Flucos Try to Get the Ball Rolling Again

As the Fluco varsity basketball season jumps to a start, the bar has only been raised since last year’s playoff run which fell short of the state championship by just two games. With plenty of off-season training and the nursing of a few injuries, the Fluco team is back with expectations set high.

The varsity squad had a tough cut process. Close to 40 athletes tried out and only 12 made the cut.  This year’s team is very young with only three being returners, including one returning starter, senior Kobe Edmonds. 

Edmonds said he expects something big from this young team and coaching staff, with the addition of new Assistant Coach Jay’von Jackson.  “Our strongest aspect on the court will be our defense for sure,” said Edmonds. He named 11th grader Bobby Gardener and a few others who he expects to have outstanding performances on defense. “Communication is key and something we will need to improve on as we build chemistry,’” said Edmonds as the team steadily makes its way through a 22-game regular season.

Both Albemarle and Western Albemarle high schools are expected to have a phenomenal group of athletes this year and pose the biggest challenge to this year’s team. “Western Albemarle seems to be the best, and I’m looking forward to competing with the best,” said Jackson.

Edmonds and shooting guard Lance Bruce agree that their record goal for this season is at least 17 wins and no more than five losses.  “Coach Jackson is really getting us right in the weight room and with conditioning. It all is part of the process of helping everyone get comfortable on the court in their position,” said Bruce.

The schedule for this season started off with a big win against Waynesboro on Dec. 1, followed by other out-of-district match-ups that were hard-fought, close games. According to Jackson, notable factors included sophomore Chazz White and his playmaking ability, along with junior Kenyon Smith and his all-around basketball IQ and athleticism.

In the first few games the effort and competitiveness was thriving, but the lack of chemistry and some selfish decisions led to some close games. Coach Jackson and players credit Head Coach Heath Bralley for instilling composure in the team, and in Jackson’s words “holding everything down.” 

An early season match-up with rival team Charlottesville was highly anticipated. A full stadium and win streak behind them made the Flucos confident. Up until halftime, the game was very close and competitive. The Flucos were trailing by one point heading into the 3rd quarter, but sudden cramps struck Gardner and forced him to sit out. 

The Black Knights took advantage immediately, making some clutch shots and pulling away with the lead. Gardnereventually  made it back into the game, but it was too late as the lead had grown to over 10 points. When the 4th quarter ended, reality struck.

The win streak was over and the players dreams of being undefeated died. Now the team is focusing on rebuilding morale and pushing through. The upcoming weeks will provide opportunities to learn from mistakes as the Flucos hope to bounce back and get the ball rolling again. The team will face Spotswood at home on Dec. 22.