Norristown seniors have their eyes on the prize – a state championship

This is the year for "Sheed," "Florida," "Webb" and "Freak."

Better known as Rasheed Johnson, Tyreese White, Aaron Webb and Maleek Williams, the four Norristown seniors want capitalize on their last chance for a Pennsylvania AAAA state championship.

"We've been talking about this year since our season ended last year," said White, called "Florida" because he moved from there in seventh grade. "We have to come out and make something happen."

The 2009-10 season ended without a chance to repeat as District 1 champs or to appear in the state tournament, a hollow conclusion despite a 16-9 record. The setback after two previous successful campaigns left players determined to improve.

The team has focused on strengthening its inside game, shifting away for what had been a predictable perimeter game at times, a style that was required because the shooters lacked the height-to-pound inside.

Four seniors graduated in June and coach Mike Evans inserted "size" players better equipped to intimidate opponents. The starting quintet that includes Webb, Johnson and White – each of whom are six-feet tall – and the 6-foot-3 Williams.

"Last year was more about a group of guys trying to find themselves," said Evans, who's entering his 10th year as head coach. "We didn't have a scorer that stuck out and had to rely on our guards. Most of the guys who are here now sat and watched. They're more determined to make a name for themselves this year, and put Norristown back up."

The Eagles have punished opponents through eight games, including roaring to their sixth Triangle Club championship in seven years by shellacking Conestoga in the final game. They've won by double-digits seven times, including twice by 25 or more. Only Coatesville kept a game respectable, falling 66-61 in the season opener.

Norristown has outscored opponents 494-362 with a balanced scoring attack that has allowed four different players to lead individual scorers.

"Last year, we didn't have a lot of guys who can put the ball in the basket," said Webb, who has been the leading scorer four times. "That's a big change this year. It's nice to know that all the pressure isn't on you, because somebody else can step up and you can relax one night. Whoever the hot man is gets the ball."

The spread-out offense has forced opponents to employ a zone defense against the Eagles, who thrive on winning off the dribble and in transition.

"It's good because the pressure isn't on one guy and any one of our guards can score," White said. "Teams usually play zone against us. If we penetrate, we have knock-down shooters."

Webb emerged as a scoring force during his junior season and the sixth man, and is averaging 15.25 points per game. Williams, aka "Freak," comes in at 12.36.

The Eagles have a tough road through the American Conference, which contains the reigning Class AAAA state champions from Plymouth Whitemarsh.

A big challenge looms on Monday, when Norristown plays Chester, the team that beat them in the district and state final in 2008. The Eagles avenged in 2009, beating the Clippers in the district semifinals en route to their title.

"I wanted this game all year," Webb said. "This is our PW. [Plymouth Whitemarsh]."

 The balanced attack extends to the defense, when the Eagles will swarm the rim, looking to limit teams to one shot at the basket, if that many. Fewer second-chance shots equal more Norristown possessions and the real fun.

"Every game, we seem to have three guys in double figures," Evan said. "That's the good thing about this team. You can't key on one person. It's an unselfish group. They look for the guy who's rolling. It's a more complete team.

The Eagles play Chester High School at Gwynedd-Mercy College, 1325 Sumneytown Pike in Gwynedd Valley. Tip off is at 8 p.m.