Warriors hoping to get over the postseason hump
Brookwood will take the hardwood on November 15 in their season opener against Highland Christian with a lot of hopes, dreams, and expectations.
Last year, the Warriors boy’s basketball team went an incredible 26-3 and took home a region title. However, despite the success of last season and returning all but one player from last year’s squad, the Warriors are still focused on getting better and building depth.
“We’re excited but we’re very focused on right now and getting better and not just our potential top rotational guys,” said Brookwood head coach Nate VanDuyne. “It’s all 18 that we have in our JV, varsity program. We believe that we have to establish some depth. We have to develop that next line of defense.”
Last years Warriors squad did have an impressive season, but failed to produce in the state playoffs, exiting in their first game against Frederica Academy. For VanDuyne, the focus is on rebounding. With a 6’9 superstar like Walker Jackson, it’s easy for a team to simply rely on the big man for rebounds. But basketball is a team sport for a reason and VanDuyne wants to see his guards crashing the boards and everyone rebounding.
“Winning is not complicated even though those simple things are diff icult to do repeatedly,” VanDuyne said. “Ultimately, we have to rebound better. I think that was probably the number one factor in wins a losses.”
There is a bit of added pressure or urgency, as VanDuyne put it, to succeed this year in Walker Jackson’s last season with the Warriors. Jackson is entering his senior season and recently committed to play collegiately at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Jackson has been a key component in Brookwood’s success on the court and has proven to be a rare type of player. In his last season with the Warriors, can they make a run at a state title and take advantage of a rare opportunity?
“There’s urgency. I think pressure can sometimes paralyze you,” VanDuyne said. “I think urgency gets you moving more quickly and more focused toward a goal. I think there is def initely pressure from the community but, internally, there is an urgency.”
Brookwood will begin the 2024-2025 season on November 15 when they take on Highland Christian Academy at home.
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Last year, the Warriors boy’s basketball team went an incredible 26-3 and took home a region title. However, despite the success of last season and returning all but one player from last year’s squad, the Warriors are still focused on getting better and building depth.
“We’re excited but we’re very focused on right now and getting better and not just our potential top rotational guys,” said Brookwood head coach Nate VanDuyne. “It’s all 18 that we have in our JV, varsity program. We believe that we have to establish some depth. We have to develop that next line of defense.”
Last years Warriors squad did have an impressive season, but failed to produce in the state playoffs, exiting in their first game against Frederica Academy. For VanDuyne, the focus is on rebounding. With a 6’9 superstar like Walker Jackson, it’s easy for a team to simply rely on the big man for rebounds. But basketball is a team sport for a reason and VanDuyne wants to see his guards crashing the boards and everyone rebounding.
“Winning is not complicated even though those simple things are diff icult to do repeatedly,” VanDuyne said. “Ultimately, we have to rebound better. I think that was probably the number one factor in wins a losses.”
There is a bit of added pressure or urgency, as VanDuyne put it, to succeed this year in Walker Jackson’s last season with the Warriors. Jackson is entering his senior season and recently committed to play collegiately at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Jackson has been a key component in Brookwood’s success on the court and has proven to be a rare type of player. In his last season with the Warriors, can they make a run at a state title and take advantage of a rare opportunity?
“There’s urgency. I think pressure can sometimes paralyze you,” VanDuyne said. “I think urgency gets you moving more quickly and more focused toward a goal. I think there is def initely pressure from the community but, internally, there is an urgency.”
Brookwood will begin the 2024-2025 season on November 15 when they take on Highland Christian Academy at home.
Brookwood School
Located in Thomasville, GA, Brookwood School is a private school for grades JK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.