Brad Dobbels has again stepped into the role of head coach for the Ashley Ridge boys basketball program.
This is Dobbels second time holding the position. He formerly spent three seasons (2015-18) with the Swamp Foxes and helped them set a new school record for wins.
Dobbels has more than 20 years of coaching experience at the high school and college levels. His college experience includes serving as an assistant at Charleston Southern and Francis Marion.
Dobbels spent 14 seasons (1997-2011) as the head coach at Goose Creek, where he guided the Gators to five Class AAAA Lower State championship games and to the AAAA state championship in 2009.
Dobbels, who accepted the position in the spring, has worked at Ashely Ridge as a teacher and golf coach this school year so he doesn’t anticipate the coaching transition to be difficult for his team.
“The region is the same as when I left so I think I know what to expect and the challenges that await our team which will help give us confidence when we face adversity throughout the year,” he said. “Being away reinforced in me that I must strive to serve our players at the highest level. My goal is to help each young man reach their potential and I want them to reach their goals in all aspects of their lives.”
The Swamp Foxes are trying to improve on last season’s 4-8 record. This season six of the 15 players on the Swamp Foxes’ roster are varsity lettermen. That includes three returning starters.
“We have a nice mix of returning players, some guys moving up from JV and a couple of transfers,” Dobbels said. “We have a bunch of hard-working guys who are hungry to be successful. They will have to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses so that we can play as a cohesive unit.”
Senior guard Hayden Williams returns after averaging a team-high 12 points per game last season. Senior forward Malik Freeman returns after averaging a team-high eight rebounds per game. Senior guard Jalen Mitchell is also a returning starter. Senior guard Michael Brown, junior guard Blake Gerald and Sophomore guard Jahlil Hope are also returning lettermen.
Junior guard Ahmiir Colperto and junior forward Jaylin Hartzog are expected to lead the group of newcomers. Seniors Connor Hass and Tahmari Sutter, juniors Kristan Bryce and J’Ontay Floyd, and sophomores Jordan Davis, Jaedan Wadley and Jakori Judson are also in their first year with the Ashley Ridge varsity.
“As long as they keep playing with great energy and effort we will have a chance to reach our potential,” Dobbels said. “For our team to be successful we will have to give a great effort on the defensive end while limiting the other team to one shot each possession. Offensively we will have to help our teammates get a great shot while valuing the basketball. That should allow us to put pressure on our opponents by creating more opportunities to score easy baskets.”
Ashley Ridge has its home opener at 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 when it hosts Stratford. The Swamp Foxes also host Berkeley at 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 3. Ashley Ridge opens its region slate at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 11 at Fort Dorchester.
