Tommy Callan A True Leader on the Court
Expectations at Kempsville are high for the 2006-2007 basketball season. The Chiefs boast an experienced starting five, and they will field one of the most imposing frontcourts in the Eastern Region. On paper, this team is expected to contend for a Beach district title, but a key to their success this season may be found in their 5'11" shooting guard Tommy Callan. The senior sharp-shooter is starting for the first time at the varsity level, and his ability to knock down open jumpers will be important in keeping opposing defenses from sagging down to stop the big guys. Callan is excited about showing everyone in the area what he is made out of, and is ready to answer the critics out there who claim the Chiefs are overrated. Coach Taft Hickman knows how important his shooting guard is to his team's success. Hickman has been developing Callan into a leader on the court.
Seniors Denzel Bowles (6' 9") and DeVaughn Washington (6'8") have already signed to play at the next level with Wichita State and Ohio University respectively. 6' 7" junior Aaron Brackett completes the three-headed monster that will do its share of damage in the Beach District this season. For his part, Callan is excited about his role as the outside threat and compliment to his teammates he affectionately calls the three horses down low. While he may not seize the headlines, Callan knows he will play an important part helping this team achieve it goals. When asked what those goals are, his answer is simple, "District. Region. State." The road to the district runs through Tallwood after the Lions 18-0 district record last season, but the Chiefs are poised to take their shot. Washington and Brackett will be the enforcers on the blocks, and Bowles' versatility will be used on the inside and in the post. As teams start to sag on the big men, it will be up to Callan and the other guards to make defenses pay by hitting some outside shots. A balanced attack should lead to great things for the Chiefs.
Callan spent the summer working with his father on his already solid jumper. The man who introduced him to the game became a welcome helper. Callan also possesses the intangibles, which leaders are made of and those attributes are exhibited on a daily basis. He credits coach Hickman for pushing him and strengthening his mental toughness. He has worked hard to get to this stage of his career, and is excited to show what he can do on the court. A coach's dream in terms of work ethic and off-court behavior, Callan won the G.P.A. and sportsmanship awards last season, carrying a 4.0 for the season. Callan loves playing basketball, the game he started playing almost as soon as he could walk, but his aspirations after high school extend beyond hoops. While he is open to the idea of a basketball scholarship, if that doesn't work out, he excited about the possibility of continuing his studies at the University of Virginia. James Madison, and Virginia Tech are also on his list.
