Patriots aim for new heights with experienced roster

For the Enquirer

Coach: Matthew Crowe (third season) First game: Nov. 7 at Cullman Marquee home games (non-area): Nov. 14 vs. Hartselle, Dec. 6 vs. Arab, Jan. 16 vs. West Morgan Area: Class 5A Area 16 Area opponents: Ardmore, Brewer, East Limestone 2023-24 record/finish: 12-16; Class 5A Area semifinals Roster: Seniors Jackson Dunn, Micah Edwards, Matthew Frazier, Austyn Holmes, Walker Latham, Cason Oden, Carter Raper, Kaden Steadham, Junior Janson Brown, Sophomores Cam Ballinger, Cale Smith, Dayton Wilson Returning starters: 4 – Cason Oden, Austyn Holmes, Jackson Dunn, Kaden Steadham Storylines: Brewer is entering the third season under Matthew Crowe. They return Oden, Holmes, Dunn and Steadham as starters and Edwards, Frazier, Lathem, Brown, Ballinger, Smith and Wilson as bench contributors. The Patriots are coming off a County Championship and look to make the next step and make it past the area tournament.

Who do you expect to have a big year? I expect big things from Jackson Dunn, Cason Oden, and Austyn Holmes. They have been great leaders in our program the last three years. They have each put a lot of work in since last basketball season, and they set the tone for us each night. I expect them to do that again for us this season.

Quoting coach: “I believe that our team is excited about this season. We have an experienced team that has worked hard over the offseason to improve. A big key to our success this season will be if we defend and control offensive and defensive rebounds. If we do those things, it will allow us to compete in each game we play during the season.

What do the Patriots need to do to be successful? The first thing is we need to stay healthy during the season. We’ve had a few injuries during football, and once we started practice so being healthy will be important. The second is just starting games better. We need to start faster, and if we do that I believe we will be happy with the results.

Area outlook: “Our area is going to be extremely tough. Ardmore, East Limestone, and Priceville all have good players and coaches. It will be a battle every night we step onto the floor.”