Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
The Clay boys basketball team features an experienced roster, including three returning starters and a pair of transfers from Emmanuel Christian.
The Eagles feature 10 juniors, including Aiden Berryman and Max Morrison. Grant Oberdick and Carson Vincent are the lone two seniors, and the Eagles have just two sophomores on the roster.
Berryman, who is the team’s point guard for a third-straight season, returns along with Vincent and Oberdick as starters from last year. Third-year head coach Lionel Armstead expects a lot from the trio.
“Aiden started as a freshman, so he definitely knows what's expected from me and the program. And then Carson and Grant, they're my only two seniors that are starting, and they are already doing an amazing job. They're vocal leaders and just demonstrating that in practice and in games so far.”
Armstead said Max Morrison is another key returner, and the program has added a pair of junior transfers from Emmanuel Christian in Antwoine Mister at guard and Zalieya “Zee” Usrey-Martin at forward.
“They're doing an amazing job of just bringing a lot of energy and a lot of skill,” Armstead said. “They came from Emmanuel, so I've known them because I coached at Emmanuel before I came to Clay, and both of those guys are fitting in pretty good as far as chemistry.”
With all those guys around, Armstead is looking to turn up the pressure defensively this season.
“We’re working on just turning people over and making them uncomfortable,” he said. “That's something I've stressed since I've been here. This is my third year, and I think now we finally have the depth and athleticism to be successful at it.”
With that, communication will be key.
“Sometimes in practice, it gets kind of stagnant and quiet because guys aren't talking,” Armstead said. “Obviously, my point guard does a very good job of that, and there are times where he's out, and it gets quiet again, so we want to make sure we're continuing to talk and communicate on and off the court.”
Clay, who finished 12-11 overall last year, has placed second in their division in the NLL for two straight seasons to Southview. Armstead said the team wants to change that this year while also winning a tournament game.
“Those two goals are kind of weighing on us, and it's giving us a little ammunition going into the season,” he said.
That chase, along with the team’s talent and experience, adds to the excitement for the season.
“We’re not teaching the same things that I did in year one,” Armstead said. “The guys are doing a good job of just meeting our goals and expectations as far as team rules and standards and how we behave and what's expected of them as young men on and off the court.
“I think the excitement for me is just being able to actually not worry about anything but coaching basketball because I have a great group of guys. These guys, they love each other. Everybody gets along well. They take care of each other. It shows on the court. We're very unselfish, and I think that's going to add to our success.”
