Look for big things out of the Robeson Raiders in 2009-10. Coming off a (15-11) season, the Raiders are loaded with talent. "Last season was simply a coming out party for the program as a whole. The whole team came back from a (9-19) a year before, except for one senior, and a transfer, so that team had learned a lot about playing on that (varsity) level because they were my sophomore team the year before, finished fourth in the conference and made it to a regional championship game," head coach Danny Spencer said.

Things look even more promising this winter. "With this being the best talent that we ever had, the outlook is great. Remember the name Oscar Howell (5'9" Shooting Guard), he is coming off knee surgery, sniper of a shooter, personally I think he is the best shooter in the state, but the key to our season will be our bench. If we get production from our subs then we should have a great season."

Anchoring the Raiders this season, will be LaShane Purdy (5'9" Sr. Point Guard), as the team's floor general. "Nothing he can't do with a basketball, jet quick, great ball handler, jumps out of the gym, and can finish strong at the basket with either hand. Decent jump shot that he is working on and getting better with it. His only weakness is his free throw shooting, needs to bulk up, but a division-one player easy," Spencer said of his point guard.

Victor Roberson (6'3" Sr. Power Forward/Center) will lead the Robeson front court. "(Roberson) is a coaches dream when it comes to rebounding. Strong on the court and in the class room. He is our strength under the basket."

Coach Spencer is looking for big things out of DeMarcus Head (6'3" Jr. Shooting Guard/Small Forward). "Long and lanky, good shooter, but better when going to the basket. Really good ball handler, if he puts in the work, he could be a division-one ball player, but he must stay in the weight room," Spencer said emphatically.

Competing in the Chicago Public League's Red Central division, the Raiders look to compete toward the top of the league. "This year, as every year, Curie is the team to beat. We beat them last season at home, but they trounced us in the Public League Playoffs to go to the Elite Eight. Harper, along with being good, they are also our neighborhood rivals, so I can say I think one of us will win the conference, don't know who, but one of us (will)."

Danny Spencer enters season number three as the head varsity coach at Robeson. He spent 10 seasons as the sophomore coach, before taking over prior to the (2007-08) season.

Charles Redmond led the Raiders for several seasons, compiling a (370-236) record in 20 seasons at Robeson. The Raiders finished below .500 only once in those 20 years under Redmond.

Robeson has never won a postseason title. (Chicago) Parker was a state qualifier during the (1950-51) season. Parker closed it's doors in 1977, and the school became known as Robeson. For more on the history behind the schools, visit the Robeson website at http://www.prhs.org/history.jsp?rn=3879316.