Before Eaglecrest, Ant Nettles was the star guard for Douglas County. He was their leading scorer, averaging 20 points, as well their premier defensive catalyst, snatching 4.2 steals. However, the team struggled to stay consistent throughout Ant’s individual success there. Ultimately, Ant saw it best to take his skills somewhere else more fitting. That somewhere was Eaglecrest. 

“The people around [Eaglecrest]…it’s like a better, better environment for me,” admits Nettles on his transition to the nest. 

Now in a much more suitable environment, Ant has already made an immediate impact on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Ant continues to be a force, leading the team in scoring with 15.5 points a game. He has recently reached 1,000 career points, further solidifying his offensive efficiency. His playmaking has also been instrumental to the team’s scoring, setting up his teammates for good looks. However, it’s not only his offensive capabilities that have made a mark in his first year as a Raptor.

Nettles has also enhanced the defensive tenacity head coach Jarris Krapcha has been looking for since the beginning of the season. His relentless on-ball pressure has caused him to put up 4 steals and 0.7 blocks a game, both the most out of any Raptor this season. Overall, his prowess on defense has allowed Eaglecrest to generate much more possessions, which has been key in outscoring opponents. 

Beyond the numbers, Nettles’ arrival has also fostered a much more unified team chemistry.

When asked about his on-court bond with Ant, senior center Garrett Barger revealed that the “connection… it’s hard to explain.”

To explain this chemistry, one can say that it is simply something special. In only his first season at Eaglecrest, Ant has found good looks for his teammates, elevating their play, and stepping up when it matters the most. One of the most defining moments of Ant’s leadership came in a crucial game against Mountain Vista, where he scored a last minute and-one to tie up the game. As a result, he has emerged as a necessary leader that the team can depend on when it matters the most. 

Nettles admits that his clutch play “showed my team that I’m ready for big moments”

As the playoffs begin, Eaglecrest will rely more on these big-time moments from their dynamic floor general. His performances in the league tournament games – leading his team to three consecutive 3 victories, including an overtime comeback win against Overland- has only reinforced the belief that he won’t be slowing down anytime soon. 

And ahead of the playoffs, his teammates have no doubt that Ant will rise to the occasion.

Forward La’quice York is assured that in the playoffs Ant will be a “good defender…keeping everybody tied together because that’s our point guard.” 

Ant Nettles isn’t just their point guard,though, but the determiner of Eaglecrest’s fate in these last few games. Whether it’s locking down the opposing team’s best player, taking the last shot, or setting the tone for his team, Ant has proven that he can handle the pressure. However, can he handle the pressure to fly back the nest with a state championship in grasp?

From the looks of it, it’s unfitting to conclude that Ant can’t.