Kareek Best takes a closer look at a Cheltenham squad that hopes to make some noise in the American Conference this season.
By Kareek Best
Broadcast Journalism Major, University of Maryland
For Coach Brian Johnson and his team, their first goal is clear: win the American Conference. This year there is no consensus favorite to win it, which is largely because of the departure of Plymouth Whitemarsh standouts Jaylen Bond (Texas) and Sam Pygatt (Shippensburg). This year, the Panthers are lead by Seniors Nafis Walker and Jarrell Haywood, both three-year varsity members.
“A good number of our seniors like Nafis and Jarrell have been there before, so to speak” explained Coach Johnson, “they’ve played in big atmospheres and know what’s on the line, and we’re thankful to have that kind of experience in our favor.”
Walker and Haywood gained recognition last year as Walker was named to the All-League Second Team and Haywood received Honorable Mention.
Walker’s athleticism allows him to punish defenders by driving to the basket (where he can dunk or lay the ball up with either hand) and spotting up for a smooth looking jump shot. On his way to averaging a team-leading 14 points a game last year, he also ignited the crowd with an array of dunks and crossovers over the course of the season.
“Over the past few years I’ve just been constantly working out in the gym, every day, for hours” said Walker.
Hard work is something that he points to for much of his success, stressing the importance of “coming to practice hours before, and then making sure I’m the last one to leave,” as he put it. As a captain of the team, he realizes this element of hard work is something he must share with his teammates.
“In order to keep winning, we have to remain together like a fist, and work hard during practice and even harder in games,” added Walker.
His best scoring performance this season came in opening night of league play against Upper Dublin, where he was sent to the line with 8.2 seconds left and his team down by one point.
“Ah man, it took a lot out of me mentally to stay focused and make those free throws, mainly because a possession or two (before) I missed two that would have tied the game,” explained Walker. “I didn’t shoot the ball well that game, but I just knew if I made those last two that would be the game, it was one of the most emotional games for me.”
Walker calmly nailed both free throws to give his team the lead and eventual win, and finished with a game high 21 points. Walker is no slouch on defense either, as he often guards the best player on the opposing team, and he was a large reason Vaux’s Rysheed Jordan (the #5 ranked PG in the Class of 2013) was held to a season low 13 points.
Haywood, known for his exceptional three-point shooting ability, approaches this year with a clear vision in mind.
“My goals this year are for the team to play at ‘Nova and Penn State, and of course for me to get a college offer,” said Haywood.
When asked how these goals could be achieved, Haywood humbly stated, “It’s going to take hard work in practice and for us to perform in the classroom and on the court.”
Haywood, a rather clutch player in his own right, has performed well for the Panthers in late game situations as well, hitting many threes in the waning minutes of fourth quarters over his career thus far.
“Against Vaux with 20 seconds left and up one, Jarrell was fouled and he knocked down the two free throws” said Johnson, “and at no time did he seem rattled or out of sorts.”
“I perform well in crunch time because I block out all the hype and pressure and just focus on the making the basket,” said Haywood.
Haywood also brings energy and passion to this Panthers squad, and whenever they seem to gain momentum in games, you can count on him to be a large part of it.
This focus in late game situations will definitely be a vehicle for success in the future for the Panthers, as they still have to face tough opponents like Wissahickon, Norristown, and Plymouth Whitemarsh.
The Panthers currently stand with a 6-e record, and while they have had tough losses to Abington, Truman and Council Rock North, they have picked up great wins in games against Frankford, Central Bucks West, and St. Paul’s (Baltimore County, Maryland).
Walker and Haywood are two of the main pieces that will determine the future success of the team, but they gain great contributions from second-year varsity guards Toyon Wynder and Aaron McGlawn. Both are strong and speedy players that have a tremendous enthusiasm for the game and play hard on both sides of the ball. Other contributors for the Panthers include big man Guy Henderson and guard Dillon Tolliver. Coach Johnson points to his team’s ability to defend well as a major element of success.
“We come out and set a tone defensively right from the door,” the Panthers’ coach said. “Your shots won’t fall every night, but every night you can give consistent effort from the defensive end, and that will never fail.”
Though the season is well underway, not many league games have yet been played, so time will tell if the Panthers will be able to claw their way to the top of the Suburban One American Conference.
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