The Northwest Shoals men’s basketball team is looking forward to some fun and exciting basketball this season. The Patriots retained 4 players from last year's team including former Lauderdale County standout Anthony Wallen.  "Last season Anthony took most of the shots.  He’s an outstanding shooter and what I’m trying to teach him is that this team doesn’t need to be carried on his back anymore.  This year he's got to take better shots and take better care of the the ball. ”, said Head Coach Tommy Dillon.  Other returning players include Vincent Cordell, Judd Meadows, and Josh Burks.  Vincent Cordell, a 6’6” sophomore, is a great 3 point shooter and will be a great physical presence on the board.  Judd Meadows, a 6’7” sophomore, is vastly improved over last season and will contribute big minutes this season.  Mix in a solid recruiting class with those veteran players and Dillon thinks he has what he needs to resurrect the Patriot program. 

Two big parts of the recruiting class include Raymond Davis and Jared Strode.  Raymond, a 6’4 sophomore, is a transfer from Chattahoochee Valley who will add athleticism and outstanding defense.  Jared Strode, from Dillon’s hometown of Winchester, Kentucky, is a 6’5” transfer from Shawnee who can play any position on the court.

Justin Riggins, a 6’4 freshman, was a prep standout in the Atlanta area averaging 26 points per game.  Two big surprises for 2007-2008 team are 5’6” sophomore Nick McDaniel from Atlanta, GA and 6’8” freshman Ryan Lyle from Decatur, AL.  McDaniel is a tough nosed blue collar worker and just finds ways to get things done.  “Lyle just needed someone to believe in him”, said Coach Dillon.  “He has all the physical tools to be an outstanding player.”

 “I have the best recruiting class anyone could ask for”, Dillon said.  “With our style of play and the depth of our team, I am excited about the 2007-2008 season.”  The Patriots have been working extremely hard this pre-season with their strength and conditioning program.  They are looking forward to taking the court this season and showing they are contenders again.

tdillon@nwscc.edu