Prep b BB: Mission Bay preview

Coach Marshawn Cherry (far back) oversees
daily study hall for his basketball players.
(Photo by Ed Piper)
 

By Ed Piper

Mission Bay coach Marshawn Cherry has his hand on the throttle of a purring machine that roars in high gear, and he's not doing anything to change that.

"What's new in the program?" he was asked prior to the opening of the Buccaneers' 2018-19 season. "Nothing," he answered while waiting for members of his Open Division-winning basketball program to file into after-school study hall before a Wednesday practice. "We have everyone back, and we're going to try to go to the state championship."

"Everyone back" includes his core four players, now seniors, who have started together since they were all sophomores. Rejean "Boogie" Ellis is the gem, entertaining big-school offers while guiding the roaring offense from his point guard position.

What is the key word in the program? "Family," said Cherry, who served several years as varsity assistant before ascending to the helm of the Buc hoops program three years ago. "We're a family. We do everything as a family. We play together as a family."

What effect does this have on the team? "They're literally a family," he responded. "They've played together so long that they know each other very well."

Who is an individual who you want to step up this year? "He's not new. He started part of last year. Savaughn Davis," said his coach, pointing him out in the empty study hall before the other students filed in. "6'2", a junior. Justin Moore (a former Buc star) is his older brother."

Justin Moore, a standout guard when the present senior core were younger, is transferring to the University of the Pacific from Georgia Tech. He was slated to sign with UOP Mon., Nov. 12. Ellis was expected to make his college of choice official Fri., Nov. 9.

What is a key part of your coaching philosophy due to your own experience as a player or coach? "Being a student athlete, not an athletic student. A student athlete takes care of their grades. An athletic student plays sports and lets the grades fall where they will.

"I was an athletic student. (I learned from that:) don't be used for your athletic ability."