Ferndale

Ferndale High boys basketball gets added firepower

By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

» Click on image to view full size « Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Ferndale High senior Jordan Ellis tries to get around a defender during a recent contest. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Ferndale High senior Jordan Ellis tries to get around a defender during a recent contest. Ferndale boys basketball

FERNDALE — Ferndale High senior Nate Stepney is more than happy to see senior Jacob Dotson and sophomore Jermaine King make their way into the boys basketball team’s starting lineup.

“This is going to be a lot more fun,” Stepney said. “We can incorporate the guys in the offense and play better defense. It’s going to be better for us, and I want everyone to watch out for us. We’re going to be a really good team.”

Both additions have practiced with the team and took part in summer workouts. Dotson is a transfer from Tennessee, and King wasn’t eligible to play until January.

“They also happen to be 6-6 and 6-7,” coach Tom Staton said. “We built our whole team around them.”

At press time, the Eagles were 4-3 overall without the duo on the court. In that time, Stepney found himself playing forward and center. Now he’ll move into his more natural position at guard, though he is averaging 24 points per game according to Staton.

The coach added that he’s not worried about the chemistry on the court with the additions because the team has witnessed them put in the work.

“When you have two guys that have shown practice after practice that they’re dominant players, it’s pretty easy to insert them into a lineup,” Staton said. “They already have the trust and camaraderie with the rest of the guys.

“This is probably the most unselfish team since I’ve got here. We have guys who can score, who can pass, who can play defense, and really, my role players have been comfortable playing their roles.”

Some of the roles include senior Jordan Ellis as the coach on the floor from his point guard spot, and senior Elliot Oldham as a defensive specialist, covering the opponents’ top scorer.

With the pieces in place, Staton sees his squad battling for an Oakland Activities Association White Division title.

“It looks like Rochester Adams and ourselves will be challenging for the league crown, unless injuries or something like that happens,” he said.

Stepney believes the Eagles are in line to win a lot more than a division title.

“I think we can win the division, our district, our regional and the state championship if everything comes together, and we keep playing the way we can play,” he said. “We’re really not surprised, but I think everyone else is going to be.”

Catch the Eagles against Troy High at 7 p.m. Jan. 20 at Troy.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1062.