Preview: Andover Central

MEET THE TEAM

Andover Central graduated nearly all of its production from last season and the most experienced player coming back is a sophomore. Sounds like a rebuilding job, doesn't it? Not to coach Jesse Herrmann, the main reason why the Jaguars have won at least 15 games in every season in the last decade. The Jaguars are what you call a program, meaning that it does not matter what you think they look like on paper, they will always be competitive. This season will be no different.

It all begins with the maturation of sophomore Darraja Parnell, who last season made a splash in his debut season. How many freshman do you see dunking? Not many, at least in Kansas, but Parnell was that explosive as a 15-year-old. He has been groomed to be a star, and there's no doubt that he will have every chance to blossom into one this season. After deferring last season, Parnell will be the man and Herrmann will put the ball in his hands and have him make the plays this season. There aren't many defenders that will be able to stay in front of the ultra-quick Parnell, who will score the majority of his points on slashes to the rim. But he's added range to his shot, something he will have to prove he can knock down on a consistent basis to alleviate the pressure that will crash down on him when he enters the lane.

But everyone knows about that aspect of Parnell's game. He's a scorer, plain and simple, and Herrmann had no problem saying that he will be the team's "Option 1, 2, 3, and 4." But he also said you will see a new side to his game this season. Parnell wants to show that he can use that incredible leaping ability to become a force on the boards. He wants to show that his quickness can also be used to shut dribblers down on the defensive end. He wants to show his vision and how it can allow teammates to score on looks that not every player could see. He wants to show that despite being the youngest on the floor, he can be a leader, too. Parnell wants to show he is a complete player.

Andover Central will revolve around him, but it's most important questions are elsewhere. Mainly, how does it replace so much that was lost from last season? This senior class will be put on display like never before. Zach Lock has had a taste of varsity before, but now he must show he can be a main contributor. Josiah Cole, Christian DeYoung, Logan Kirkhart, and Zane Downing have spent the last three seasons winning on the freshmen and junior varsity teams, but can that success translate to varsity? And how will senior transfer Chris Forbes fit into the picture?

The certainty is that Andover Central will play great defense, a Herrmann staple since he took over the program 13 years ago. While the Jaguars may not be as talented as the 2011 team, what they can do effectively is guard. That alone will keep Central in almost every game and give it a shot to win. Another big question is how will this team rebound without a dominant big like its had in seasons past? Kirkhart is the tallest player at 6-5 and there's not much depth. Central will be relying on under-sized posts and a superior will to want the basketball. Look for Herrmann to try to exploit this team's athleticism by employing presses in an attempt to mask their lack of height. If Central can take care of the ball and force other teams into turnovers, which could result in a handful of extra possessions, then it's going to be extremely competitive.

This team actually has a chance to be an effective offensive team. Parnell will surely add to his scoring total this season, but he might not have to much because there are other options. Forbes is the most tantalizing option. The son of newly-hired WSU assistant basketball coach Steve Forbes, Chris is an excellent shooter and is everything you would expect out of a coach's kid. He could slide into that secondary scoring role for Central alongside Parnell. Another option is DeYoung, who will be counted on to make defenders pay when they leave him on the wing or in the corner to help on a driving Parnell. He's a knockdown shooter and shoot pair well with Forbes to help spread the floor. Another scoring threat needs to emerge, preferably in the post, but this is a solid cast that Herrmann is working with - just inexperienced.

It will be another season of relying on Andover Central's tradition, and if last season was any kind of an answer, then it will work out. This is a team of mystery, but one that I think will end the season playing very quality basketball. You never want to meet a Herrmann-coached team in the playoffs and this season will not be different. With Parnell's role growing and a new senior class known for its ability to grind games out, I see Andover Central as a big winner this season as it moves down to Class 4A.

MEET THE CAST

#15 | DARRAJA PARNELL | WING | 6'2" | SOPHOMORE
Explosive athlete that not only started last season, but excelled offensively. Hardly anyone can stay in front of him, as he does most of his damage moving toward the basket but look for an improved jump shot to be displayed this season. If he transfers his talents to the other areas of his game, namely rebounding and defense, then he has a chance to be special.
#20 | ZACH LOCK | POST | 6'0" | SENIOR
He'll give up several inches down low, but no one will out-work him when it comes to effort. His scrappiness will be a possession-generator for the Jaguars, and he is capable of cleaning up misses by being in the right position. Will be an invaluable piece if he proves he can defend the post.
#11 | CHRIS FORBES | WING | 6'3" | SENIOR
Everything you would expect from a coach's son. Can handle the ball, make the smart reads, get down in a stance and guard, and has a picture-perfect jump shot. Could end up being the team's second scoring option with his ability to score from the outside.
#14 | JOSIAH COLE | WING | 5'11" | SENIOR
Herrmann called Cole the extension of himself on the floor -- high praise. He'll be the glue guy and leader that the team looks to. Might not put up the flashy stats, but every team needs a guy like this to do the dirty work.
#10 | CHRISTIAN DeYOUNG | WING | 5'10" | SENIOR
Might be relied upon to handle the ball when Parnell needs a break, but he'll be a dangerous threat from the outside with a smooth 3-point stroke. He'll be a floor-spacer and could play a major role for this team with his scoring ability.
#32 | LOGAN KIRKHART | POST | 6'5" | SENIOR
A project in the low blocks, Kirkhart could be an X-Factor for the Jaguars. His height alone will make him an effective shot blocker and rebounder, but if he can become a consistent force on defense and add a few buckets down low per game, then Central's potential only increases.
#25 | ZANE DOWNING | WING | 5'10" | SENIOR
Similar to Lock in that he will win Central a lot of possessions by his will to get on the floor and win loose balls. His value to the team will be on defense, where he can be a sparkplug.
#21 | BROCK SCHAFFER | WING | 6'1" | JUNIOR
A slasher that has moved up the depth chart with his practices in pre-season. He has the ability to score and has been using his leaping ability to become a force on the boards, which Herrmann said might be too valuable not to play him minutes this season.

FROM COACH HERRMANN

"Our margin for error won't be great against the really good teams. We can't make many mistakes, so we're going to try to force them into a lot and try to get 5 to 10 more possessions than the other team. We don't have much varsity experience, but we have a lot of kids that have been in our program for three years. I know the kids real well and I like what we're working with. We're just not sure how they're going to perform on a varsity setting. They're really hard workers, though, so I'm pretty confident going in that we're going to be able to compete with the other team.

THE PREDICTION

Some might think that Andover Central will fall off this season. While this might not be an 18+ win team like Herrmann has had in the past, I do think that this will be a very successful team. Parnell is a star and having the best player on the court most games will help, especially early on when the Jaguars are still finding out who they are. I look at the schedule and see a lot of challenging games, but I don't see any reason why Central can't finish with 17 or more wins. I don't see the Jaguars knocking off Eisenhower for the league crown, but I sure think that playing nothing but 6A and 5A teams all season will pay dividends come the end of the season when they start playing 4A competition. I think this will be one of the 10 best teams in 4A this season.