Who To Watch at New Town High

BOY'S BASKETBALL

Head Coach: Mike Salapata

2010-11 Record: 19-6

Players to Watch: Guard Jalen Clarke (senior) , Guard Josh Gerard (senior), Forward Devron Goodwyn (senior), Guard Justin Brown (junior), Guard Danny Shand (sophomore)

Outlook: Unlike some of his past teams that that saw only six or seven players get prime minutes, Salapata says his squad is capable of going 11 to 12 deep this year.

With tall, rangy guards in Clarke, Gerard and Brown, New Town is athletic as it has ever been. And, coming off a disappointing, and controversial, loss to in the region championship last year, the Titans are hungrier than ever.

With so many threats on offense, Salapata is looking for his squad to share the ball and stay patient for good shots. Meanwhile, without a true center New Town will have to rebound well as a team and stay aggressive as a unit on defense.  

GIRL'S BASKETBALL

Head Coach: Gena Young

2010-11 Record: 8-15

Players to Watch: Guard-Forward Jannah Tucker (Junior), Guard Jasmine Cole (Senior)  

Outlook: Entering her first season as varsity head coach, Young has several goals for the Titans, including getting above .500 in the win-loss column and performing better on the defensive end.

With Tucker returning to the roster for her junior season, those goals should be very attainable. Tucker, who made the , averaged 26 points, 12 rebounds, eight steals and six assists per game for the Titans last year.

Along with Cole at point guard, the Titans have solid experience in addition to the team’s youth. Four freshmen made the varsity squad, including Sydney Hines and Destiny Taylor-Betts, who Young foresees playing major roles this year.

Young said the Titans are also working to improve their communication, transition game, shot selection and defensive rebounding this year.

BOY'S INDOOR TRACK

Head Coach: Shandra Ridgely

Players to Watch: Randy Harris (Senior), Martin Davis (Junior), Alex Boulware (Senior)

Outlook: Ridgely is excited about the nice mixture of upper and underclassmen that comprise the Titans roster, a group she is counting on to work hard and stay dedicated in order to be successful this season.

She also wants her runners to focus on improving in their individual events. It’s that mindset, Ridgely says, that will give way to the formation of strong, solid relay teams as the season progresses.

In addition to Harris and Davis in the sprinting events and Boulware in the hurdles, look for Corey Bailey and Ebe Inegbenebor to make an impact this season.

Editor's Note: Coaches for other winter sports at New Town High School did not respond to e-mails sent by Patch.