It might seem like forever for a lot of West Side Christian opponents but Nathan Pearson will only play four years of senior varsity basketball. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard begins his senior season on Thursday against Stephens Christian.
Pearson was slowed by an injury in the off-season but Coach Randall Miller said after a recent practice, his top scorer should be at full speed with the season tips off.
“He looks like he’s back to his old self, really flying around and cutting and doing those things,” Miller said. “I think he’ll have a really good year.”
Pearson averaged 19.2 points per game last season, hitting 66 3-pointers. He also dished out 5.4 assists with 3.1 steals per game.
“I’m really excited for this season,” said Pearson. “Our team has had some players fill into roles and I’m really excited to play with them this year. As far as my game, I was out for four-and-a-half weeks for an MCL sprain so I’m still tightening back up, but I like the way my game has evolved. I’m seeing the floor better and passing better. I’m reading plays on the offensive and defensive end better this year than the last, and I’m really excited for the season.”
Pearson’s role offensively for the Warriors will be two-fold. In addition to shouldering his share of the scoring load, he will also be asked to facilitate, accept double-teams and create shots for teammates.
Miller said the Warriors don’t plan on taking a lot of trips down the court without the sharpshooter getting a look at the basket, however.
“Obviously he’s a really good shooter and scorer. You don’t want to go a bunch of trips without him getting opportunities,” Miller said. “He’s not going to force many. His mentality the last couple of years is to let the ball flow and find the open people. But when we need baskets, he’s super aggressive, which is exactly what we want. He finds it within what we’re doing. If he finds himself open, he’s ready to shoot when he catches it. We won’t have issues, I don’t think, getting him shots. If someone devotes an entire defense to keep him from touching it, we’ll try to free him up some with screens but our other guys are capable. If you’re going to give us easy baskets with the other guys, we’ll definitely take those. We’re trying to win.”