Special thrill fills the air for Bob Jones basketball coach, players
Bob Jones head basketball coach Graham Aderholt in back with (l to r) Tdaris Farris, Devontae Mason, and RJ Trousdale (Record Photo/ Lindsay Vaught)
MADISON- There is something refreshing about moving into a new home and Bob Jones basketball has moved to a brand new home. The renovation of the gym is complete and features new bleachers, lighting, paint, floor, a new entrance, new concession area and upgraded restrooms. It has a lighter and brighter look with renovated coaches offices and locker rooms.
“We are excited to open the new gym.” coach Graham Aderholt said. “We can’t wait until our first home game to show off the gym to the fans.”
The team also has undergone an overhaul. Gone are six seniors from last year. The most notable departure is Dalton Barkley who is playing at UAH.
Now two weeks into fall practice, the team has come together nicely head coach Graham Aderholt says.
“These guys go hard, give great effort, and have a great attitude. Its been fun. These younger guys have a great chance to get coached up and get some playing time. They have improved. Most of these guys have come through our program so they have played together and we really like them.”
Aderholt is waiting on eight football players who could work their way on to the varsity roster. One of them, Jonathon Moss (senior 6-foot), returns as point guard.
“He is one of our better defenders and we are going to need more scoring from him this season,” Aderholt said. “He needs to make perimeter shots which allows him to use his quickness to get to the rim. I need him to be the leader on the court.”
Devontae Mason (6-foot-3, senior) played a lot last year and will be counted upon heavily this year. He is the best three point shooter on the team.
“He is one of our better shooting guards,” Aderholt said.
Tdaris Farris will swing between guard and forward.
“We have depth inside with Kendall Randolph, Gavin Lewis, Le’Chauz Langford, and Demontrez Brown. They are all big bodies that will help us this year. The most size we have had since I have been here,” Aderholt said.
“We lost a lot from last year but we have a good group coming back. We had a really productive summer. We got better each practice and each play date. We had them all even the football players so the learning curve won’t be there it will be just getting in basketball shape.”
Bob Jones last year finished second in the area but was upset by Sparkman in the tournament. Two years ago they made a run through the regional at Wallace State coming up one win short of the final four.
Their first home game is Nov. 21 against Tuscaloosa County. They open the season at Decatur on Nov. 17.
