Team Spotlight: Lincoln Abes
After finishing third, just one game a way from the 3A state championship, the new look Lincoln Abes want to continue their winning ways.
Lincoln has been a dominant team in the competitive Tacoma area. In the last decade, one could say they have been the best team in Tacoma over that span. Lincoln is known for it’s length and athleticism. New head coach, Ryan Rogers will have big shoes to fill when he replaces new University of Puget Sound coach, Aubrey Shelton
Aubrey was named as the UPS Head Men’s Coach in May after a great run in the state tournament. Shelton ended his final season placing 3rd in state, and reached the state semifinals three times since 2013. In his 11 years as head coach, his overall record was 237-57 (.806), winning eight league titles and six district championships. He has five top 5 finishes at the state tournament and he was also named coach of the year eight times.
Coach Rogers was an assistant under Shelton for five seasons and he also played for Shelton for one season in 2008. He has a great understanding of their style of play and what has given them success. They have built a reputation of aggressive defense and an uptempo style of play. Rogers has no plans on switching things up. “We still plan on getting into people, turning them over and getting our players in the open floor.”
The Abes graduated six players from a year ago, all of them rotation players. They will rely on key returners like Armoni Bashay and Earnest Yearby to lead this team back to the Tacoma Dome. Yearby averaged just under 13 points last year and will be looking to up that amount entering his senior year.
A staple for Lincoln’s success has been their length and athleticism on the wing. Senior Mykel Campbell is a 6’5 wing who will see his role increase from a year ago. His high energy will be essential to the team’s overall success.
Also, Julien Simon is an elite football prospect and the Abes will benefit from his athletic abilities. The sophomore was a contributor last season as a freshmen.
Entering the season, health is an early concern. With 4 key guys temporarily sidelined, they will look to others for contribution. “We have that ‘next man up’ mentality” said Coach Ryan Rogers.
Lincoln will also add some talent to their team with the addition of Jaylen Scott. Scott was first team All-SPSL as a sophomore averaging better than 19 points per game. Scott brings scoring and depth at the guard position.
Scott transferred to Lincoln from Bellarmine Prep, just down the road. Jaylen sees this move as an opportunity, “I want to win league and win state. That simple.”
Coach Rogers thinks this is the best team in Tacoma and can compete with anyone in the state. The players carry that same swagger. They will need that confidence heading into the home opener.
The Lincoln Abes open the season against the Roosevelt Roughriders on Tuesday, November 27th at Lincoln. They face one of the state’s best point guards in Maui Sze. Scott and Sze will be a match-up to watch for.
Even though the Tacoma powerhouse is starting fresh, the vision remains the same. Win the state title.
Lincoln High School Boys Basketball Schedule:
http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/lincoln-abes-(tacoma,wa)/basketball/schedule.htm