Lighthouse to rely on speed, athleticism

The Jacksonville Lighthouse Wolves expect big things from the senior class for the 2018 season. “We have nine seniors, three juniors and three sophomores,” third-year head coach Kelvin Parker said. “Our team is built on playing tough defense and playing fast on offense.” Braylan Jones is a 6-4 senior guard with a 6-7 wing span. The coach said he can “jump out the gym and loves to crash the offensive glass.” “He will be an exciting player to watch this season,” Parker said. Junior Jason Bobo is the only returning starter from last year’s team that finished 20-17. Bobo started every game last season as a sophomore. The coach said he returns this year with a lot of confidence, a better shot and a 6-2, 220-pound frame. “He plays physical and loves to drive to the hole,” Parker said. “Bobo is a big guard with a high basketball IQ and great defense.” The coach said Daylon Cooperwood was the sixth man last season and played major minutes in the state tournament. “He rebounds well for a 6-foot forward,” Parker said. “As a team, we have plenty of guys who will get their chance to play. They have been coming off the bench, getting spot minutes, but now it’s their chance to shine.” Cooperwood is expected to start this season. “He knows the system pretty well, and he got a lot of playing time during the state tournament,” Parker said. He said the team’s biggest strengths this year will be its speed and athleticism. “We don’t have a lot of size; we pretty much have five guards,” Parker said. “So we are mostly guard-oriented, and they play quick. “That has been our MO for the past three or four years. We play fast, and we play uptempo.” The coach said the Wolves lack a lot of experience, but he said their nonconference schedule should help them prepare for the 3A-5 Conference. Jacksonville Lighthouse will host eStem on Nov. 6. “EStem matches up with our speed, and every year, our game is very entertaining,” Parker said. The Wolves will play the Benton Panthers, a 6A team, on Nov. 30. The coach said the Panthers had a pretty good team last year, and he said some of the guys have Division I talent. “They also have a lot of youth,” Parker said. “That will be our toughest opponent, on paper, at least.”