Inside the Program: 2018-2019 Johns Creek Gladiators
Editors Note: We got the chance to catch up with Johns Creek High School’s Head Coach Keenan Temple to discuss the upcoming season for the Gladiators. We will also be helping be providing coverage for the #GladitorShowcase being held at Johns Creek November 17th,19th,20th (Click Here for Schedule)
By: Kris Watkins Follow @KrisWatkinsPSB
Heading into your 3rd season at the helm of the Gladiators Expectations are high for the Gladiators. Tell me about your biggest focus since last season.
Since the season ended last year we have really focused on the weight room and agility training. We have spent a lot of time getting stronger and quicker. This summer and fall we have also focused on building a team concept. We are blending a few guys from varsity last year with a few guys from jv and a players new to Johns Creek. We went to North Georgia and Florida’s team camps this summer and it was fun to watch how quickly these guys started playing as a team. I think a key to this team’s success is how great the team chemistry is and will be throughout the season.
I know one of your big focuses has been since you took over was the Junior Program, tell us about your involvement with the younger teams and why this important.
Before I arrived at Johns Creek there were a lot of players from here transferring to other schools. I figured the best way to stop this was to start with the feeder program. We decided in order to get rid of the “Daddy Ball” stigma the feeder program had so we started over. I interviewed all coaches and brought in a few new coaches. My staff and I run all tryouts so we can assume that the most talented kids make the team. I personally coached a feeder team the last two years. Everyone on my high school staff has coached a team. I think that is important because we are able to teach the Johns Creek system early to the future Gladiators. I attend almost every feeder game. I want to make sure these future Gladiators know that they are important to our success.
We are excited about covering the #GladiatorShowcase in November. Tell us about the lineup you have as well as the showcase in general.
Our girls coach Kirk Call and I started talking about the showcase when we first arrived at Johns Creek. Last year coach Call started with a girl’s side. This year we have been able to expand to boys and girls. We will have 24 games over three days. We have a nice selection of teams coming this year on the boys side. (Brookwood, Denmark, Discovery, Hampton, Houston County, Lakeside, Marist, Rockdale County, Northview, Walton, Warren County, West Forsyth).
Who are some players to watch this season?
Neil Ilenrey– Major division one football recruit. He has averaged around 15pts the last two season. This season he has the opportunity to become the schools all time leading scorer and the first 1000 point scorer in Johns Creek boys basketball history.
Micah Chadwick-third season on varsity. Sharpshooter from deep.
Javani Brown– 6’6″ shooting guard
Chase McKey– 6’7″ small forward plays above the rim and can shoot it from behind the arch
Austin Gusaeff– 6’8″ post player- good rebounder and post player.
Prior to coming to Johns Creek you had a great deal of success at other schools, who are some of your former players who are currently playing professionally?
Al Farouq Aminu- Portlant Trailblazers
Jodie Meek- Washington Wizards
Gani Lawal- Japan
Jordan DeMarcy- China