in Bristol the athletes will attend classes with Virginia Highlands Community College. The roster is finalized and there are some familiar names attending the upstart prep program.
Quez Fair moved in from Knoxville Bearden. The shifty point guard will probably start. Bristol Prep also lured Jawan George from Austin-East.
Kiysahwn Foster transferred locally from Tennessee High. He brings expert handles and the ability to cross cats. The ball-handling will be critical for the first-year team as they lack the customary size of a prep school outfit. Look for Foster to help the backcourt split strenuous traps and dash up court.
Another member of the Pacers backcourt will be Holden Hensley. With Science Hill Holden was a left-handed burner capable of slicing defenses on the dribble. He will get time at the point guard spot possibly off the bench.
Shooting from deep will be Dobyns-Bennett graduate Jordin Webb. Webb fancies himself a sharpshooter. Capable of running point in patches he will be strictly a shooting option for the Pacers.
Similarly, New Jersey-native Jess Paradiso brings an outside shooting touch.
Overall the team is quick, short, and deep. They would be wise to extend the floor and work on trapping opponents. Once the game gets into the halfcourt the active hands and active feet will be the Pacers’ allies.
Below is the complete roster.
2 | Quez Fair | PG |
3 | Keyshun Foster | PG |
10 | Tre McCrary | G |
12 | Tanner Blanton | F|G |
13 | Cortney Walton | G |
14 | Holden Hensley | PG |
20 | Jordin Webb | SG |
22 | Jesse Paradiso | SG |
23 | Jawan George | SG |
24 | Skylar Call | SG |
31 | Damarian Gulley | G|PG |
52 | Brenton Walton | F |
55 | Breland Walton | F |