NHSHF 09 Preview: Banged up Ryken Coming to Play

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Depleted or not, St. Mary's Ryken is ready to battle.

December 10, 2009 – The 2009-2010 season has not been kind early on for 2-1 record having St Mary’s Ryken (MD), evidenced by senior point guard Kai Smith, a 6’2” play maker destined likely for NCAA Division I basketball being out for an estimated three weeks, his ankle surrounded by a hard cast. To make matters worse, 6’4” forward Dominique Robinson, a junior suffering from the effects of a concussion.

The school’s head coach, Dave Tallman recognizes the injuries, but refuses to allow the lost man-games to function as excuses, as he noted today “We are a wounded duck right now, it’s just like hockey. Once guy goes down and someone else steps up”.

That attitude seems to permeate his roster.

Treveon Graham is an up and comer.

First in doing so is junior guard/forward Treveon Graham, who Tallman noted “Has been doing really well for us, averaging 20 points a game” along with 13 rebounds. Having put on a reported 25 pounds of muscle on his 6'3" frame during off season workouts, Tallman is led to feel “He’s by far one of the hardest working guys I’ve ever coached”. Despite Graham’s ability to drive, shoot and board, colleges are only now taking note of him, or as his coach said “nibbling”. Mount St. Mary’s is one.

Also stepping up has been point guard Deon Andrews. A junior and close friend of Graham, Andrews, who stands 5’9” and himself has put on 15 pounds of muscle, is supplying 12 points each contest. Elijah Matthews , a 6’0” fourth year varsity player labeled an “energy guy” by Tallman, has developed interest from Shepherd University for his efforts, while fellow senior Josh Turner standing 6’3”, has been “putting up 14 and a half points” each contest from the backcourt.

Despite the roster challenges, Tallman et al are looking forward to meeting a daunting foe in National High School Hoops Festival play.

“It’s an honor. We’re very excited” shared the coach. “We have a heckuva an opponent in Montrose Christian. We’re going to fight like dogs and see what happens”.

During the course of the game, Ryken will “get up and down” per Tallman, meaning his team likes to run. Proving that penchant is 96 points scored during their last game.

Defense has become much more of an emphasis, as Tallman indicated “We get offense out of our defense”, which includes mixing up formations.

Whatever transpires on the court Saturday, expect Ryken to battle.