A new era begins for Banks County basketball. For the Leopards, Chuck Butler takes over the program, just as the girls have a new leader as well. All 5 starters are back, which bodes well for this talented group! The sky is the limit.
PRESEASON INFO
2023-24 Record: 14-12; No Playoffs
Head Coach: Chuck Butler (1st Season)
Returning Starters: 5
Key Players: Kolby Watson, Hunter Youngblood, Luke Dale, Dayden Rogers, Caden Watson, Antonio Gonzalez, Carson Todd, Cason Reed
Watson, Youngblood, and Dale were all All-Region, and Butler provides insights on each, as well as some other standouts.
- SR Kolby Watson – All Region – Will hit 1K point mark this season; Versatile player both inside and out
- SR Hunter Youngblood – All Region – Will hit 1K point mark this season; Great perimeter shooter and plays wide open all the time.
- SR Luke Dale – All Region HM – Pure shooter on the perimeter
- JR Dayden Rogers – Versatile Post who can play both inside and out creating matching
problems for other teams - JR Caden Watson – All around player who can knock down open shots and plays very tough on defense
- SR Antonio Gonzalez – Biggest surprise for the new staff; Has laid his stamp on the starting point guard position and led the team as their floor general over the summer very successfully
- SR Carson Todd – A reserve last year that surprised the new staff this summer with his work ethic and grit on the floor. Will be a big part of the team’s success this year.
- FR Cason Reed – could compete and push the veterans on the team for playing time. Has a bright future in the program.
Offense: Versatile attack both inside and out
Strengths: “We feel the veteran experience on the team coupled with the offensive firepower we have can allow us to have a very successful campaign this year,” adds Butler.
Biggest Challenges: “Learning a new system with the new staff that has come in,” says Butler.
“Very high expectations on the season due to the veteran personnel,” implies Butler. “Will be a matter of how fast all players buy into the new demands placed on the team. Feel this can be a team on a steady incline all season as they grow as a team with the new staff. If this team puts it all together and peaks by region and tournament time they could threaten a deep run in the state playoffs.”
