How does it look for the Trojans in 2022-23?
They do return 3 starters from last season, 6-1 Kenny Sanderlin, 6-0 Devin Lattimore, and 5-10 DeAndre Berry. All 3 showed the ability to score, with Sanderlin averaging 16.2 PPG, with Berry scoring over 20 several times and Lattimore having a number of games in double figures, including a 20 point game vs. South Point in the sectional championship. The 4th starter most likely will be 5-11 LeVaughn Cobb, who was the leading scorer on the JV squad. Cobb, Berry, and Lattimore will all be juniors, with Sanderlin coming back as a senior. The 5th starter is very much open which should make strong competition for that spot. That 5th starter could be the PG, with 5-9 Isaiah Lewis and 5-10 Reade Pendleton the major candidates. If that 5th spot is a 2 guard, 5-10 Tyler Duncan is the favorite to fill that spot, with Lattimore probably being the PG.
Portsmouth will lack size with that 5, with Sanderlin being the tallest at 6-1. 6-2 Luke Stine and 6-1 Noah Livingston, who will be juniors, could get major minutes if the Trojans want to go with a lineup that will help out Sanderlin down low. Donnovan Breech, who will be a 6-2 junior, has shown some potential with his athleticism and ability to hit the perimeter shot. Still a lot of uncertainty about who and what the rotation will be. The loss of Daryionne Bryant (17.1 PPG) is a huge hole to fill for the Trojans. He scored over 30 points twice, and had several other games over 20, in addition to his defense, ballhandling, and rebounding. On the positive side, perimeter shooting should be a strength of those coming back. Ballhandling/turnovers is a major issue for this team, and must improve dramatically if PHS is to have a good season. Rebounding will also be a challenge with the overall lack of size. Athleticism will be plenty with this squad. Sanderlin should score close to 20 PPG if the supporting cast can fill their roles.
Portsmouth has not finished in the top half of the OVC since 2018, have been 15 games under .500 since then, and have losing streaks of 15 to Fairland and 8 to Ironton. If the Trojans are to reverse these figures, then improvement is absolutely a must in the areas above.
Portsmouth is 13 wins away from 1,500 all time (1,487-816), and Coach Eugene Collins (192-116) is 8 games away from posting 200 wins for the career at PHS. He has averaged a record of 15-9 for his 13 years. The Trojans haven't won the OVC since their first season in 2015, and haven't advanced out of the sectional since 2017. PHS hasn't won a district title since 2015, when it advanced to the regional final.