Team Workout Series: Potomac (MD)

Ron Bailey, Publisher

The Wolverines have new players and the same expectations

October 21, 2009 - Going 18-5 last year and making the Maryland State Regionals in playoff action should be a marker for Potomac (MD), and it is; everyone in the Wolverine's program has embraced the expectations that run engendered.

"We want to compete in the league (PG 3A), be competitive. We went deep (into the playoffs) last year...We want to at least get back there" said Terrence Oxendine last week of his team's goals. Those are reachable expectations no doubt, but the Wolverine's head coach, in his second year, has additional concerns to contend with.

What you ask? "We have only two returning players" shared the coach.

Da'Ron Wiseman is and will be on Potomac's controls.

Nevertheless, Oxendine is not saddled with a large amount of youth, as all six of his top players are seniors. The school has obviously welcomed several transfers, which can be problematic in and of itself.

Of that possible issue, Oxendine, who has also coached high school ball in the Tidewater, VA area (I.C. Norcom) and North Carolina (West Charlotte), in addition to prep school ball (NC Tech), said "Most of the guys said they were eager to play with each other" - thereby reducing his concern.

Though Potomac's offensive focus, described by Oxendine as "fast paced, up and down" may be well suited for a number of players not used to competing with each other, the Wolverine's defensive focus of "a base 2-3 (zone) that morphs into man and 1-3-1" may take more time to jell. In fact, Oxendine opined if the unit comes together quickly "we could be one of the best in the area" due to its athleticism and talent level.

The top six guys are reviewed below, a sextet that must lead Potomac through the perennially brutal PG 3A, a playoff road that could produce a matchup with talented and well coached Thomas Stone. Potomac is also planning its own holiday tournament (December 28th and 29th), with its finalization being imminent according to Oxendine.

David Brockenberry loves to bang inside.

Da'Ron Wiseman - 5'10", 165 pound senior point guard - Wiseman is a lead guard that can score, one who has received a number of Division II level offers - CIAA institutions love him - as well as scholarship opportunities from Delaware State and Youngstown State, both Division I schools. MAAC schools are interested in Wiseman, who loves to run his team's attack, driving, shooting, and finding teammates. Da'Ron, one of the better lead guards in this year's DMV senior class, returns from last year.

David Brockenberry - 6'5", 225 pound senior forward - A banger, David, who Oxendine described as having "great hands" also plays football, where UConn has shown interest. Clark-Atlanta, Delaware State and Youngstown State have offered or are interested in Brockenberry for hoops, per Oxendine. Is the other returning player.

Dominique Green - 5'9", 150 pound senor guard - A shoot first guard who will be a good perimeter option, Oxendine believes Dominique to possess Division II talent.

Antonio Jennifer likes to operate around the cup.

Antonio Jennifer - 6'6", 180 pound senior forward - UMass, VCU, Providence and others have over time shown Antonio love; its not surprising as he's athletic, can hit the mid-range jumper and when motivated, rebound and block shots.

Anthony Murray - 5'10", 150 pound senior guard - Murray, a JV player last year will occupy the defensive stopper role, while also platooning at point guard.

Devin Miller - 6'5", 210 pound senior wingman - Arguably the most intriguing of Potomac's new additions, Miller is an athletic player that can also shoot, slash, finish, and rebound. Oxendine indicated Miller has softly verballed to Mount St. Mary's, UMBC previously offered, while both UNC-Charlotte and Providence have been involved.