Killeen Ellison has a new look on the sidelines this coming season. Coach David Manley, after a fine 14 year careeer with the Eagles he has taken an Assistant Principal's job at Ellison. I caught up with him in the hallway and he looked great (except for the Aggie T-shirt he was wearing..lol) We talked basketball for a minute and I could detect a wistful look in his eye. Don't be surprised if he's back roaming the sidelines somewhere in the future. he is a fine coach, and it's in his blood.
The program has been turned over to Alberto Jones, Coach Manley's youthful Assistant who was an understudy both as a player and a coach under his mentor. He's a very pleasant guy, in tune to his kids. I just got that feeling that he connects very well with them from the half hour we spent together. Ellison is in good hands. I asked Coach Jones what his expectations were for this coming year, and he replied quite simply, "If the kids play to the very best of their ability then he could accept the result." After going 26-7 last season expectations will be high though. Expect a lot of the same from Ellison although Coach said he may run a little more because he has a deep crop of athletic players.
Expect the key performers to be 2011 6'2" Devonte Brown, a hard working youngster who can play the PG, 2G, or the Wing. The rest of the squad's big guns will be a known commodity as they are all returning seniors in the 2009 Class.
2009 Combo 5'9" Marquavius James will give leadership in the backcourt, while the frontcourt will feature 2009 Texas D-1 Ambassadors 6'2" Zach Mims and 2009 6'6" Chris Harpe.
Both are extremely athletic. Harpe has a chance to play at the next level if he works on his face up game and handles. He is getting looks from UTEP, Stephen F Austin and UT-Dallas. He'll be down low for the Eagles, and at the high school level his athleticism will serve him well there.
