The Eagles enter the 2006 - 2007 season with one thing on their mind; improving every game. The question for third year head coach, Anthony Hall is “How do I get my team, which only has two seniors on the roster, to accomplish this task?”

With four new freshmen, five junior college transfers, and two NCAA Division II transfers, the Eagles looks to be extremely deep. But, Hall’s main concern is finding a go to man in the post that can be effective inside. At times last season, Hall thought the team was very timid in the paint. Establishing a post presence is very important for the Eagles be successful in the HAAC. According to Hall “We need to find a way to get baskets inside or get to the free-throw line.”

Senior point guard Cort’Ney Turner will anchor the squad as the floor leader, while juniors Tavan Sills and Meekaa’eel Jones will look to be threats in the Eagles’ backcourt. Up front, juniors Brett Schmitt, Bill Thompson, and Troy Valencia, will add some scoring and rebounding to the small forward position, while Southern Arkansas University transfer, Joshua Bowen, along with Southwest Baptist University transfer, senior Terrell Johnson and junior Michael Williams will add tremendous strength on the low block. At center, sophomore, James Deng will help clear the glass for Hall’s squad.

Even with a solid core of transfers, the four freshmen will have to contribute in order for The Eagles to have a respectable season. In the low post, freshmen Alex Marler and Cory Prindiville will look to add power in the paint. Outside, freshmen Eric Arnold and Tyler McReynolds will fight for playing time at the guard position.

With all this in mind, Hall knows he has a tough road ahead of him. Therefore he thinks that if the freshmen can step up and his transfers contribute significantly, the Eagles can bring restore the respect this program deserves.

Point Guards

Cort’Ney Turner (5-10, 182, Sr.)

Tyler McReynolds (5-11, 155, Fr.)

Meekaa’eel Jones (5-9, 181, Jr.)

Turner did an outstanding job for the Eagles after joining the team the second semester. He led the team in steals and assist for the second half of the season. He will be asked to lead the team first, but Hall knows he has to give Turner the green light to score when he gets the chance.

Turner will be backed up by freshman Tyler McReynolds and Meekaa’eel Jones. McReynolds is a scoring point guard that is very aggressive, while Jones is extremely quick with the ball and should be a great on ball defender.

Shooting Guards

Tavan Sills (6-1, 183, Jr.)

Eric Arnold (6-1, 202, Fr.)

Scoring from the guard position should not be a problem for Hall’s team in 2006-07. With junior Tavan Sills, who led his junior college team in scoring two seasons ago, and freshman Eric Arnold, who has established every three point shooting record at Blue Springs South High School.

Sills can shoot from behind the arc and take it to the bucket off the dribble. The Harlem, New York native has improved on the defensive end, but Hall wants him to continue to show the intensity he has for scoring when he is defending the opponent. Sills will also be counted on to handle the ball as a reserve point guard.

Small Forwards

Troy Valencia (6-5, 178, Jr.)

Bill Thompson (6-2, 195, Jr.)

Brett Schmitt (6-3, 200, Jr.)

The Eagles feel they made a good find in Valencia. He has the ability to shut down anyone on the defensive end and will look to score both inside and out. Thompson and Schmitt will also be counted on to contribute. Thompson should cause several match-up problems for the opponents.

Power Forwards

Terrell Johnson (6-4, 230, Sr.)

Michael Williams (6-5, 222, Jr.)

Cory Prindiville (6-5, 222, Fr.)

Alex Marler (6-4, 220, Fr)

Joshua Bowen (6-6, 191, Fr.)

The Eagles look to be loaded at this position. Southwest Baptist University transfer, Terrell Johnson, has the ability to really lead this team on the inside. While he can really score on the blocks, Johnson can also step-out and hit the open jumper. Williams is similar to Johnson with his ability to post-up and step out. Prindiville and Marler both have been working extremely hard in the weight room and on the court. Look for both of them to see considerable playing time. Bowen has also been a welcome addition to the program. He works hard at all times and is really dedicated to become a better basketball player.

Center

James Deng (6-7, 205, So)

James Deng is the lone center on the Avila Eagles roster. Big things are expected from James. Hopefully, he will be able to use his athletic ability to his advantage. He is a tireless worker on the court and in the classroom. Also, expect to see Williams and Prindiville at this position.