Bartlett Will Be There Once Again
The demise of Bartlett has been greatly over-exaggerated. I heard it through the season last year and after the state was over with, “No R’Chaun King, no Alston, no so and so… Bartlett might be a little down next season.” I say, not quite. Here is why, 6’6, Dylan Jones, who is only a sophomore, recently picked up an offer from MTSU. 6’7 Axton Perry picked up a Division 1 offer in May. Kylan Neville is back for his senior year and Bartlett picked up the 2 best freshmen in the city, Braylon Williams and DJ Okoth (6’5). Both are highly regarded nationally and should play a factor in this season even as 9th graders.
6’6 Ethan Gatewood should make a jump this season for them as well along with Perry who will open eyes this year. I thought he had a chance to be pretty good a few years ago and it looks like after a few little knick-knack injuries, Perry is due for a breakout year with Bartlett. Bryson Johnson, Jayden Mitchell and Jayden Jordan James could all see big minutes this year and be asked to contribute a lot more. That’s key for Bartlett, finding others who will make an impact.
Neville is going to be steady as he is usually. He’s going to guard, run the team, score it some but he’s going to set up his teammates mostly and do all the things a good point guard/lead guard does to win games. For him, it’s about winning and he’s impactful there. Do I think they can get back to the state tournament, most definitely. I think they win their side again, but it will be harder this year. They can and should win it. I think Southwind is right there with them so it will not be easy. It’s starting to become a theme at Bartlett, expect them to be contenders, year in, year out.