St. Francis HS Season Team Preview

St. Francis players from left to right (Jordan Jones, Keshawn Gibbs, McKinley Brown, Malik Beasley, Kobi Simmons, Kaiser Gates)

St. Francis has emerged as a pre-season contender at the single A level this season. Last year's team shocked an undefeated 30 win North Cobb Christian team in the first round of the state tournament.  Couple last year's success with the returning lettermen and the additions of some talented players leaves fifth year head coach Cabral Huff knowing this year's expectations are even higher.  "We've got expectations to go to Macon," referring to the city where the Final 4 is played for GHSA single A teams.

St. Francis lost two starters from last year's Sweet 16 team that saw significant contributions from underclassmen, including full-time and part-time starters, now sophomores Kaiser Gates, Keshawn Gibbs, and Malik Beasley. The addition of Kennesaw State signee Jordan Jones who came from Furtah Prep and Milton HS transfer big man sophomore Josh Coleman who stands at 6'9. Jones is a 6'7 versatile forward that can manufacture offense from the perimeter and interior. Coleman helps anchor the paint helping form one of the potentially bigger front lines in single A this year.  The Knights can go 6'9, 6'7, 6'6 at the 3, 4, and 5 spots, that not many teams of any level in high school can boast, let alone the smallest classification single A.  Huff believes the most improved player may be junior point guard McKinley Brown. "By far, our most improved player, on the court, off the court with leadership. But really, our whole group holds each other accountable. Keshawn Gibbs has done well also" says Huff.

It would be hard to argue that there is a tougher region than 6B-A which consists of 2011 state champion Whitefield Academy, North Cobb Christian, reigning region champ Mt. Pisgah, and Mt. Paran. Huff "feels confident that if we can compete in our region, then we can be set up for the state tournament. I don't think another region can stack up as well as ours."  St. Francis plays a challenging non-region schedule as well.  Huff knows it's a season long process and is committed to getting the Knights playing their best basketball come playoff time. "We just have to take care of the business at hand, whether that's practice or a game that day. It's a game by game process."

The one potential obstacle for St. Francis is their youth.  At times, the Knights can have up to four sophomores and a freshman on the floor.  Huff knows that lack of experience and being young can bring its own set of issues, but believes in his team. "We have to make sure those small moments don't become long stretches.  When we can get teamwork, intensity, and defense, we like our chances. We feel like we can score with anybody.  If we can get consistency with our defense, we are going to be tough to beat."

St. Francis' highly regarded youth are receiving a lot of attention from colleges, recruiting services and different media outlets.  With that type of exposure, it can sometimes lend itself to entitlement. But Huff says that is not an issue.  "Everything we do is competitive. From pre-season running to practice.  Nothing is ever given to them and they have to earn it.  We've got a really good group. Once the season starts, I don't care about a ranking or an offer.  They are playing for St. Francis. We had a conversation the other day-if you average 5ppg, does it really matter if we win a state championship?"

Huff is quick to talk about their program going beyond basketball. He wants his players to leave out better than when they came in. He thinks, "It takes an entire school, faculty, coaching staff. The experience that my asst. Drew Catlett brings and the energy of asst. Mike McCard [are great resources]. Its not just about basketball. It's about building men."

If St. Francis is going to contend in their region and make a trip to Macon in March, count on witnessing a lot of development and growth from their young players.  With the commitment from their players and staff, don't be surprised to find St. Francis still playing in March.

St. Francis opens the season vs. Holy Innocents on Friday, Nov.16

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