Southland boys basketball program looks to break in new leaders

Photo by Dustin Ward, staff
Pictured is the Southland high school boys basketball team.

The Southland Rebels boys basketball program enters its 2020-21 campaign in search of new leaders.

Southland graduated all of its varsity starters off of last season’s squad that finished 6-18.

“We lost all of our varsity starters to graduation,” Southland coach Charles Stormes said. “But we do have a couple of guys returning who got some varsity minutes last season.”

The Rebels do have the luxury of returning a slew of upperclassmen. Southland has four seniors, five juniors, one sophomore, and two freshmen on its high school roster.

“Our upperclassmen will do most of our contributing,” Stormes said. “Our older guys will definitely lead.”

Among the players returning who saw some varsity minutes last season are Jamarion Edwards and Michael Skaggs.

“Jamarion will be our point guard,” Stormes said. “He handles the ball really well and is physical. He’s also aggressive and sees the floor well.

“Michael is a senior who is a big post player,” Stormes added. “He’s real big, and again real physical. He’s athletic and can jump up and throw one down. He’s tall and lean and will definitely be a threat in the post.”

Two other players who are immediate candidates to get significant playing time are Damian Mahan and Trey Finkbeiner.

“Damian played a little bit last year but due to some decisions he didn’t finish the year with us,” Stormes said. “But he will contribute.

“Trey mainly saw junior varsity time last year but he has gotten a lot better,” Stormes said. “Hopefully, those guys will step up and help.”

Southland opens its season on Nov. 20 when it hosts Westwood Baptist.

“They are out of Blytheville,” Stormes said. “They are one of a number of new teams we are playing this year. We are trying to mix it up and see different competition. I know their record was a lot like ours was last season. I figure it will be a good opening match for us to kind of see where we are at.”

Southland Rebels Basketball Schedule