Young team lacks depth, will rely on speed

Coach Keith Tanner’s Atkins Red Devils have a lot of room for improvement. They notched only one win a season ago. This year, they hope to use speed to keep opponents on their heels. Junior guard Tray Davis and senior forward Austin Hamm Jr. return to lead the team. Sophomore Eli Roberson will come in to provide much-needed help in the paint, the coach said. “[Roberson’s] continuing to develop in his skills and strength,” Tanner said. “We need him to contribute immediately with scoring, rebounding and with being a rim protector.” Tanner said Roberson should be his best inside player. The speed of Davis should make him the best outside player. “Tray Davis is a very quick guard who can get past the defense with his quickness and speed,” Tanner said. “He is improving at making decisions for our team as a point guard.” Having a facilitator to bring the ball up the court would be huge for the Red Devils. The team will try to get open looks at the basket by using speed to dart around the court. Quick passes could be a staple of the offense. “Our speed will be our strength. If we can get out and try to run on people and get easy baskets, I think we give ourselves a chance,” Tanner said. The team speed comes at the cost of size and depth. Atkins may not win in the post but can try to outrun teams. Intelligence and togetherness are what Tanner said the team can use to overcome their weaknesses. Tanner expects most games to be a challenge, like last year. The Red Devils should be able to beat their dismal 2016 record, though. The team is young and still developing in many areas. As it grows and develops, the team could become pretty solid down the stretch. “All of our games will be a challenge. There are no easy ones on our schedule,” Tanner said. “Our conference has great teams in it with great coaches.” The experience of Davis and Hamm Jr. should provide stability, as long as the duo can provide leadership. Roberson’s emergence will be a boon for future Red Devils teams, the coach said. If the players can get open looks at the basket, they should win some tough games, he said.