By Thomas Grant Jr.
The preseason S.C. Basketball Coaches Association Media Day heralded a new era in Gray Collegiate boys basketball.
After years of winning championships in Class 2A with head coach Dion Bethea the War Eagles embark upon a new journey with a new leader. Carlos Powell, a former University of South Carolina forward and state champion at Wilson, is now in charge of the program which will compete in Class 4A.
They start the year ranked seventh in the Top 10. Forward L.J. Britt was also selected as one of the Top Five Boys seniors in the classification.
“Really since my freshman year, we’ve always been targeted,” he said. “Everybody wants to come for us. So really, it’s really nothing. Just play ball and just compete.”
Britt said practice has helped the team prepare them for the challenges in Class 4A. The War Eagles will play 1 of 1 Academy in the George Lynch Invitational on Nov. 22 to open the season.
In Class 5A Division I, River Bluff placed 10th and guard Yasir Cromer was named to the Top Five Seniors list for that division.
SCBCA PRESEASON BOYS RANKINGS
CLASS 5A
Division I
1.Ridge View, 2. Dorman, 3. Summerville, 4. Mauldin, 5. Sumter, 6. Dutch Fork, 7. J.F. Byrnes, 8. West Ashley, 9. Blythewood, 10. River Bluff
CLASS 4A
1. North Augusta, 2. Wilson, 3. Wren, 4. Crestwood, 5. Lancaster, 6. Greer, 7. Gray Collegiate, 8. Westside, 9. South Florence, 10. Darlington
