ISLE OF WIGHT
Coming off of their first losing season in almost a decade, the Isle of Wight Chargers will look to rebound with a brand new lineup. Although they’re replacing four graduating seniors, head coach Benjamin Vaughan believes that the overall depth and quickness of his team is greater than it was one season ago.

“We elevated several players from Junior Varsity that will allow us to take advantage of that depth and speed,” said Vaughan.

Most notably, Vaughan was referring to sophomore point guard Rylee Williams, who was name Junior Varisty Most Valuable Player last season.

“He’ll play an important role in our success this season, as he develops and is able to mesh with the other players.”

Despite the team’s youthfulness, Vaughan believes that they’ll be able to compete within the Metro Conference this season.

“The schedule is the most difficult part, though. It’s probably the hardest we’ve faced since I’ve been here,” he said. “We play tough games against a few state-ranked teams within our conference, including Atlantic Shores, Williamsburg Christian and Hampton Christian.

NUMBERS TO KNOW

39 – Vaughan has been the head coach at Isle of Wight Academy for 39 years, mentioning that this team may mold into his best yet. “I’m not sure if we’re a state playoff contender this year because we’re fairly young,” he said. “Next year is the year, though. The future is bright.”

600 – Only two active high school coaches in Virginia, Jack Baker of Maury and Paul Hatcher of Robert E. Lee, have reached the 600 win plateau. With seven victories this season, Vaughan will join this elite group of coaches.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

The only returning starter for the Chargers, Bryce Casey led the team with 11.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per contest last season. “We’ll depend on him to mold this team into a hard-working, hustling group,” said Vaughan.

A role player for the first three years of his career, senior center Adam Webb will make look to make his presence felt down low for the Chargers this season. “At 6-foot-7, the offense will definitely run through him,” said Vaughan.

SCHEDULE

Varsity games typically start at 7 p.m. Games against Kenston Forest and Brunswick will start at 7:30. Bolded games are at home. The VISAA Metro Conference Tournament will be from Feb. 18-20, and the VISAA Div. II state tournament will be Feb. 24-28.

Nov. 18 – Suffolk Christian (W 66-36)
Nov. 21 – Kenston Forest (L 52-49)
Nov. 25 – Brunswick (L 49-46)
Dec. 2 – Hampton Christian
Dec. 5 – Portsmouth Christian
Dec. 9 – Denbigh Baptist
Dec. 12-13 – Life and Breath Tourn.
Dec. 16 – Atlantic Shores
Dec. 18 – Williamsburg Christian
Dec. 20-22 – Peninsula Catholic Holiday Classic
Jan. 6 – Broadwater
Jan. 8 – Stone Bridge
Jan. 10 – Alliance
Jan. 12 – Suffolk Christian
Jan. 16 – Hampton Christian
Jan. 20 – Portsmouth Christian
Jan. 23 – Denbigh
Jan. 27 – Stone Bridge
Jan. 30 – Atlantic Shores
Feb. 3 – Williamsburg Christian
Feb. 6 – Broadwater
Feb. 11 – Kenston Forest
Feb. 13 – Alliance Christian