Coach: Shelwyn Klutz (19th season, 243-202)
Last season: 10-12, 6-8 MECKA (no conference tournament, did not make state playoffs)
Returning players: 4
Returning starters: 3

KANNAPOLIS — A.L. Brown’s 2013-14 debut in the 4A MECKA was ugly (7-16, 2-12), but the Wonders made adjustments and were better prepared for the 2014-15 season. They upped their intensity level and turned in a very respectable 10-12 campaign. They were 6-8 in a tough league, including big wins against Hough and Vance. They swept Hopewell and Mallard Creek.
As you might expect, the Wonders also fared well against 3A South Piedmont Conference teams. Their four non-conference victories came against West Rowan, South Rowan, Carson and Northwest Cabarrus.
The Wonders hope to at least be in the middle of the pack in the MECKA again, although it will be a challenge to repeat last season’s modest success.
“Athletically, we can match up with most people,” said coach Shelwyn Klutz, who in his his 19th season at the helm. “But as far as height, it’s a very tough league for us.”
The Wonders have strong, quick players with solid verticals, but they aren’t tall.
Senior forward Jaylon Neal (6-2) and junior forward Sherrod Sutton (6-3) are usually going to be the tallest Wonders on the floor. Both play bigger than their height, but foul trouble is going to happen when they have to battle 6-6 and 6-7 opponents.
Neal can shoot the 3-pointer. So can Damon Johnson, a high-flying, explosive 6-footer, who routinely makes spectacular plays.
Varsity newcomer Lane Argabright can stroke it from long range.
Also expected to play a lot are Zac Williamson, Cord Butler and Jordan Medley. They’re good athletes.
The key ingredient missing from last season is point guard Joekeem Neal.
Klutz’s big hope is that 5-11 Jayln Cagle recovers from a football injury and is able to run the show. Cagle is very quick and very strong. Cagle believes he’ll be ready to play soon.
“With our lack of size, we’ve got to show a lot of patience and we’ve got to be able to run our offense,” Klutz said. “Jayln can be that guy who takes care of the ball for us and makes good decisions.”

Players to watch
Damon Johnson, Sr. — He’s a highlight waiting to happen, as he’s a streaky shooter with extreme quickness and athletic ability. He’s all-conference in baseball, football and basketball for the Wonders and was the starting quarterback in football.
Jaylon Neal, Sr. — Should lead the Wonders in scoring with a solid combination of a sweet stroke and toughness on the glass.
Sherrod Sutton, Jr. — He’s an undersized power forward, but the football receiver’s leaping ability is going to produce stickbacks, and he’s a shot-changer and shot-blocker on the defensive end.