EDMONDSON RED STORM
2009-2010 record: 21-3 (Baltimore City league champs; 2A North Region finalists)
League: Baltimore City Division I
Returning starter: Rodney Pratcher, 5-11, Sr., Guard
Returning letter winners: Mike Bradley, 6-5, Sr., Forward; Terrell Curbean, 5-6, Sr., Guard; Brian Ellison, 6-6, Sr., Forward; Raynair Pratcher, 6-1, Sr., Forward; Kavon Pyatt, 6-3, Sr., Guard
Newcomers: Devon Graham, 5-9, Jr., Guard; Darius Walker, 6-1, Sr., Guard
Outlook: After winning its first City title before falling to City College in the region finals last season, Edmondson is looking for an encore. The Red Storm graduated most of its starting nucleus including All-Met first-teamer Stanton Kidd (South Plains College in Texas).
The west Baltimore school have one of the best guards in the city league back in Rodney Pratcher. Pratcher, who quarterbacked the Red Storm football team in the fall, has been a cornerstone for the Red Storm’s renaissance on the hardwood.
“He’s the glue to our team,” said Edmondson coach Darnell Dantzler, who shared coaching duties with brother Terrell. “He’s progressed every year. He’s done everything we’ve asked.”
Pratcher’s brother Raynair, a reserve last season, moves into the starting along with Kavon Pyatt, Brian Ellison and Mike Bradley. After losing most of its firepower, Edmondson will look to rely more on its defense.
The Red Storm debuts Monday afternoon against Carver Vo-Tech at the Spark at the Park Mixer at Forest Park. Saturday, Edmondson faces D.C. league champ Ballou in the annual Baltimore/D.C. Challenge. Perry Hall, Aberdeen and Parkville is part of the Red Storm’s non-league sked before diving into a rugged City league schedule.
“It’s about coming out and proving ourselves,” said Darnell Dantzler. “Every year we set to win the state championship, to win the city championship and we let the chips fall where they may. The kids are going to play hard.”
