By Thomas Sellers Jr.
Brighton’s senior trio of Zach Lewis, Taelyr Gatlin and Aaron Alston logged several minutes last year in helping the Cardinals reach Sectionals.
The Brighton Cardinals have improved their finish each season under Stan Gatlin. Since his arrival in 2014-15, Brighton has won the District 13-3A title, hosted the Regional First Round game and last season reached the Sub-State contest losing to the eventual Class 3A State champions East Mustangs. If the trend continues, the next step for Gatlin’s Cardinals will be playing in Murfreesboro this March. Gatlin said things are setting up for that to be possible. “I think so because of how things ended last year, they weren’t ready to stop playing last year,” he said. “We ran out of gas obviously. We ran into a team that was superior as for height, amount of Division I players they had and the amount of players they had who could actually play basketball. We didn’t have all of that. We made a nice little ran there at the end with 5 to 6 guys.” A third of that nucleus at the end of the 2016-17 season were seniors Ethan Bell and Alex Malone. The graduated duo was vital with defense and timely shooting. Now Brighton is depending on the quartet of Jordan Johnson, Aaron Alston, Zach Lewis and Taelyr Gatlin to provide defense, offense and veteran leadership to make a run toward State. Gatlin said that solid foundation needs additional pieces to reach the goal of playing in Murfreesboro. “Over the summer time we started with the guys putting in the work,” he recalled. “They’re wanting to be the guys who will replace those guys. Saw some kids step up and I was really, really proud of their maturity. They want to contribute and have that desire to be a part of the team.” Players like Aaron Hall, Trey Lemons, DeMaryo Gatlin and Curtavious Holmes will have a chance to step up and contribute this season. Gatlin noted Hall has the potential to be the Alex Malone type of being a defensive stopper and helping the backcourt flow. In the front-court, Lemons will be given a chance to find a spot with his 6’7 frame standing along side Alston and Jordan. “ It should be a great season,” Gatlin said. “We have a transfer coming in with Lemons. He’s a 6’6, 6’7 wing. We’re going to see whatever role he will have to have in order for us to be successful.” The elder Gatlin said his captains of Taelyr Gatlin and Lewis will be the keys to any success providing leadership in class, in practice and during games. “It all starts with that mentality of not wanting to have a letdown after last season,” he said. “Taelyr, he’s our point guard. He has to have an outstanding season. He has to average anywhere from 25 to 30 points a night strong and solid. Zach needs to average anywhere from 25 to 30 points strong. Those guys have to have that mentality.” If the duo is taking care of the scoring with accuracy, Gatlin has confidence defense will be secure with Alston’s athletic ability protecting the rim. “Aaron, he’s the anchor on our defense,” he said. “He’s one of the most important parts. He starts because he’s 6’4, 6’5. He’s either going to block your shot or take the charge. You don’t see too many kids able to do that. You either get just one. He takes on both of those roles. He’s our tough guy. He’s the toughest guy on our team.” Gatlin said Brighton’s X-factor will be Johnson. Last season he displayed flashes of stellar play on both ends of the court. “Jordan Johnson, he’s a kid I’m really looking forward to turning the table mentally,” he said. “He has all the physical tools. But as far as it clicking mentally, he has realized how good he can be. He’s gotten stronger and taller. He’s throwing that thing down with two hands now. So it’s going to be fun seeing all of these guys take the next step together and what role he’s going to take in that process.” The Cardinals have to be clicking in all phases with the addition of Liberty to the district to go along with Munford, Dyer County and Hardin County. “That makes winning the district even sweeter because if you don’t take one of the top four spots, you won’t make it to Regionals,” Gatlin said. “We’ve got a target on our backs and we should. We won the district last year and that’s how it should roll. I’m thankful we’re in this position, however we’ve got a bunch of guys who know we have a target on our back. But as far as who is going to be No. 1, the layout of our district I would have to say the perennial power Dyer County with Big Rico back.
“Then you’ll have Hardin County,” he concluded. “I’m not sure what Liberty Tech has. We played them last year and it was a good game. I would put them in the mix. And Munford, I don’t know what they have coming back. But I know they’re going to play hard, be tough and be well-coached. They’re going to make it interesting. Nobody is a doormat in our district. There are no nights off in our league.”
