One of the more exciting teams in the area this upcoming season will be likely wearing a Mansfield uniform.
The Lions, though coming off an 11-16 record from a year ago, have several returning starters who are looking forward to making the 2021-2022 campaign a special one.
Losing just key ball defender Troy Kelley to graduation, the Lions have several key scorers returning to the line-up.
Tom Emerick was an All-District and All-Conference player a year ago who averaged 15 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
Chase Cartwright also returns with his 10 points per game, who was also an All-Conference selection.
Other key returners include Rylan Adams, London Dennis, Ethan Bennett and Chase Kelley.
Key newcomers include Stone Sawyers, Landon Campbell, Jaden Flake, Kaden Coble, Carter Garrison and Ashton Pierson.
“We expect to compete each night and try to play our best basketball at the end of the season,” said Mansfield head coach Cody Shelton. “We want to be patient and well executed offensive team. Defensively, we want to play strong defense and control the glass.”
Knocking off Forsyth
In their home opener against Forsyth, the Lions were paced by Tom Emerick in a 65-56 win over the Panthers.
Five different Lions scored in the first quarter as both Landen Campbell and Emerick scored five points in a 16-point opening frame.
Up three, the Lions began to pull away in the second quarter, outscoring Forsyth 22-15, behind Emerick’s eight points and London Dennis’ six points.
Up 38-28 at halftime, Mansfield did just enough in the second half to pick up the nine-point victory.
Emerick had 27 points; Dennis had 13 points; Campbell scored 11 points; Stone Sawyers had six points; Chase Cartwright added four points; and both Chase Kelley and Ethan Bennett score two points.
