Nation Ford’s basketball teams will hit the court with plenty of fresh faces this season.
Both squads are looking to improve on last season’s losing records and give Falcons fans plenty to cheer about in 2023-24.
Boys’ head coach Charles Brown says his team is deeper than any other he has coached in his career, from top to bottom. Dictating the pace of play, he said this week, will be key to Nation Ford’s success on the court.
“I’m trying to get to a style of play where we can be the team that’s in control, and we dictate how teams react to us,” he said.
Brown has seven seniors on his roster, and he said he plans to start three of them.
Senior center Caden Giles, coming in at 6-11 and 220 pounds, is the “anchor” on defense, and Brown says Giles has improved his offensive game significantly. Through his work on the court and athleticism, Brown said Giles has a chance to become the Region 3-5A Player of the Year.
Senior power forward Jackson Falkner is a vocal leader who shows up all over the court.
“He’s what you might call our junkyard dog,” Brown said.
Senior wing Jackson Burnham, a transfer from Carmel Christian High (Matthews, N.C.), is a scorer who competes hard. On the other wing, Brown says junior Ben Chuttey is one of the best shooters on the team.
Sophomore Chase Walters will be the team’s starting point guard. Brown said Walters has stood out because of his hard work ethic.
Nation Ford lost five seniors to graduation from last season. The Falcons, which finished at 9-18 and 2-8 in the region last season, fell to eventual champions Dorman High in the first round of last year’s state tournament.
Brown is in his second year of coaching Nation Ford basketball. He said he’s looking forward to playing an “exciting” brand of basketball for Falcons fans.
“I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t like to win a certain number of games,” he said. “I’ve got a number in my head. But if everyone buys into what we have – ‘my strength is your weakness, your weakness is my strength,’ that’ll let me know that we’ve been successful.”
Lady Falcons
Head Coach Kelly Bennett says finishing strong in close games will make a difference this season for the Lady Falcons.
In 19 of Nation Ford’s 26 games last season, Bennett says the team led by double digits at some point.
Nation Ford ended last year with a 12-14 record overall and 3-7 in region play. They fell to Dorman High in the first round of the 5A state tournament.
“Our goal is that when (we lead), we don’t fold,” Bennett said. “We keep going with what’s working.”
Bennett will be without four key players from last year’s team: Camille Kerridge, Kayla Wilmore, Catherine Barhorst, and Georgia Sharpless. Wilmore suffered an ACL injury during the offseason, and Brown says they hope she makes a full recovery by February. Until then, Brown said Wilmore is playing a key role as a mentor to the rest of his team. Kerridge transferred out of the school district.
Freshman guard Aubrey Morrow has a high understanding of the game, Bennett said, and has taken on the challenge of limiting turnovers while providing plenty of service for her teammates.
Junior Aubrey Barney, a returning starter from last year, has stepped into a leadership role and stands out on defense. Junior forward Taylor Luczywo has worked hard in the weight room and excels in the paint, according to Bennett.
Senior small forward Kennedy Williams has a positive attitude and works hard on the small things, Bennett said. Senior Jalyn Bennett spent time at a basic training camp over the summer.
Bennett said his team learned a lot of lessons over the preseason. During a game against Gaffney, he said, the visitors jumped out to a quick lead. But soon after, he said, the team was able to fight back and stay composed.
“I have faith throughout the season that we’ll give people a fit,” Bennett said. “We’re willing to work hard and play hard. When you have that, you’ll be in ballgames. What we’re preaching this year is one step at a time.”
Bennett says his team prides itself on defense. If the Lady Falcons can cause trouble for the likes of Rock Hill, Clover, Spring Valley, and Blythewood, Bennett said, Nation Ford will have a shot at its own destiny in the region.
“Once you start playing and the lights are on, things get real on the court,” he said. “We’re not just the next game on the schedule. We’ll get after people.”
Nation Ford will begin the new season on the road against non-region Charlotte Latin 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28 with the girls’ varsity starting first, followed by the boys’ varsity.
