Golden Eagles open basketball season this week

Recently, Pee Dee Academy basketball coaches were asked what came to their mind when they thought of Pee Dee Academy basketball. The first words from both were tradition and pride.

The 2009-10 high school basketball season is fast approaching with changes in store. While coach Jerry Coleman remains on the sidelines to coach the girls that he has guided to two state titles since 2004, a new but familiar face steps in to take the reigns for the boys.

Jonathan King, winner of five regular season region titles and seven tournament crowns on the junior varsity level, will take over as the varsity boys coach this season.

A proven winner, King says he does not plan on changing his coaching style very much from one level to the next.

“I have always expected success and have always expected my team to work hard for it," King said prior Thursday’s season opener at home versus Florence Christian. "Many of the players are new to varsity basketball, like I am. But, I do know the guys have been working hard in practice and have responded well to changes."

While many of the faces have changed, some mainstays of Golden Eagle basketball are still around to help lead the way on the floor.

Returning is Bradley George, a senior guard who is in this third year on the varsity level. "Bradley has a good shot," King said of his most experienced starter. "We will be looking to him for leadership and for his scoring ability."

Also returning is Kevin Driggers, a junior forward, who King describes as versatile and a player who is solid all-around and can do many things well.

Ed Pittman and Storm Page, both juniors will be on their second year of the varsity level. "They both bring a big rebounding presence and energy," King noted of the two returnees. "They can also both defend well and will be key when we run the press."

VJ Pridgen and Bruce Baker are two players who are not new to Pee Dee Academy basketball, but will be new to the varsity team as both come up from JV. King said of the two, "They gained very valuable experience on junior varsity as both saw the floor a lot. How that will translate to varsity games is yet to be seen. But, we need for them to contribute and I am confident they will.”

Others who are no strangers to the Golden Eagles, but are new to the hardwood are Will Richardson and Matthew Fisher. Both were big time players on the gridiron for the blue and gold, but both are trying their hand at round ball for the first time as seniors.

Another new face in the gym is Josh Rogers, a sophomore who has seen his biggest successes on the baseball diamond. But, he has been in the gym on Sundays and is ready to contribute when called upon.

A new face will be Keith Brown. Brown transferred from Mullins-Marion Christian School and is a sophomore. "He is a good shooter," King said. "He can handle the ball well, but will just have to adjust to the different styles of play. Once he gets comfortable, I know he is going to be a valuable asset to our team."

"We may be lacking some height and experience, but we are going to work hard and take care of the ball," said the coach on his season prospects. "We have high expectations and even though our region is tough year in and year out, our goal is to make the state playoffs."

Assisting King on the sidelines will be Thomas Hunter and Ryan Waller, both will be a valuable asset to the program.

Lady Golden Eagles gear up for another run.

One face that is no stranger to the basketball coaching is Lady Golden Eagles coach Jerry Coleman.

Coleman has been coaching high school basketball for over 30 years and has well over 500 wins to his credit. In his 10 years at Pee Dee Academy, Coleman has earned nine conference championships and two state titles. In his tenure with the girl's team alone since 2003, they have totaled a record of 168-28 and are 99-3 at home this decade.