Fourth-year coach Keith Arrington said he is flattered his team has the respect of his peers, but added he and his players do not think the ranking will carry them through a rigorous schedule.

"It's an honor for the kids, and they're excited," Arrington said. "But it doesn't guarantee success or failure or anything."

Junior forward Henri Perry agreed with his coach's assessment.

"Even though we're No. 1, we can't let it go to our heads," Perry said. "At the end, we'll see who's really No. 1."

Two of last season's key players, former Region 4-AAAA Player of the Year Orlando Washington and Mark Williams, play at the junior college level - Coastal Georgia and Aiken Tech, respectively.

North Augusta basketball coach Keith Arrington gives instructions to his players during practice at Riverview Park. The Yellow Jackets lost two players to graduation. MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF

The Jackets' three returning starters - senior point guard Quentin Ferrell, junior wing Andre Young and Perry - all have started since they were freshmen. Four newcomers played on the school's 19-1 junior varsity team last year.

"All of us have played in big games in the playoffs," Ferrell said. "We play well together, and we have a feel for each other."

Arrington said he has grown to rely on Ferrell's defensive ability and leadership skills.

"I won't say we built the team around him, but I will say he's the cornerstone," Arrington said. "Quentin is one of the best man-to-man players in the state."

Young, the leading scorer (16 points a game) and rebounder (9) among returning players, was named team MVP as a sophomore.

"There were times last year when (Young) carried us," Arrington said. "If he improves as much this year as last year, everybody in the state of South Carolina better watch out."

Arrington said 6-foot-5 Kenyon Harmon, the squad's only freshman, has "the best timing I've ever seen."

The Jackets will certainly not lack size this year, with five players listed at 6-4 or taller. Center Frayne Abernathy broke an ankle playing football and might return late in the season.

Senior point guard Quinton Ferrell is among North Augusta's three returning starters. The Yellow Jackets will depend on Ferrell's defensive ability and leadership skills. MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF

North Augusta will need to be at peak performance level to survive its brutal nonregion schedule. The Jackets will play in the Augusta Thanksgiving Classic, as well as the (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) Beach Ball Classic, where they will face national powerhouse Seton Hall (N.J.) Prep, and possibly New York's Archbishop Molloy or Christ the King.

Young and Abernathy shared time at quarterback on the Jackets' football team, which lost in the first round of the state playoffs last weekend.

"Hopefully, we'll win the state (championship) in something," Young said. "It would be a big goal accomplished."

South Carolina players to watch

Brandon Wallace, Silver Bluff (Sr., SF, 6-9, 210): Averaged 22.5 points and 13.5 rebounds for the Lower State semifinalists ... Has committed to South Carolina

Brandon Isaac, Blackville-Hilda (Sr., G, 6-2, 165): Versatile athlete ... Has led 12-1 football team to Class A Final 4 as starting QB

Andre Young, North Augusta (Jr., SF, 6-5, 180): Led preseason No. 1 Yellow Jackets to Upper State semifinals ... Only junior Player to Watch, also a quarterback

Josh Jackson, South Aiken (Sr., C, 6-8, 250): Could draw comparisons to 6-foot-10 Tony Kitchings, who led Thoroughbreds to 1998 state title

Jamaraine Chandler, Wagener-Salley (Sr., F, 6-3, 220): Outstanding player (16 points, 10 rebounds) on mediocre team (7-19) that hasn't made playoffs since 1996

PREVIEW SERIES

The Augusta Chronicle is previewing the high school basketball season. The series culminates Thanksgiving Day, when capsules of area schools will be published.

SUNDAY: South Carolina's coaches tabbed North Augusta's boys as No. 1 in the state.

MONDAY: The Ridge Spring-Monetta girls put a tough playoff loss behind them.

TUESDAY: Augusta Christian's boys have unfinished business.

WEDNESDAY: After winning their first state crown, Brentwood's girls are out to repeat.

THURSDAY: Butler's boys regroup after losing all five starters, while Glenn Hills' girls begin defense of a state title.

Reach Lane Kramer at (803) 648-1395, Ext. 106.

--From the Sunday, November 24, 2002 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle