GAMES
RANKINGS
The 2022-23 RCS Girls B-Ball Team w/ Coach Steve Krantz
TAKING FLIGHT: Krantz has foundation, Athletes for a special season
“When we started, we struggled to get enough kids out to practice,” he said. “We’ve come a long way and God has provided what we have needed over the years. It’s been a blessing.”
Mercy FreemanBradley Collier (Vype)
With the return of some key pieces along with new additions to the roster, the Eagles will be loaded in 2022-23. All-state returner Mercy Freeman is a three-sport athlete who has size and athleticism. Point guard Alex Smith and senior Lacie Williams were first-team, all-district selections last year, and Destiny Williams was an honorable-mention pick.
Alex Smith
“I’m really excited about this season and the success could have,” he said.“We are going to play very fast. I love going 4-on-3 and 3-on-2, instead of 5-on-5. To be a good team, you have to be able to execute in the half-court and we can do that too.”
Twin forwards Madison and Caitlin Wilson have transferred from Klein Cain. The pair were varsity players as freshmen, last season, and have had a big summer on the circuit. The Wilsons will be huge contributors.
“I’m going to be tasked to figure out the rotation because we have a lot of talented players,” he said. “We could have a new star emerge every night.”
While Krantz has enjoyed tremendous success over the years and should have a big season in 2023, his program goes back to his tried-and-true pillars of success.
Destiny Williams
“It ’s really a culture and I’m more concerned about what these girls are made of off the court rather than on the court,” Krantz said.“It’s all about respect, being a great teammate, and working hard to just get a little bit better every day."
With a formula of uptempo play, experience, and athleticism at each position, along with an old-school mentality, the pieces are in place for a ninth Final Four and beyond for the Eagles.
RCS 2022-23 Boys Basketball
THE GRIND: Eagle Basketball will be young, but Culture will lead them
“It’s in everything we do,” Honeycutt said. “I want every kid to feel loved and appreciated in this program. We have our seniors serving our underclassmen at team dinners. When we go to dinner as a team, our team managers are the first to order. I’m trying to set up my kids to be great fathers and CEOs of companies. It’s a mindset of servant-leadership.”
Coach Tim HoneycuttBradley Collier (Vype)
Honeycutt was an assistant for the Eagles’ State Final team four years ago and has continued to maintain a winning program. Rosehill Christian went 18-13 and reached the postseason a year ago. He is a student of the game, having coached boys middle school to girls varsity basketball on his journey.
“I have a unique path,” he laughed. “I have literally started from the bottom and worked my way up. I’ve learned so much from the coaches I’ve worked for along the way and implemented some of those things into my program today.”
What does this year look like as seven seniors have graduated from the 2021-22 squad?
“We are going to be young and have to grind it out as a team this year,” he said. “Sure, we have big shoes to fill but we have some good pieces in place. We will take pride in doing the dirty work on defense and forcing our opponents into some low-scoring games.”
During the first week of practice, Honeycutt doesn’t even employ a basketball. It’s old-school.
“While everyone is trying to shoot from as far as they can from the basket ... a la Steph Curry, we start on defense,” he said. “We don’t have that big man in the middle or super athletes who can run up and down the floor. We pride ourselves on being in the right spots and as technically sound as we can be.”
Avery Botkin-HendersonBradley Collier (Vype)
Leading the way will be a four-year letterman and first-team, all-district selection Avery Botkin-Henderson, who fits the “Rosehill Way”. He has drawn over 50 charges and is the team’s undisputed captain. The outside threat is Caleb Catalena, a Waller High School transfer, who can launch from the outside. He moved over, in the Spring, to get a full offseason and Summer inside the program.
Three-sport athlete Anthony "AJ" Wilder missed last season due to a football injury but could provide a presence in the middle and athleticism on the wing.
Anthony "AJ" Wilder
“Avery was on that team that went to State and knows what I expect,” he said. “He led us through the offseason and sets the tone. Caleb can really shoot the ball and AJ is our high-flyer. We also have some great role players, who are important to our success.”
The Eagles look to be a playoff team and will be ready for the postseason having to play the likes of super-power Westbury Christian and the new program St . Francis in the district.
“We are going to have to battle every night, but I wouldn’t t have it any other way,” he said.