Power Poll Preview: Shiloh Generals
Shiloh Generals
Region 8-AAAAAA
Head Coach: Kim Rivers
Last Year’s Record: 28-4 (17-0)
Top Returning Players: Josh Okogie (Sr.), Malik Chandler (Sr.), Dejon Waters (Sr.), Shamari McLeod (So.)
Top Newcomers: Khalil Richard (Sr.), Darnell Rogers (Sr.), Thurman Massenburg (Jr.), Greg James (Jr.)
Key Games: Bob Jones Thanksgiving Tournament, @ Montverde Academy (FL), Leesburg (FL), Farm Bureau Insurance Classic (Dorman, SC), Berkmar (Twice), Dacula (Twice)
Team Preview: What do you get when you take a team that reached the semifinals in Georgia’s highest classification and add a number of dynamic players to their roster? Certainly, you get a team that will contend for a state title. Head coach Kim Rivers has built something special at Shiloh during his time with the Generals, and has become known for an aggressive, attacking style of play. That is a style of play that his players have thrived in, and that starts with this team’s heart and soul: Georgia Tech commit Josh Okogie. Okogie has been a staple on the wing for the Generals, and is a do-it-all type of player. One of his backcourt mates is gone in havoc creator Kareem Brewton, but back is the other piece of last year’s backcourt, senior guard Malik Chandler. Also returning are senior guard Dejon Waters, who had a good travel season with the Atlanta All Stars, and Shamari McLeod, who could emerge as a big time player in the class of 2018.
However, a big part of what makes Shiloh one of the state’s strongest teams is the additions they are bringing in. Siena commit Khalil Richard has transferred in from St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland and will step in and be a big time threat offensively for the Generals. Joining him in the backcourt is George Washington commit Darnell Rogers from Fort Mill, South Carolina. Rogers may be small, but he provides a big punch on both ends of the floor. The other big newcomer to Shiloh is a boost to the frontcourt, Thurman Massenburg. He will be Shiloh’s main presence in the middle and provides good length and rim protection. Lastly is Alpharetta transfer Greg James, who had a good travel season with the 16U Southern Stampede and can shoot the lights out.
Overall, Shiloh has one of the deepest teams, which is important for their style of play. Look for them to be one of the best teams in AAAAAA and add to the success that they had last season.