LAFAYETTE RAMBLERS
Having a target on their backs is nothing new for the LaFayette Ramblers. Over the past four seasons, the Orange-and-black have become one of, if not the most dominant program in northwest Georgia.
During that span, they have collected two region championships and enjoyed two Class AAAA Elite Eight appearances, including last year when only a three-point loss to eventual state runnerup Cross Creek prevented them from going to the Final Four, and their average season record over the past four seasons is a remarkable 24-3.
And with four of five starters returning, the folks around the state have taken notice as well. Two different media outlets have the Ramblers ranked in the Class AAA top 10 to begin the season, one at No. 5 and one at No. 6.
However, head coach Hank Peppers says that while he appreciates the fact that his team is being noticed for its work, he and his team certainly aren’t expecting to win any games this season on merit alone.
“We’re definitely not shying away from (the state ranking), but it honestly doesn’t change one thing we do,” he explained. “My whole philosophy and what we embrace is focusing on improving ourselves everyday, both from an individual standpoint and from a team standpoint. If everyone is improving themselves and growing as a team, then the rankings and everything else takes care of themselves.
“The only ranking I’m really concerned with is the one at the end of the year.”
Peppers added that he and his team know they’ll be getting everyone’s A-game every night out.
“I don’t expect anything less because that’s what you play for,” he continued. “Pressure is a privilege and it’s something you earn. We want to play in the big games because that’s what we work for and that’s when it’s really fun. That’s when it’s really at its most enjoyable.”
The lone senior on this year’s team is post player is Decameron Porter, a first team All-region selection and Walker County Co-player of the Year a season ago. Now standing a solid 6-foot-7, Porter is looking to improve on his junior year numbers of 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.5 blocks and over one assist and one steal per game.
“He’s a monster,” Peppers said. “He’s jumping higher than ever now. He’s a phenomenal rebounder and shot-blocker and he’s also a gym rat. I’m just so proud of the person and the player he’s grown into. He’s one of the most special talents I’ve ever coached.
“Everyone sees his offense, but he can impact the game on defense and he can change every shot around the rim. He’s also a very coachable kid who really listens and he works as hard as anybody I’ve ever had.”
A junior class five players strong features three more returning starters.
Aidan Hadaway is also nearing 6-7 and is coming off a phenomenal season of travel ball. An outstanding scorer who has improved on the defensive end, Hadaway was the Region Player of the Year last season and shared Walker County CoPlayer of the Year honors with Porter. His averages of 20.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, three assists and over one steal and one block a game has the ultra-competitive Hadaway generating preseason All-state buzz.
Shooting guard guard Junior Barber might not be the tallest player on the floor, but he can play above the rim with incredible leaping ability. A great defender who has added physicality from a season playing football, Barber was an All-region honorable mention pick last year, averaging 11.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and two steals a contest.
Also in the backcourt will be point guard Jaylon Ramsey, another All-region honorable mention selection a season ago. Ramsey averaged over eight points, four rebounds, six assists and more than a steal per night and is a tenacious defender and floor leader who connected on 43 percent (20 of 47) from 3-point range last season.
Peppers called guard Jordan Kennerly one of the bright spots of the offseason. Another player who can finish above the rim, Kennerly was the second-leading scorer on Lafayette’s JV team a year ago and is constantly working on his game.
The final junior, guard Gray Payton, is another player who’s incredibly dedicated to the game. Peppers called Payton a very smart defender who excels at taking charges, being a good communicator and being a player that does whatever is needed to help the team succeed.
Guard Zach Barrett, last year’s leading scorer on the JV team, is pushing for playing time with the varsity after dressing with the big club for a few games as a freshman, while fellow sophomore guard Cole Spears is another gym rat who has gained added muscle and improved his all-around game.
The final two sophomores are both post players. Sam Hall is a hard worker that runs the floor well and doesn’t mind crashing the boards, while Evan Williams also dressed for a few varsity games last year. He has also improved his strength and will give Lafayette another solid rebounder.
The last member of the team is freshman Dawson Pendergrass. Pendergrass is a scorer with a good midrange jumper, but he can also take the ball to the basket and could give the Ramblers some solid minutes this season.
Chris Logan and Jesse Peppers will return to the Lafayette bench as assistant coaches, while the new face on the staff is Caleb Perry, who will direct the JV team.
Peppers said that the strength of his team is its defense.
“Every team around here can score and everybody has guys that can shoot it and put it on the floor, but the team that can really make you earn it on every possession, those are the teams that progress throughout the year,” he added. “Defense and inside defensive rebounding is really going to be our identity.”
He added that the key to the season was to simply keep progressing.
“We can’t be satisfied,” he said. “The worst thing you can do is forget how hard it was to earn success in the first place. You can’t forget the steps it took to get there. We have to go back to the drawing board and work as hard as we’ve ever worked. If you want more, you have to do more. That’s what we preach all the time and the
guys really embrace that. I’m blessed with some true competitors who just want to win.”