Seahawk Basketball Tips Off Thursday

South Lakes Boys Basketball

Coach: Andrew Duggan (second year)

2010-11 Record: 14-12

Last Game: 87-76 loss to Herndon in Northern Region quarterfinals

Key Departures: Darius Smith, Joe Daye

Key Returning players: D.J. Christian, J.D. Wallace, Mitch Dempster, Jordan Francis

For Andrew Duggan, last season was bittersweet. The first-year head coach guided the Seahawks to the Liberty District finals and the Northern Region quarterfinals. Despite losing both games, he took the Seahawks farther in the Northern Region tournament than they had been in at least four years.

“We got to places that we hadn’t been to in awhile and it was a good building block for us,” said Duggan.

South Lakes opens its 2011-12 season Thursday, Dec. 1 at home against Centreville at 7:30 p.m.

Three starters from last year’s 14-win squad return and will be led by senior point guard J.D. Wallace. Wallace averaged 12.4 points per game last season and earned First Team All-Liberty District honors and honorable All-Region honors.  

Duggan expects big things from his point guard this season.

“He’s had a great summer. I honestly believe that he’s capable of being an all-district and all-region player,” he said. “As J.D. goes, we go as a basketball team.”

Seniors Mitch Dempster and D.J. Christian join Wallace in South Lakes’ backcourt. Despite missing three games due to injury, Christian averaged 11.3 points per game last year and scored 30 points or more in three contests. Christian possesses a blend of speed and athleticism that makes him difficult to defend. He’s also a fierce rebounder who is not afraid to battle bigger players in the paint.

“D.J. is a kid who is pretty relentless on the glass as a rebounder. He has the ability to take guys off the dribble and he’s improved his jump shot,” said Duggan.

Dempster is one of the team’s most proficient sharpshooters and Duggan will depend upon him to shoot well from behind the three point line this year. Dempster made 27 three pointers last season and scored in double digits in eight games.

Jordan Francis, also a guard, played sparingly last season but is expected to see significant playing time this year. He scored 18 points last season against Marshall and has had a productive offseason. Duggan and his coaching staff are excited to see what Francis can contribute as a starter and are optimistic that he’ll fit nicely in the starting rotation.

“The work he's put in during the offseason in the weight room and on the court definitely shows. I think he’s going to have a very good year,” said Duggan.

With only three seniors on last year’s team, it’s realistic to expect that the Seahawks will again contend for the Liberty District title. Seven seniors, three sophomores and one freshman comprise this year’s roster.

“We have a good mix of players…this a very good group and I’m excited to work with them on a daily basis,” Duggan said.