Markus Fuller
Eastside Memorial Early College High School will be entering the 2019-2020 Season with expectations to compete for a playoff birth from District 27 (4A). The Panthers are led by 1st year Coach Roderick Blair. Coach Blair will be leading a team with several new varsity players. Due to graduation, Eastside lost a lot of players from last year’s team. This year will be a rebuilding year for the Panthers, but Coach Blair will not use that as an excuse. Eastside is going to compete at it’s highest level against every team they face this year.
The Memphis Grizzlies call Fedex Forum, their arena, the Grindhouse. The term Grindhouse came from the team’s grit and grind style of play. Grinding out games will be the philosophy of the Panthers this season.
In order to be a grind out team, Coach Blair is focusing on limiting teams to one shot. Rebounding is key to limiting opposing teams to one shot.
Eastside will be depending heavily on two Seniors with multiple years of varsity experience to lead this young group of Panthers. Ray Rodriguez and Jerimah Quinn are both 3 year varsity players that plan on making their final year at Eastside a memorable one.
Ray Rodriguez will bring Senior leadership to a young Panther backcourt. Rodriguez will have to be an extension of his coach on the court with such an inexperienced team. His high basketball IQ will be a valuable asset in guiding the Panthers on the court.
Jerimah Quinn has the ability to knock down shots, and he is very active on defense. Quinn can easily become a double digit scorer and rebounder. Jerimah will have to defend larger players in the post, but he plays with a lot of energy and heart. Those traits can cancel out height and size.
Steven Castillo is a 6’0 wing that will be able to contribute immediately. The Junior will be able to add athleticism and a tough-minded determination to Coach Blair’s team. Castillo will be relied upon to score, defend, and bring intangibles at are not seen on a stat sheet.
Key Dates:
Manor New Tech: (11/26 & 12/12)
Weiss: (12/5)
Northeast Early College High School: (12/17)
Taylor: (1/28)
Salado: (2/18)