A Sweet 16 run for a third straight season paves the way for this year’s group potentially building off that. While they lose a couple of key players, they also return a young, experienced, and talented core that has high aspirations.
PRESEASON INFO
2023-24 Record: 14-15; Sweet 16
Head Coach: David Adcock (7th Season)
Returning Starters: 3
Key Departures: Cooper Welch, Jack Hood
Key Players: Huey Blalock, Reed Burrell, Hayes Free, Michael Bone, Clayton Blalock, Colton Crane, Landan Bedingfield, Chase Alonso, McCade Huff
“Rabun County returns 4 players from last year that are all capable of scoring 15+ points per game,” states Adcock. “Huey Blalock is a pre-season All-State selection that averaged 17 ppg and 8 apg as a sophomore, and is currently on pace to eclipse 1,000 points and 500 assists as a junior. His IQ and motor set him apart from any other player in the state of Georgia. Hayes Free is a matchup problem at 6’7 with the ability to shoot the 3 at 40+% clip. He will turn a lot of heads this year with his ability to create mismatches by being able to stretch bigs out and then finish over smaller defenders inside. Reed Burrell is the third returning starter and is one of the most versatile players on the team. He averaged 10 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds as a freshman. He is able to effectively play any position on the floor and has extremely high IQ making him an invaluable asset to Rabun’s success. Michael Bone (6’3) is an upcoming senior who will turn a lot of heads this year with his ability to shoot the ball and create off the dribble. He has had a great off season and has the ability to average 15 points per game. Other returning players who will provide depth for the Wildcats this season include Clayton Blalock, Colton Crane, and Landan Bedingfield. Rabun also has two incoming freshmen who have the ability to step in and make an immediate impact in Chase Alonso and McCade Huff. This Rabun team is potentially one of the deepest teams in recent years and has the ability to make a lot of noise down the stretch.”
Offense: 5-out read and react motion-style offense predicated on ball movement and spacing. The Wildcats will look to play up-tempo and put as much pressure on the defense as possible.
Strengths: “Rabun County’s strengths will be their ability to move the ball on the offensive end of the floor, and their shooting ability,” says Adcock. “We have 5 players who have the ability to shoot over 40% from 3, and will look to build upon their 67 ppg average from last season. Rabun averaged 73 ppg over the past 10 games of the season last year and scored more than 75 points in 11 games last season. We also return 4 players from last year that can score at all 3 levels. Rabun County will look to push the tempo and play in transition as much as possible.”
Biggest Challenges: “Our biggest concern this year will be our ability to rebound and defend inside,” adds Adcock. “We graduated two of our top 3 rebounders in Cooper Welch and Jack Hood, and will have to rebound by committee this year. Although we do return co-leading rebounder Hayes Free from last season. The biggest area that we will be working on this year is defensive consistency. We gave up 64 ppg on average last year and would like to get that number below 60 ppg. The Wildcats gave up 70 points or more on 9 different occasions last season.”
“Our goals remain the same,” exclaims Adcock. “Compete for a region title in a very competitive Region 8A D1, and advance past the Sweet 16 in the state tournament.”
