The Gatewood boys basketball team is using the summer months to build a foundation for the next chapter of its program.
After spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach, Scott Dennard has taken over as head coach following Don Keiser's retirement.
As summer workouts get underway, Dennard is settling into his new role while introducing his own ideas and approach to the program.
"It's been kind of a whirlwind," Dennard said. "This is my first opportunity to run a program, and I'm grateful for the opportunity that our athletic director, Troy Burner, and former Head of School Jeff Decker presented to me."
Rather than jumping into team camps immediately, Dennard opted for a slower approach this summer as players adjust to some changes.
"We decided to go a little different direction than the last couple of years in that we didn't attend a camp," Dennard said. "I'm doing some things a little differently and didn't want to put the pressure of jumping into a camp and learning different concepts from what we've been playing."
The summer has also required some flexibility, something Dennard wants to keep in mind as workouts continue.
"Being at a smaller school like Gatewood, our athletes are generally multisport athletes," he said. "We've got football players and baseball players, so I just don't want to run them into the ground too soon."
Even with the challenges of summer conditioning and Georgia's heat, Dennard said he has enjoyed the opportunity to work with the group.
"It's been fun," he said. "I love these young men. They're doing well for me, and I'm proud of them for sticking it out in this Georgia heat. Our gym doesn't have air conditioning, so it can be a little hot come noon."
Although Dennard is entering his first season as a head coach, he won't be starting from scratch. He spent the past two years learning under Keiser, who guided the Gators for five seasons and won more than 100 games during his tenure.
"Coach Keiser has so much experience to learn from," Dennard said. "We had a tough year last year, but it was also a great learning experience to see how someone handles that. Don did a phenomenal job of guiding what was a young team through a tough season."
Dennard said one of the biggest lessons he learned from Keiser had little to do with basketball strategy.
"Just sitting on the sidelines and being able to watch someone who has so much experience taught me a lot about managing a program, not to mention helping young men become young adults," Dennard said. "The key fundamental part of Gatewood basketball is that we're not just creating athletes, but young men who can go out and handle adversity and become true men of Christ."
He also credits former Georgia College coach Terry Sellers as another major influence on his coaching style.
"Between the two of those, I feel really blessed and feel somewhat prepared to lead this program and take over," Dennard said. "It's kind of like fatherhood. You're doing all this for the first time. There are books out there and suggestions, but every team is different."
Gatewood will return much of last season's roster, a team that finished 2-20 but gained valuable experience that Dennard hopes will pay off this winter.
Included among the returning players is senior Landon Moreno.
"He's just a great leader among his peers, and I feel confident that he can lead us," Dennard said.
Dennard added that juniors Caden Burner, Brady Haley, Harrison Harper, and Ford Rocker gained significant varsity experience last season.
"This is really a year for them to step up and become true leaders on the team," Dennard said.
Among the younger players, Dennard said he's excited about the continued development of Bennett Haley, who earned all-region honors after starting as an eighth grader last season.
"Bennett, man, he was really thrown into it last year," Dennard said. "I'm really hoping the experience will allow him to play above his age."
Sophomores Colton Cheek, Cooper Crain, Easton Fried, and Peyton Traylor are also expected to take on expanded roles. Dennard pointed to Cheek's athleticism, Crain's experience, and Traylor's growth in the post as reasons for optimism.
"I'm looking for Cooper to really have a breakout season," Dennard said.
"Each one of those players has experienced what it's like to go through a tough season," he added. "I'm hoping that'll build some character for us."
The freshman class has already made a positive impression on the new coach. Dennard singled out Cruz Chapman as a player to watch while also praising D.T. Hayes, Ruben Sanchez, and Jackson Thompson for their approach to summer workouts.
For now, the focus remains on development, building chemistry, and establishing the team identity Dennard wants to carry into the season. If the growth he has seen this summer continues, last year's challenges could help pave the way for better days ahead.