The Jefferson R-7 Blue Jays Varsity Basketball team was a .500 program last year with a 12-12 record, meaning they will be looking to rebound and make a statement in 2021-22. That task may be a work in progress though, as the Blue Jays lost seven Seniors to graduation and only have two returning starters this year.
Jefferson managed to make it to the District Semifinals last season, but were bounced by Bishop DuBourg to end their middling season. But that was then, and this is now. Head Coach Sean Breeze will need to lean early and often on hardcore practices to get this young team gelling and ready to roll, but they are a talented group and should be able to surprise some people if they can get comfortable together as a unit.
Ameritime Sports caught up with Coach Breeze and asked him about the particulars of this year’s squad. Here are his responses:
Who do you see as being your top and key athletes this season?
“Our top two Senior returners are Drew Breeze, who averaged nine PPG and was an All Conference and All District selection, and Colton Richardson, also with nine PP, seven RPG and was an All Conference and All District selection as well.”
What are your expectations for the team this season?
“We have so many new faces to the Varsity team it is hard to know what to expect.”
What are the strengths of this team, and what aspects do you think will be a work in progress?
“We are a pretty athletic group and I think we should be able to guard pretty well. We will have a deeper bench than last year, but I’m not real sure where the majority of the points will come from just yet.”
What do you think of your schedule this year? What will be some of the challenges?
“This looks to be as challenging a schedule as we have had here since I’ve been here. There are no weak spots on our schedule this year at all. The challenge will be to bring the same intensity each and every game.”
Mention any other athletes you would like to say something about. Maybe some newcomers, or athletes coming off injury.
“We will be looking to some Senior returners to fill bigger roles this year. Will Breeze, Jack Hueter and Jerry Chipps will be asked to play a bigger part on the perimeter, while Lucas Breeze and Chase Politte will help to solidify the defense in the post.
Other Varsity players will be Juniors Sam Stokes, Jess Blankenship, CJ Johnson and Sean Usery along with Sophomore Nate Breeze.”
This year could be a challenging one, but could be a successful one as well. We prefer to see the glass as half full and have positive expectations for the Blue Jays. Coach Breeze should have his boys really to roll come opening day.
Good luck Blue Jays!
