SoCalHoops High School News

Armand Thomas Says: "Crenshaw
Will Be Loaded" --(Oct. 26, 1998)

We just got off the phone with Armand Thomas (6'-8 Sr. C/PF) from Crenshaw, and he's really excited about the team this year.    And while both he and coach Willie West in separate phone calls acknowledged that the rosters aren't set,  we did manage to get as close to an inside view on who might finally make the squad when the rosters are announced in about one or two weeks.

Based on what we've learned, we're pretty certain that the starters will be E.J. Harris, Shaun Hemsley, Armand Thomas, Ryan Sims and either Tommy Smith or Jonathan Stokes at the swing spots.    That's a team with a frontline that  that goes 6'-9", 6'-8" 6'-7", with a 6'-4" or 6'-1" swing and a 6'-2" point.   And the bench is just as deep.

For those who thrive on details, we're pretty certain that the team will feature E. J. Harris (6'-2" Jr. PG), Jonathon Stokes (6'-1" Sr. SG),  Lloyd Brewer (6'-1" Sr. SG) who is currently playing football and won't join the team until mid to late December, Greg Looney (6'-0" Jr. PG) and Dialo Washington (6'-4" Jr. SF/PF) who is trying to make it up from the jv this season.   Armand also thinks that DeAundre Bennett (6'-2" Sr. SG) will be getting some time too and should have the talent to make the squad.   At the swing spot, Armand believes Dewayne Parker (6'-3" Sr. SG/SF) will see significant playing time as well.  Of course, Crenshaw also picked up talented transfer from Fairfax, Tommy Johnson (6'-4" Sr. SF), and they've also got a new guy, Chris Roberson (6'-7" Jr.?) who is pretty powerful at 225 lbs., but young, at least according to Armand if we understood him correctly.  And don't forget about Louis Grey (6'-4" Sr. F).

And of course, in the frontline area, Armand thinks the guys who will see most of the playing time will be Shaun Hemsley (6'-9" Sr. C), Ryan Sims (6'-8" Sr. F/C), and Armand (6'-8" Sr. C/F), with Jamal Walls (6'-7' Fr. F) and Sholua "Omo" Diramola (6'-6" Sr. F) providing some relief on the blocks.

Coach West usually likes to carry about 14 players, so there will be some additions, and we'll have a more in-depth preview of this team in a few days, i.e., as soon as we can catch up with Coach West after the evaluations are completed.

But for those of you who can't wait, here's a little bit of scheduling for the 'Shaw for December:  First, the Cougars will be appearing at the Ocean View Tournament of Champions from December 7-12.  After that, the picture is a bit murky until we get confirmation from Coach West, but we have heard from several sources that Crenshaw will be traveling to Portland for a large Nike Tournament which will run from approximately December 18-23, and which will feature teams like DeMatha, Rice, and others.  We'll try to confirm the dates and participants in this one soon.  Lastly, from December 26-31, Crenshaw is reportedly going to be appearing in San Diego for the Nike Holiday Classic.

Again, we'll have a more in-depth and detailed team preview shortly.  Stay tuned.

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