GAMES
RANKINGS
Nimitz's Shamarr Lamark, Reggie Comeaux, Ashton Smith, Jaylon Zink, Zavian Crosby and Antione Rose
THE HUNTED: Nimitz Has Big Line-Up; Big Expectations
But it's a lot different being the hunted, instead of the hunter.
"The key to my guys, and I know them pretty well, is chemistry," coach Nathan Toon said. "During a season you go through good and bad times – ups and downs. The stronger their bond is, the better they will stay together through the tough times. If they can do that, we should be pretty good."
Coach Toon's squad is loaded with athletes and it starts up front with senior Reggie Comeaux and junior Ashton Smith.
At 6-foot-5, Comeaux was the District Newcomer of the Year in 2019 and is as versatile as they come. At 6-foot- 8 and athletic, Smith could be the District's Newcomer of the Year this season. He has recently picked up offers from Houston, North Texas and McNeese State.
"It's a blessing and a big advantage to have size," Toon said. "They aren't just big, but athletic. It changes how you coach a little bit. We will play hard and try to play fast, but not too fast. We have to get our big guys their touches and get the ball to them in the spots they like. We are evolving as a team right now."
One of the keys to success will be the team's guard-play. Antione Rose will run the point along with Shamarr Lamark, who can both shoot from the outside. Rose was a second-teamer last year. Zavian Crosby will also add scoring from the perimeter. Jaylon Zink will contribute in the post when needed.
"We have some nice guards to put around our big guys, who can make shots and handle the ball," Toon said. "We want to play some inside- out and be very balanced on offense."
With the Redus-era over at Eisenhower, Nimitz looks to be in the driver's seat in District 16-6A. Westfield and Davis will be coming after the district title also, making the Cougars playoff ready.
"We have high expectations as always," Toon said. "We have guys who have played a lot of minutes. We play in a tough district, so we have to be ready every night. Our No. 1 goal is to get into the playoffs. Next, is to advance to the Regional Tournament. That's the goal.
"Yes, there is some pressure there, but pressure is a good thing – it means you have the potential to be really good."
Bradley Collier/VYPE Media
Nimitz's Reggie Comeaux
Nimitz's Kia Robertson, Tierra Goosby, Tyra Davis, Mariah Samuel and Ny'Asia Vance
PLAYOFFS OR BUST!: Nimitz Eyeing First Playoff Appearance Since 2016
"This year we're extremely close," Westbrooks said. "We have a good group of returning seniors, so we have more experience. Them being seniors makes them very focused. It brings a different dynamic to the team that only seniors can bring. So, playoffs is definitely something in focus for us this year."
Last year, Nimitz finished just on the outside looking in with a record of 14-16 overall, which was an improvement.
"Last year we fell short with keeping the same intensity every game," senior Mariah Samuel said. "We would come in slacking some games. But I feel like with this group of seniors and this team, we're coming in ready to play."
What makes this senior class – headlined by first-team, all-district selection Tyra Davis – is they have been playing together since their freshman year, three of them as teammates on varsity.
"The playoffs have been in my head since my freshman year," Davis said. "With this group that we have this year, I believe that we can make it there."
Davis leads the group along with Samuel (shooting guard, point guard), center Tierra Goosby, Kia Robertson and Ny'Asia Vance, who will emerge this year at the point.
"I feel like we have more experience," Samuel said. "We click now. We've just got it now. I feel it this year, I know we're going to make it."
That kind of work-hard attitude was apparent to Westbrooks, especially this summer.
In the weight room, during AAU, taking shot after shot at night, Westbrooks believes this group is "definitely prepared" and Davis hopes they set the standard for classes to come.
"The goal for another group coming in is to keep that standard right there and just keep pushing,"
Davis said." Look for a common goal and once you look for that, that's how you get there."
Bradley Collier/VYPE Media
Nimitz's Mariah Samuel
