The sky is the limit for every aspect of King George High School varsity boys’ basketball. 
After a taste of winning a District 4, Region I basketball title, and a visit to the VHSL Group AA, Division 4 State Quarterfinals, the Foxes varsity boys’ basketball program has reloaded with the familiar focus of pushing every team to the brink of oblivion. After the triple overtime lost to Liberty-Bealton, Foxes second year head coach Joshua Luzier promised his team would be back.
In light of their recent non-district victories (Washington & Lee, Colonial Beach) the Foxes have already won the first two out of three games of the season. Last season, King George finished with a record of 12-7, 22-7.
Now that basketball standouts Matt Mohr, Kelsey Monroe, Wayne Wyatt, and DJ Lewis have graduated, the spotlight will shine on a group of veterans leaders, and a talented contingent of new athletes. With the constantly changing player make-up surrounding the Battlefield District, Luzier is cautiously optimistic about the challenges ahead of him.
However, he is thrilled to have returning veterans Damion Carroll and L.J. Baylor back to provide leadership, and scoring power. During the game against Garfield, Carroll recorded a double, double, by scoring 18 points, and ripping down 12 rebounds. “I didn’t know what I was going to get out of those two (Baylor and Carroll), this season,” Luzier said. “Damion has matured a lot over the summer, and has taken over the role of leader. He has gotten everyone in the serious mode.”
Like Carroll, Baylor is equally versatile, both defensively and offensively. Luzier is confident that Baylor will lead by example, while uniting the team in crucial situations. “His game has improved from what it was last year, where he was considered mostly a outside threat,” Luzier said. “It’s unreal with the confidence he has shown, and how much he has transformed from last year to this year.”
Other key returning players that will enhance his depth include John Brown, Lonnie Chisley, and Trey Graham. The Foxes varsity team will also feature a versatile group of new players, who have already made an impact with their contributions this season. “As far as my younger players, I am very excited,” Luzier said. “I am going to have two years with this group, and I expect them to be top notch.”
Point guard Keenan Frye will lead the Foxes into battle this season as their floor general. Frye’s repertoire of basketball skills is an added intangible that will be utilized by Luzier throughout the season.
According to Luzier, football player turned shooting guard, junior, De’Shon Brown is a pure athlete who is quick, smart, and very coachable.
Another player who will compliment the Foxes backcourt is Anthony Howard. From the team aspect he fills a void with his quickness, and knowledge of the game. Throughout the Foxes roster, there is not a weak link that stands out. “I expect by mid-season to be very strong depth wise,” Luzier said.
On Dec. 27 and 28, the Foxes will host their annual holiday break. Featured teams that are scheduled to compete are McDonough, Riverbend, and LaPlata
Leonard Banks
Sports editor
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