The Nation Ford Falcons basketball season tips off this weekend with a lot of optimism for the program.
Both the boys’ and girls’ varsity teams will begin the regular season of play in different areas of the state.
The Nation Ford boys’ team is coming off an 11-16 record from last season and a first round lost to Woodmont, but are hopeful things will be better this year.
“I’m excited,” said Nation Ford head boys coach Charles Brown. “We have some great pieces. I think it is a good opportunity to sharpen what we have as a program.”
Back this season for Nation Ford is Chase Walters, Drew Robertson, JaMari Gore, and Garrin Brookover, all seniors that should anchor the Falcons offense.
Nation Ford lost three seniors from last year including Ben Chuttey, who was a key player for the Falcons. Brown said the team must find new talent to step up.
“Shooting wise, Banks Swanson can shoot, and AJ Cureton brings in mental toughness that Chuttey had,” Brown said. “Makai McKnight is also a shooting guard that can bring some mental toughness as well. “
Nation Ford has five seniors and five juniors to go with three freshman and one sophomore. Brown feels like his team being picked second to last in Region 3-5A isn’t an accurate description of what the Falcons can accomplish this season.
“I believe the region is wide open this year,” he said. “I feel like we have the capability to win the region. It is on me to get the guys to believe in each other and believe in what we are doing. I believe the sky is the limit in what this team can accomplish.”
Brown said he knows there are several teams that will be tough in the region with Fort Mill and Catawba Ridge.
“The biggest challenge we have is ourselves,” he said. “There is no sleeper game coming into the region. Every game we have to fight for.”
Nation Ford will head to Greer to play in the Neely Roundball Classic Nov. 21-25, before opening at home not until Dec. 13. They will be at Blacksburg High School on Dec. 22-23 for a Christmas break tournament.
Girls’ basketball
The Lady Falcons finished fourth in Region 3-5A with a 6-6 record and 13-15 overall falling to Greenwood in the second round of the playoffs.
Nation Ford is still young for the most part with key players Ariah Heard, Aubrey Morrow, and Makayla Washington all still being underclassmen.
“Our young ones call themselves big dogs now, because they have been through so much over the past three years,” said Nation For head girls’ coach Kelly Bennett. “Technically we are still young, but they feel prepared. The majority of mine are still 10th graders.”
Bennett said they have a lot of youth, but most of those underclassmen have been playing at the varsity level since they were in the eighth and ninth grade. Bennett said he has high expectations this season.
“We feel like we can compete with the best of them,” he said. “Our goal is to win region. When it comes together, we will be alright.”
Bennett said Clover and Fort Mill should be the Lady Falcons’ biggest competition, along with Rock Hill.
Nation Ford will open Saturday, Nov. 24 at Spartanburg High School against Fountain Inn in a tournament. The Lady Falcons will also go to Blacksburg on Dec. 22-23 for a Christmas tournament as well.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
