Generals Keep Eyes On The Prize

The Generals basketball team doesn't look the same as last year's undefeated squad — there's no denying that. 

The team's goals, however, remain the same. The players and coaches get a chance to punch a return ticket the state championship game if they can get by Southside on Saturday. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Bi-Lo Center. 

The Generals, who won the state championship in 2011, said goodbye to seven seniors — four of them starters. And while Coach Darryl Nance was breaking in an almost entirely new starting five, he challenged them. 

"I told them they would get everybody's 'best shot' every night, because of last year," Nance said. "Everybody wanted to be the one to knock us off. For that reason they had to be mentally tough, as well as physically prepared to play."

This year, the Generals' lone returning starter was Brian Steele (averaging 17 points per game this season), who built a reputation as an assassin from behind the 3-point line during Wade Hampton's 2011 championship run. He, along with Ish Cousar and Megik Henderson have helped carry on a steady school tradition of strong playoff performances.

This is not unfamiliar territory for WHHS under Nance, having reached the Upper State Final in 2002, 2007, 2011 and now in 2012. 

"My expectations (before this season) I hope were the same as every year," Nance said. "Play to the best of our abilities and maximize every opportunity that comes our way. Of course the kids wanted the dream again."

Nance acknowledged that this year's team, which has dropped seven games this year, had to undergo a maturation process. That process turned into a baptism by fire while playing in the Peach Blossom region, considered by many to be the toughest region in AAA basketball in the state. The final four in the Upper State playoffs consisted of four Peach Blossom teams: Wade Hampton, Berea, Southside and Eastside. 

"The Peach Blossom conference is a beast," Nance said. "You better be ready to play every night or you can get embarrassed. All of the coaches are really good, the talent is strong and every school seems like a rival game every night because we are so close to one another and the kids all know each other. It really does prepare you for the playoffs."

The Wade Hampton vs. Southside game will be streamed live on Taylors-Wade Hampton Patch.