DUNBAR POETS
2009-2010 record: 19-5 (Class 1A state champions)
League: Baltimore City Division I
Coach: Diego Jones
Returning letter winners: Iakeem Alston, 6-2, Sr., Guard; Aaron Parham, 6-3, Jr., Guard; Donte Pretlow, 6-0, Jr., Guard; Devante Wallace, 6-5, Sr., Forward/Guard;
Newcomers: Rodney Jones, 6-4, Jr., F; Evan Singletary, 6-1, Jr., Guard
Outlook: The Poets graduated the backcourt nucleus of Derrell Edwards (South Plains College in Texas), Corey Spence (Maine’s Bridgton Academy) and Nate Ayers (Milford Academy in New York), but another a promising crop is ready to help the east Baltimore school challenge in the Baltimore City league.
Alston had a breakout game (14 points) in the Poets’ state title victory over Owings Mills. Singletary is a transfer from Archbishop Curley where he helped the Friars to the MIAA B Conference championship game.
Jones says Parham will provide some physicality and solid defense on the perimeter. Jones, a starting guard on the Poets’ 1991-92 national championship squad, will again rely heavily on the backcourt this winter.
“We’re going to make the game as fast as possible,” said Jones. “We don’t have a go-to player inside or outside.”
The Poets open the season against Archbishop Spalding Dec. 6 in east Baltimore before traveling to Harford County power Aberdeen Dec. 9.
