The Knights Basketball team recently began its season with a new coach, Brian Weeden. Here are some players to watch on the team as it strives for a state championship title.

Brandon Watkins is a returning senior and center for the team. He is dual-threat player, meaning he can play both inside and outside the post, and, as the tallest player on the team, he is also an asset as a defender and shot blocker. Walker said he and his teammates will be looking to Watkins to lead the team this season.

“My goal for him is to be able to take control of games and finish games,” Weeden said.

On Nov. 16, Watkins accepted a full scholarship to play basketball at West Virginia University.

Chad Winfrey is also a returning senior. He will play guard for the team. Weeden wants Winfrey to be the focal point of the team’s offense.

“He needs to be the quarterback of the team,” Weeden said.

Tyrius Walker is a returning junior and guard. He not only has a great drive on the offensive end, Weeden said, but also will be a defensive presence for the team. Walker said he is working to be a leader on the team for next season.

“We want him to pick it up a little bit more, but defensive-wise, [Walker has] what I want: pressure,” Weeden said.

Avi Toomer and Shawn Rushing are both guards and made the varsity team as freshman. Weeden believes both players have the potential to play well this season and in the seasons to come.

“They’ve never played here at Grady, but they have what it takes to play on a AAAA level in downtown Atlanta,” Weeden said. “They’re both talented.”

Jonathon Boatner is a returning senior and power forward on the team. Weeden said he expects Boatner to be a “blue-collar player” for the team.

“We want him to do all of the things that no other team wants to do to win: take charges, get rebounds, block shots, so like the Dennis Rodman of the Bulls,” Weeden said. “Dennis Rodman was a valuable asset to the Bulls and probably one of the greatest power forwards to ever play the game.”

Chandler Organ is a junior guard, and this is his first year on the varsity team. He can play both inside and outside the post and can also be a threat beyond the arc.

“He’s a pretty much all around ball player, can play any position at any time,” Weeden said.