Coming off the most successful season in 10 years, the expectations for the 2007-08 Powhatan High School boys basketball team are very high. However, to get to the Regionals again this year, the Indians will have to overcome significant losses.  At 6’5”, graduate Jesse Reid was a substantial post presence and a reliable scorer both in the paint and from long distance. Michael DeLeon was the team’s leading scorer and a legitimate long-range assassin. Corey Jones, a tremendous athlete and floor leader, graduated as did his back-ups at the point, Sam Beasley and Maurice Williams. Finally, second year head coach Steve Washburn had counted on 6’5” senior DaRon Fleming to dominate in the post, but Fleming decided not to return to the program this year.

On the positive side, the experience and seasoning of seniors Emmett Brown, Luke Myers and Ethan Lewis gives the Indians a solid nucleus. The challenge will be to develop a strong back court, rebounding and reliable long-distance shooters.

Leadership is a given.

Brown will be a sometimes vocal leader, but will guide the team primarily by his actions. A solid rebounder and defender, he has added more punch to his offensive game. The deceptively high flying Myers is being tabbed for a breakout season. “Luke came close to letting the District know who he was last year, until he got hurt” said Coach Washburn. “I expect him to have a defining year.” Quiet, but extremely versatile Lewis “will fill up the stats page” said his coach. “He’s the kind of kid who will do whatever it is that needs to be done.”

The back court presents a true dilemma. Senior Taron Hampton sat out most of last year but is a gifted athlete who has shown flashes of offensive aggression. “Taron just needs to put the pieces together. Defensively I think he can be the best on-ball defender in the District” Coach Washburn said.

But that’s defensively. Who is going to run the point? It is sophomore Shawn Minor’s job to win. While waiting for Minor to get his feet on the ground the Indians are a point guard by committee team with Brown often running the offense as a point forward. Blessed with great natural skills and composure beyond his years Shawn has the potential to make the transition to a varsity point guard. “On the JV Shawn was used to being the man. He just has to make the transition and blend those skills with the team around him.”

Senior Drew Carlson will fill the role of utility player; a jack of all trades, high energy scorer and defender. “Drew is 100 percent at both ends of the floor all of the time. He’ll do the little things but also give you the big shot when you need it,” analyzed Coach Washburn.

Junior Shawn Henderson has started out the year at two guard. A concentrated off season program produced great improvements in his offensive game. “We need Shawn to contribute offensively, particularly with outside shooting.”

Senior Paul Woodson is a willing role player in the back court. He has improved his level of play every year and accepts any role his coach gives him. “Paul is willing to accept his limited role and do whatever we ask of him to the best of his ability” Coach Washburn commended.

Junior Roger Hopson appears cast from the same mold. His coach can’t say enough about his efforts. “Roger will get as much out of his 5’10” body as any player I have ever coached. He’ll take charges, dive on the floor, even in practice and never say a word. I just can’t say enough about him.”

Kwamaine Marshall will make his mark as a defensive stopper. His coach recognizes him as a student of defense. “Kwamaine won’t create his own shot. His defense will be his offense. He will score off his defensive creativity.”

Junior T. L. Williams is still recovering from a severely broken arm suffered during the football season but is working hard to rebuild his strength. “He will probably get a bigger role after the Christmas Tournament.”

Tahliek Taliferro will be counted on to be a defensive post stopper and rebounder. “He is an excellent rebounder and will score off his rebounding.”

Chris Diamond “is still trying to work his game into our plan.” Chris is known to be an excellent spot up perimeter shooter and offers another option as a ball handler.”

Justin Beagle is a new transfer to Powhatan. “We’re just getting to know Justin, but he is a hard worker and should add some to our rebounding and energy.”

Eric Watts may well be the Indians ace in the hole. The senior center has shot up to 6’4” and bulked up from his slender 6’2” of last season. “We expect him to be a low post presence” said his coach “and take the pressure off Emmett and Luke. And he can score.” Eric has not even practiced yet as he also recovers from football injuries. His return to the lineup could change the entire dynamic.

Coach Washburn believes “all of the puzzle pieces are there, we just have to figure out how they all fit together. But I like what I see.”

One thing is for certain, however. The 2007-08 Indians will rely on defense. “Our style has to change from last year. Our defense has to be our offense. Our offense will be there but our defense has to make us go” stated Coach Washburn.

Aggression at both ends of the floor will be necessary. “We need to attack the opponent, be the aggressor to create an open floor. We’ll run but we have to run smart.”

Perhaps the biggest difference this year is mind set. “We have a lot of optimism. We know we can achieve what we achieved last year and more if we never take a night off. We constantly remind ourselves that we do not want to end this season by losing our last two games as we did last year” Coach Washburn stated.