• Senior point guard Chaz Richardson

OKEMOS - The Okemos Chiefs are coming off another successful season (13-9) under fourth year head coach Jeff Wonch but will now be without the aid of current Michigan State freshman Conner George.

George led the Chiefs last season with superstar numbers, averaging 23 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. George really spread out the floor as well, making 38 3-pointers, while staying efficient, shooting 48 percent from the field.

Losing George, undoubtedly, is major, but his right-hand is still manning maroon, senior point guard Chaz Richardson. George knows the team is in fine hands.

"They are going to be good," George said at Michigan State's annual media day. "They are going to be led by Chaz Richardson who's a phenomenal athlete, can get to the rim at will. C.J. Pruitt, Paul Hahn, they've got a good shot at doing some damage in the CAAC this year."

As a junior, Richardson showed signs of explosiveness throughout the season. Also a football star at wideout, the six-footer displays electric agility with an uncanny ability to drive to the hole. This year he will be the unquestioned leader of the Chiefs.

"Being like a veteran on this team, I just have more experience," Richardson said at practice Thursday evening. "I have to lead, show them the ropes."

Coach Wonch stressed communication throughout practice, and it starts with Richardson.

"Chaz has to be a leader for us," Wonch said after Thursday's practice. "He's been on the varsity since about halfway through his freshman year, so he's been around, and he knows."

Richardson takes on the challenge of, not only being a physical leader, but vocally bringing this team together.

"I need to talk, show a big role, tell everybody else they need to talk because it makes this team strong," Richardson said.

Four fellow seniors will aid Richardson along the way.

"We're going to need a lot from Chaz Richardson this year, but we are also needing some other guys to step up, maybe C.J. Pruitt and some other seniors," Wonch said.

"We've got some young guys on the team this year too, and it will be quite the experience. There's a lot of inexperienced players, so we're trying to catch up. We'll get to these scrimmages and learn a little about ourselves."

Like George, Richardson is optimistic about this year's squad.

"Right now planning on trying to win districts, trying to get as close to states as possible," RIchardson said.

The Chiefs start their regular season at home against Lansing Catholic Central on December 8 at 7:30 p.m.