By By SCOTT COOPER – Sports Writer
The W.S. Neal Blue Eagles varsity basketball team will hit the floor with a good mixture of youth and experience to start the 2002-03 season.
Although last season's team finished with a disappointing five wins, the Blue Eagles return three starters from that squad who will have the benefit of an additional year of experience. In addition, a couple of first-year players are expected to shore-up certain areas of the team that were lacking last season.
Among those returning from last season's team are Nick Benjamin, J.J. Pitts, Keith Woods, Marcus Folmar, Craig Tagudar and Marcus Floyd.
Neal head coach David Edgar, entering his sixth season leading the Blue Eagles, evaluated his experienced players and said each has an opportunity to be an important contributor this season.
Edgar said two newcomers to the varsity, Alphonso Gross and Chris Johnson, possess skills that should benefit the team.
As he analyzed his players' strengths, Edgar gave a preview of the type team he expected the Blue Eagles would be.
Edgar continued by saying in order for the Blue Eagles to reach their potential, he feels there are a couple of areas that require improvements.
With Miller and Clarke County being the Area-1 competition the Blue Eagles will face as they attempt to earn their way into postseason play, Edgar said his team must be prepared to perform at a high level.