Richmond Heights boys basketball: Spartans preparing for national spotlight, focusing on chemistry
Nov. 21—With 49 straight wins and back-to-back Division IV state titles, the mission remains the same for Richmond Heights going into the 2023-24 season.
However, the trajectory to the Spartans' end goal has changed.
In their first year as independents, the Spartans don't only see challenges from traditional Ohio powers such as St. Ignatius, Garfield Heights, St. Edward and Akron SVSM, but also some national powers.
Just before Christmas, the Spartans participate in the City of Palms Classic against IMG Academy, and Jan. 5 they participate in the ESPN High School Showcase against Thorton from Illinois.
Even with the added attention to their season, the players are excited for the challenge. Junior Dorian Jones, the returning Clark Kellogg award winner, is excited to be able to show off his and the rest of Richmond Heights' skills.
"We just need to continue to working hard and playing at the level we know we can play at," Jones said. "It's another opportunity for all of us to show off our talent, myself included. I feel a little under the radar, and it'll show people that we can contend with the larger schools in the nation."
The Spartans have all five starters back from last year's team, but did see a new addition to their team. Sophomore TJ Crumble, a five-star prospect who holds multiple D-I offers, joined the team over the summer.
Even with how dominant the Spartans had been, they needed some time to find their footing with the new piece to the puzzle.
Demarris Winters and the rest of the Spartans take some time to become accustomed to slightly different roles than last season, but it's something everyone is getting used to.
"It's been an amazing experience adapting with TJ," Winters said. "He's a great young player and has a great season in store. It's been great getting to work with him and develop around him as well. Coach preaches practice how you play, and we really take that to heart. We focus on having no bad habits since that's how we want to play."
Crumble has been finding his role in the Richmond Heights' game plan. As a big who has the ability to spread the floor, he isn't going to be asked to stay around the rim to control the boards.
With a new group, Crumble has seen the adjustments around incorporating himself on both ends of the floor. Being put in a system where he doesn't have to do everything but be part of a balanced attack is something for which he is excited.
"It's a winning culture here," Crumble said. "I met Dorian at a Nike Top 100 camp, coming into the summer and working every day has helped us get to a point where all of our games complement each other. We're making each other better. The workload is heavier, but that is something that I am excited for. Getting to that point already in the preseason feels really good."
While the past two championship runs have seen the starting five be the focal point for the Spartans, this season they're able to turn to the bench when needed. A starter last season, Jeremy Wilson has slotted into the sixth man role.
The Spartans also currently have point guard De'Erick Barber out with an ankle injury. While Barber isn't able to practice, Crumble knows Richmond Heights has a number of players who can step up when called on.
That is something Crumble and the rest of the Spartans haven't been able to turn to before. But they now are able to rely on their bench, as well to get fresh legs when needed.
"If the starting five is having an off night, we have that ability to be able to count on the bench," Crumble said. "You won't see that much of a difference, and they help elevate us. They provide a spark, and that helps all of us and forces us all to work more."
The Spartans hit the floor running Dec. 1 when they travel to Newport, Kentucky for a game with the Wildcats.
