The Catawba Ridge Copperheads had an inconsistent season last year, but this year head boys’ coach Brett Childers is hopeful they will return to a better cohesiveness on the hardwood.
Catawba Ridge boys’ basketball team finished 11-17 overall last year and fell in the second round of the 5A playoffs to Riverside.
One big benefit for the Copperheads this season will be 6’11” Mark Caslaru, who returns for his senior season. Caslaru already has an offer from the Air Force Academy.
“We had a really good off season,” Childers said. “Playing through Mark will be our strength. He was a big part of our lineup last year. He has gotten stronger and more athletic. He is playing with a lot of confidence.”
Childers said this year’s version of the Copperheads consist of wing players which can shoot like an Isaiah Thomas and Kevin Butler.
“He (Caslaru) is going to drive so much attention it is going to allow other guys to be able to shoot,” he said.
Childers said the Copperheads bench was thin last year because of injuries, but feels like things are better this season.
“We have a roster of 14 and we have quality depth,” he said. “Some young guys who will make a name for themselves.”
Catawba Ridge was picked to finish about fourth in Region 3-5A.
“We are right where we need to be,” Childers said. “People know we have talent, but coming off last year there is some unknowns with young guys. I think we will take that next step.”
Childers said he would like to see his team push for a region title, despite the preseason ranking.
“I would like to make a deep run in the playoffs,” he added.
Catawba Ridge boys’ will open the season at a tournament next week at Dorman High School on Nov. 24-25. They will have their first home game on Wednesday, Dec. 3 against Buford. Over the Christmas break, they will play in the Big Box Holiday Invitational at Irmo High School on Dec. 29-31.
Girls’ basketball
Another season older should benefit the Lady Copperheads, which finished last season at 8-17 overall and a first-round playoff lost to Woodmont.
Catawba Ridge is young. They have four sophomores on the team to go with a freshman and an eighth grader.
“We are just taking it one day at a time,” said Catawba Ridge girls’ head coach Sheridan Pressley. “We are a young group, but we do have four seniors. I think that helps us, but we do have some youth. We are athletic and have an opportunity to get up and down. We are just focused on us.”
Pressley said she would like to have her team defend home court. She also wants to finish high in the region and make a playoff run.
“I think we have the potential to be a really good team,” she said. “I would like to be able to have some home playoff games. Playing at home that late in the year is important.”
The Lady Copperheads open its season in a tournament in Spartanburg on Saturday, Nov. 22, that will also be held on Monday, Nov. 24 and Tuesday, Nov. 25. They will play in a Christmas break tournament on Dec. 29-30 at South Point High School in North Carolina.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
