Salem Coach Robert Jackson steps down, takes Norcom AD gig
by Tamara Brown, recruit757
Donovan Bridgeforth put Jamestown Boys Basketball program back on the map after an impressive 2015-2016 season.
While the Eagles went 10-12 the season before, Bridgeforth, in his first year as head coach, guided the team to the Ironclad Conference 18 Conference championship game and they earned a 4A East Regional Berth.
Jamestown may not have punched their ticket to states but they did make a name for their team after Bridgeforth’s first season.
“We really have used this summer to get better individually. We truly believe if everyone gets better in the summer it will help groom a championship team in the fall. We also went out and tried to compete with a number of top teams in the state. Ultimately, that’s where we want to be so that’s who we need to play,” said Jamestown Head Coach, Donovan Bridgeforth.
The Eagles attended Virginia Wesleyan College’s team camp, advancing to the tournament quarterfinals, including a victory over Heritage who beat them a couple months earlier, and defeated the 6A state runner up, Oscar Smith.
“Our team did an exceptional job going up against some of the better programs in the 757 area. We talked before the camp, everyone had the same mindset: this is our time to show we are one of the best programs in the area. Also I challenged our college bound players to be the best player on the floor and prove the college coaches wrong,” said Bridgeforth.
Jamestown took down Oscar Smith 57-49 and moved on to the semifinals where the Granby Comets ended their tournament run. Despite the loss, Evan and Mason Wang provided a stellar backcourt combo for the Eagles.
“The recruiting process is heating up for Mason and Evan Wang. There will be numerous schools coming during the fall to evaluate their game. A lot of schools are gambling right now not jumping in; however, they all have been watching and see what they did this summer. They have proven to everyone they are one of the best backcourts in the state,” Bridgeforth stated.
Succeeding the winning season the Eagles had, Bridgeforth hopes to build off of the statement he created.
“With the summer coming to an end, it’s time to get our kids ready to be back in the classroom. Excelling and overachieving in the classroom is something we demand from our players. What we are challenging them to do for the end of the summer is to do something everyday that will continue to make our program better. Everyone in the town understands we still have a lot of hard work ahead of us,” Bridgeforth stated.
With a majority of the Eagles’ roster returning, Jamestown’s basketball program looks promising heading into the Fall.
“I am very excited about our incoming freshmen class, they are hungry and have a genuine love of the game of basketball. I think this class will help us turn into a national powerhouse. Jordan Mccary, Colin Glavas, Javontez Garrent, Shawn Foster, Taylor Saunders, just to name a few have a lot of promise and are going to be special. Besides the twins, Diamontae Brown is improving everyday and showing college coaches he is one of the most versatile players in the area. He defends everyone’s top players regardless of position. His jump shot is improving. George Mason is one of the schools that called about his talents,” said Eagles Bridgeforth.
-Tamara Brown
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