Red Rose Thunder might have pulled off the most dominant first two rounds in last year’s tournament, winning their first round matchup by 29 points and their second round matchup by 22. Unfortunately, they were on the other side of it in the regional final, losing by 25. It’s a good start, but Red Rose Thunder wants more, and they come to James Madison to not only make the regional final again, but win it, and the entire tournament.
For more TBT team profiles, click here.
- Michael Dibenedetto (Asst. Coach)
First Matchup: vs. Magic Show (July 18 at 1 p.m. EST)
Martin was the team’s leading scorer in last year’s tournament, scoring 38 total points and averaging 12.7 a game. He was a bit inconsistent, scoring eight points in the first and third games, but 22 in the second game. What’s most impressive is his shooting efficiency. Martin shot 53.8% from the field and 50% from three. Martin also averaged 4.0 RPG for the Red Rose Thunder and over a steal a game.
Red Rose Thunder returns a lot of scoring from last year, but Martin will still be expected to be a key piece. Red Rose Thunder as a team shot 26% from three last year, so having at least one guy who can make them at a high clip will be important. This team emphasizes balance, but that doesn’t mean Martin can’t come in and be the go-to guy when the Elam Ending hits.
Kennedy was a beast on the boards, averaging 11 a game last year. Kennedy was one of the few players in the entire tournament to average a double-double, and even had a 16-rebound game in the final. At 6’10, he is a rebounding magnet, but also an efficient post scorer. He shot 60.9% from the field last year. Defensively, he was also solid, averaging a steal and a block per game.
As mentioned earlier, this team strives for balance, and having Kennedy cover the rebounding and limit second chances for the opponent, then Red Rose Thunder can get ahead early and run away with these games, like we saw last year. With that experience as well, expect him to be back and better than ever, something that any James Madison regional team should be afraid of.
Team Outlook
After the five seed last year, Red Rose Thunder got boosted to a three seed in this tournament. They’ll take on Magic Show in round one, who are making their debut. After that, a potential big-time matchup against Shell Shock, the Maryland alumni team. Red Rose Thunder benefited from some upsets last year, not having to be any of the top three seeds, but don’t expect Shell Shock or Happy Valley Hoopers, the one seed, to repeat that trend.
Along with Martin and Kennedy, Anthony Smith returns to the team. Smith was the second leading scorer last year, and shot 75% from the field. They also add Dwight Buycks to the team, a former NBA guard. He can take over a game with his athleticism and ball handling.
Malin Morrison, one of the few women head coaches in TBT history, and Red Rose Thunder are ready to compete, so expect energy from tip to the buzzer.
