The Montreat Junior Varsity program looks to build on the success the second year brought last season. Even though the record 3-11 is not impressive, five of the losses were by single digits and the team’s improvement was very evident. The 2007-08 season will begin with much anticipation as a new group of young, talented players have joined the squad and are motivated to make their mark at Montreat College.
Sophomore Nathan Rooth will be the only returning JV player this season and will take a leadership role for the Cavaliers this year. At 6’6, Rooth brings a major presence inside for the Cavaliers. Rooth led the JV team in rebounding last season and brings athleticism to the front line of Montreat. Rooth is good around the basket and has a knack for the ball.
Brad Roberson and Jeremy Bodenarain will bring energy and stability at the guard position for the Cavaliers this year. Both players attended Montreat last semester and practiced last year with the team but sat out the 2006-07 season due to academic reasons.
Freshmen Mikie Martin (South Point High) and AJ Smith (West Lincoln) will battle for time at the point guard position. Both are excellent shooters and will be relied on heavily to make an impact among the inexperience group. Martin scored 37 points in his final high school game and Smith is a high energy player with great range.
Josh Horton (White Plains Christian), Jake Dodson (Rosman High) and Daniel Kennedy (Maiden High) bring the ability to knock down jump shots and slash to the bucket. Horton is a good shooter but is great at getting to the rim. Dodson is an excellent stand-still shooter and defender. Kennedy is a good on-ball defender with the ability to knock down the open jumper. All three guys will vie for time at the shooting guard and small forward positions.
High School teammates Jarrett Robinson and William Sewell (Hilton Head Christian) will bring much needed depth at the forward positions. Robinson is an excellent athlete who attacks the goal as well as anyone on the team. Sewell has good size and is a very good rebounder and defender. Both will play a major role for the young Cavaliers.
The biggest improvement in the JV squad will be the addition of size in the post. Freshmen David Whitehead and Korey Eller (Murphy High) are both tough, physical post players will the ability to score with their backs to the basket. Both are extremely hard workers who have the potential to develop into varsity players before their careers end at Montreat.
The 2007-08 JV schedule is highlighted by a trip to Chapel Hill to take on the Tar Heels JV, a home/home series with a very talented Veritas Christian squad, and two games with well know prep school, Patterson School. Overall, the basketball program is very excited about the JV team for this season and looks forward to seeing the talent develop throughout the year.