Preview: Augusta Orioles

MEET THE TEAM

Stephenson has turned Augusta into a consistent winner, as the Orioles have averaged 13 wins the last three seasons. But the staple of that success was having a post player the team could lean on.
This season, however, the Orioles will not have a single post player. Injuries have removed two players from the equation and that's left Stephenson scrambling for a strategy in this very unusual season.
The plan is to spread the floor, likely a 4-out-1-in system, and try to match up its guard with opposing big men. Augusta's advantage will be in its quickness and having five shooters on the floor. That means Stephenson will look to turn the game into 32 minutes of havoc, desperately trying to keep teams out of half-court games where they can exploit their advantage inside.
Junior Kyler Steinkamp, an honorable mention all-league performer last season, should be the team's leading scorer and also is the tallest starter at 6-2. Chase Winter started every game last season and is one of only two seniors on the roster. The Orioles return several that played as sophomores, but will need them to continue to excel in expanded roles.
Producing a fourth straight winning season will be challenging due to the lack of size in the post. Rebounding will be a problem throughout the season and the Orioles must find ways to mask their deficiencies; speeding up the game, shooting an extraordinary amount of three's, switching between trapping zone defenses. In short, Augusta has to force teams to adjust to their playing style and not the other way around.

MEET THE CAST

KYLER STEINKAMP | WING | 6'2" | JUNIOR
Earned honorable mention all-league last season as the Orioles' top scorer as a sophomore. He can score putting the ball on the court and also on jumpers, but he'll have to increase his scoring load for Augusta to be successful.
CHASE WINTER | WING | 5'8" | SENIOR
One of only two seniors on the roster and started every game last season. A bit on the smaller side, he is deadly with an open shot and will give the Orioles a scoring punch to go along with Steinkamp.
TRISTAN FINCH | WING | 5'8" | JUNIOR
Another diminutive guard for Augusta that is quick and has a reliable shot from the perimeter, although he will also be relied upon to handle the ball on occasion.
KESTEN TREBBE | WING | 5'7" | JUNIOR
Part of a large junior class that will have to assume a leadership position on the team. A feisty defender, Trebbe also can contribute with his speed and the occasional outside shot. 
CONNOR HURST | GENERAL | 6'0" | SOPHOMORE
He'll be thrust into the fire this season as a sophomore and the team's ball handler. He has decent enough size and the ability to score, but lacks the experience and will have to be creative finding shots for a team full of other tiny guards.

FROM COACH STEPHENSON

"It's one of the most unique situations I've ever been in. It's a big-time challenge, but these kids are working hard and I think we'll be alright. We're going to take advantage of our speed and athleticism and maybe create some mismatches on the perimeter with some big guys."

THE PREDICTION

The size issue will be too much to overcome for this team to contend with the best, but Augusta should carve out a niche as a tough out. It's tough to read how this team will do, but there are enough winnable games on the schedule for the Orioles to finish with their fourth consecutive winning season - but it will be right around the .500 mark.