CAIRO — A new era is about to take off with the Cairo boys basketball program.

Fortunately for first-year head coach Johnathan Nolton, he inherits an experienced team that looks to contend in Region 1-AAAA. Nolton has liked the first couple of weeks of preseason practices and believes senior leadership will be key in the team advancing to the state playoffs.

“The transition has been going pretty good. This is my second year as a head coach, been an assistant for four years as well,” Nolton said. “It’s easy just getting to learn the students and getting to learn my players, not only on the court but off the court.”

Cairo will feature a guard-oriented lineup, led by senior guards Kobe Hunter, Jay Taylor, Travis Gordon and Nick Gosier, along with forward Marquii Lovejoy. Two freshmen post players will also play key roles in the Syrupmakers’ success this year; 6-foot-3 Tyree Kelly and 6-foot-4 Ozias Vicks.

“I just need them to be rim protectors and get rebounds. I don’t really care about them scoring all of those points; just be a rim protector and help on defense,” Nolton said.

Nolton, a native of Warner Robins, spent last year as head coach of Jordan High School in Columbus, leading the Red Jackets to a 7-18 record. But his experience coaching in an area of the state that features Region 1 teams such as Carver-Columbus, Columbus, Hardaway and Northside-Columbus should be significant when the Syrupmakers begin region play in December. 

“The region is really tough and competitive,” he said. “We have the No. 4 team in the state in our region; the No. 7 team in the state. Carver won the state title last year but lost a few seniors. They still brought back a good team. Their coach is a veteran, so he’ll have them ready.”

The Syrupmakers will open the season Nov. 30 at the Thomasville Bulldogs.