Coach: Brian Nelson (4th season)
2010-11 Record: 12-11
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Key returning players: Robert Pillow, Tristan Crenshaw, Nathan Hackett, Chris Calcador
Key additions: Nick Bynum, Nate Holyfield, Jared Steen, Keegan Ruddy
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Robinson opened its 2011-12 campaign this week with a 69-52 victory over Annandale on Tuesday and a 61-58 loss just one day later to Woodson.
The quest to beat last season’s 12-wins is underway and head coach Brian Nelson is optimistic that his squad can build off of last year’s success and contend for the Concorde District title.
“We only return one starter from last season but expect to be very competitive this season,” said Nelson. “We were a much improved team last season, led by a strong senior class.”
But, Nelson expects to be even more competitive this season.
2010-11 All-Concorde and All-District guard Robert Pillow leads the Rams and appears to be in mid-season form already. Pillow, a senior, scored 32 points against Annandale and connected on four three-pointers. Pillow is also a pesky defender who garnered First-Team All-Concorde District honors last season for his defensive play.
Joining Pillow in the backcourt are guards Tristan Crenshaw, Nathan Hackett and Chris Calcador. Crenshaw is an accurate shooter who in two games this season is averaging 17 points per game. His 24-point effort against Woodson helped keep the Rams competitive well into the fourth quarter. Crenshaw is also a senior who Nelson will rely upon this season to provide leadership to a young team that returns just one starter in Pillow.
Hackett, a junior, and Calcador, a senior, give the Rams versatility at the point guard position. Both are a bit undersized at five-foot-ten, but are equally good at distributing the ball and running the offense well. Calcador scored twelve points in the Annandale win while Hackett contributed five in the game against Woodson.
With his youthful team, Nelson will look for several newcomers to replace the void in depth. Junior Nick Bynum, a forward, has played well this week and could develop into one of the team’s more reliable scorers and defensive threats. Senior Nate Holyfield, junior Keegan Ruddy and sophomore Jared Steen also looked good in scrimmages.
Nelson is optimistic. “Led by Pillow, we have several capable scorers and strong defenders who will only get better as they gain more varsity experience.”
