Stack returns to play for Easley hoops team

EASLEY — The rumor mill hit last year that standout basketball player RJ Stack would be attending Wren High School. The thought of losing that dominant low-post player was a crushing hit to Easley nation.

But local hoop fans can be rest assured as the talented Stack is officially enrolled — once again — at Easley High School.

Stack, who started on varsity last season as a sophomore, said he is close to 6-foot-6 now and that he has “gained a couple of pounds” of muscle since last season. He lifted weight four to five times a week over the summer and is up to 190 pounds, with an emphasis on eating healthy. He’s increased his bench press to 225 pounds (was around 160 pounds benching last year) and he currently squats 365 pounds (was around 260 pounds last year).

“It’s been pretty fun,” Stack said, about his return to EHS. “We’ve all been working and busting our tails every day at practice, having fun and getting after it.”

Stack did not play or participate in any of Easley first-year Coach Austin Anderson’s summer program. It did appear – to most people in the area – that he would be playing this season for the Wren Hurricanes.

But entering his junior season of hoops, his recent decision to return to Green Wave country was based on the connection with the “the (EHS) team and the players.”

Stack attended the Furman University Basketball Camp this past summer and he will be going soon to the Elite 64 Basketball Camp and an elite camp in Charleston.

Coach Anderson took some time to reflect on the decision of Stack and said, “He (Stack) needs to do what he feels is the best decision for him. We’re excited though to have that height, that depth (in the low post) and that experience. It’s not anything new because he was here last year as well. So, everything just kind of fits those pieces to make that puzzle.”

Continued Coach Anderson, “We talk about it with the kids. We need those pieces to come together and — God willing — it came together. It will just elevate this program and help us out.”

On any night, the high-flying Stack is capable of turning in a double double (in points and rebounds) and a couple of dunks (and blocks) in a game. The next two years should be interesting to see how much the talented Stack continues to improve and how well the Anderson-led Green Wave team can do.