Team Workout Series: Flint Hill

Ron Bailey, Publisher

The Huskies may be young, but their coach likes the squad.

October 27, 2009 - "I like this group...They are very athletic and they are sponges" declared Rico Reed, Flint Hill School's (VA) head coach of his team, a guy that has been on high school benches for more than 15 years, 14 in the lead man role (this is his third year leading Flint Hill).

With that kind of experience, you can expect it would be hard for Reed to be fully bullish on his squad.

"It's a good young group" he said, before later noting "we have four seniors and no juniors. This is the first time in 16 years coaching where that's happened". Adding to that line of thinking, Reed, who won a state championship at Potomac (MD) almost five seasons ago also opined. "To be very honest, with you, we will probably struggle early with possibly six sophomores".

KC Whitaker is poised to be Flint Hill's primary offensive threat.

Why the concern with a youth laden team? "I worry about the intensity level (for young players) necessary to succeed at this level", he supplied.

Reed puts their progress on his shoulders: "I compare it with the group (recently graduated) that won 24 and 24 games the last two years...It didn't just happen. We have to get in the lab, develop chemistry, and understand how hard you have to play every possession".

Schematically, expect the Huskies, when stopping people, to employ their variety of presses (1-2-2 for instance) and traps backed by a trademark adherence to man-to-man defense. Offensively, Reed will employ sets that utilize his player's strengths, such as drive and kick stuff and screening.

Playing in the Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC), Flint Hill be will likely be tested in-league by Sidwell Friends (DC), Maret (DC), and Potomac (MD). The school's out-of-league slate includes matchups with Interstate Athletic Conference (IAC) stalwarts Georgetown Prep (MD), Bullis (MD), Landon (MD), Episcopal (VA) and St. Stephens/St. Agnes (VA). Two high profile Virginia schools will also be met - rival Paul VI plus Charlottesville area Blue Ridge - and for holiday fare the Huskies are entered in this year's Bulldog Bash at Westfield High School (VA).

Mo Birchie will trigger much of what the Huskies to offensively in 2009-2010.

Reed believes his players are up for the challenge, as they battled the likes of Neuman-Gorietti (Philly) in camp play and local squads during Beltway League action, this summer. "It was a good opportunity to play against strong teams" said the coach of Flint Hill's break schedule. "We played well at times".

These are some of the players that will define the 2009-2010 Flint Hill Huskies.

KC Whitaker - 6'4+, 190 pound senior guard/forward (Captain) - "He could be one of the leaders in the area in scoring" said Reed of Whitaker, who averaged 12 games off the pine last year. The reason is simple, KC can flat-out shoot it - defenders may be screened to pieces, as the Huskies plan on getting him the rock. NC-Charlotte, George Washington and High Point, amongst others, have expressed varying levels of interest.

Trevor Swinley - 6'3", 180 pound forward - A solid mid-range shooter, several Division III schools, like Mary Washington and Muhlenberg are showing love.

Patrick Farrell - 6'1", 175 pound senior forward (Captain) - Farrell, who can nail mid-range jumpers with regularity, will frequently screen and bang for the Huskies this season. Is a hard worker, who accepts his hustle-man role.

Cameron Hicks - 6'2", 160 pound senior swingman - Having been in the program for four years, Hicks has had time to distinguish himself as a good spot up shooter. Reed noted of him "Because of what we will do with Mo (Birchie), he'll have opportunities".

'T.O.' Ogundepo and the rest of Flint Hill's team are working hard to improve.

Mo Berchie - 6'1", 165 pound sophomore combo guard - "Basically, what Mo gives is a lot of versatility - he breaks defenses down, has great vision" said Reed of Berchie, who started last year as a freshman point guard for Heritage High School (VA). Berchie, who will be central to what the Huskies achieve this year can also hit outside shots, played with Flint Hill all summer long, thereby advancing the cause of team chemistry development. Reed has "no doubt he's a (future) Division I basketball player".

Troy Thomas - 6'2", 170 pound sophomore guard - Labeled this year's Flint Hill X-factor by Reed, Thomas can strap, handle the ball, and drives efficiently with either hand.

Trevor 'T.O.' Ogundepo - 5'11", 160 pound sophomore guard - Very athletic, Reed shared "T.O. always wants to guard the (other team's) best guy all day". Ogundepo is a go-getter, one that works hard and competes.