Published: November 04, 2008 12:44 am      

Navarro’s Estelle implementing fast-paced offense in first season

Charleston Flemming says he and his Navarro Runnin’ Bulldogs teammates are still trying to figure each other out. That’s not an abnormal part of the start of the junior college basketball season.

At least they’re not having to get used to a new coach, even if the Runnin’ Bulldogs have a new head coach — Johnny Estelle. Those who follow Navarro basketball know that Estelle was legendary coach Lewis Orr's right-hand man for the last eight seasons.

So throw all the old and the new in, and the Runnin’ Bulldogs feel pretty good about themselves heading into tonight's home opener against improved Hill College.

Navarro, picked third in Region XIV, showed their potential in a 85-82 win over Weatherford College on Saturday in its season opener, that despite trying to work in several new players and two sophomores that sat out last season. The Runnin' Bulldogs trailed until midway through the second half.

“We bonded pretty good,” Flemming said. “We started off real slow. We're starting to get to know each other.”

DeAndre Brown, one of Navarro’s key returnees, showed his leadership with 22 points in the opener.

Flemming, who started at point guard two years ago, is back running the team. Nathan Murray, a 6-6 sophomore from Fort Worth Dunbar, is back after a leg injury. They combined for 17 points in the season opener.

There are also new players breaking in to junior college basketball. Keithtrick Denson, a 6-8 post from Houston, had nine points in the opener. Gary Dalton, a 6-0 guard from DeSoto, had eight points. Freshman guard Matt Pressey, the son of former NBA player Paul Pressey, had 17 points

Chase Harper, a 6-5 forward from Pflugerville Connally, had nine points.

Estelle said he wants his team to run and score in the 80s on most nights, but his players say they see a coach who stresses team defense, specifically help defense.

“We're all about being a team,” Estelle said. “And part of that is playing tough defense.”