2013-14 South Harrison Basketball Media Guide

SOUTH HARRISON

HAWKS Basketball 2013-14

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2013-14

SOUTH HARRISON BASKETBALL MEDIA GUIDE a product of

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COACHING STAFF

SOUTH HARRISON BASKETBALL

SOUTH HARRISON BASKETBALL

head coach

TOM SEARS 5th season 38-50

“

There’s a purpose to every thing he does.

He’s makes the most of every minute he gets. He’s not here to waste time.

He’s here to win.”

– Mark Jones assistant coach

If the purpose is progress, then Tom Sears’ track record of success speaks for itself.

Sears led the 2012-13 South Harrison Hawks Basketball team through a competitive Little Kanawha Conference schedule with a 12-12 finish that ended with a sectional semifinal game against then-No. 3 Tucker County. The Hawks’ 7th-place finish in the 14-team LKC is the best in school history.

The season, Sears’ fouth as a head coach at South Harrison, showed the continual growth of a program that once suffered five straight losing seasons before Sears took over as head coach prior to the 2008-09 season.

“When you’re down for so long, as this program once was, it’s hard to get up,” said Sears.

“It’s about changing a mindset, and changing an expectation. We want people to look at South

Harrison Basketball different. We want the kids to have different expectations, we want the fans in the stands to have a different expectation, and we want the team we line up against to have a different expectation.

“It’s a matter of believing you can win. And I know we’re getting there.”

Led by third-team Class-A All-State forward Logan Kirby, South Harrison also ended 2013-14 just one game short of making the league’s “Night of Champions” Tournament, which highlights the Little Kanawha Conference’s top 4 teams.

Kirby, meanwhile, earned 1st-team all-LKC and all-Harrison County honors.

“You can see the progress,” Sears said. “We’re starting to get respected.”

Sears was an assistant coach under Robert Shields for eight seasons 2013-14 MEDIA GUIDE

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Q &A

WITH TOM SEARS

WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT SOUTH HARRISON BASKETBALL GROWING UP?

I remember hearing about the Brett Vincent era.

I remember games at the Thunderdome (W.I.’s gymnasium) against Bridgeport for the Regional Championship. I remember seeing those one and two-point games against them. I remember the Mike Johnsons, and the Danny Messengers. Those are the ones who stand out to me.

WHAT IS ONE TEAM THAT YOU WISH YOU COULD PLAY EVERY SEASON?

I’d want to play every Harrison County team. But if I had to pick one, it’d be Robert C. Byrd.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD ABOUT YOU?

Someone who has never met me, or doesn’t know me, when they sit down in the bleachers for the first time and they watch me coach, they may get the wrong impression of me. I’m really intense when I coach. I’ve been told I’m intimidating when I coach.

But I think one thing they should know is that inside this program, we’ve built a family and strong relationships that genuinely don’t end after graduation.

Sometimes, things aren’t as they appear.

WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AS A COACH?

It’s a sentimental moment, and it came off the court, but it’s a moment I know I’ll never forget. It was when one Sunday, a bunch of my players showed up at my church and sat in the front row. I never said anything to them about coming, I never even encouraged them.

They did it on their own. It really meant a lot to me.

WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE A YOUNG BASKETBALL COACH?

It’s never as bad as it looks. Some coaches may walk into a situation where the team has so much talent that they win automatically. In other situations, it may take a lot more work and patience. But either way, you can’t let up. You have to keep studying, and getting better as a coach. You have to be genuine. You have to be real. The kids have to buy into you. If they do that, you’re going to be successful.

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COACHING STAFF

before being named head coach prior to the 200809 season.

That year, the Hawks ended 7-15, its highest win total in eight years.

“People don’t usually look at a 7-15 record and say ‘Oh, that’s a strong season,’” Sears said. “But people saw a different basTom Sears runs down the court ketball team during a game in his senior year at that year.

South Harrison.

“That’s when it all started.”

Sears currently doesn’t hold an education degree, so WVSSAC rules force him to re-apply for the head coach position every season.

After a 12-10 year in 2010-11 – the program’s first winning season in 9 years – Sears lost the position in 2011-12 to Andy Sorine, but regained it in 2012-13.

The 5th-year head coach is currently pursuing his teaching degree, with an expected graduation date of June 2015.

In addition, Sears is entering his 14th season as a pastor, and his 5th year at New Beginnings Church in Good Hope, W.Va. Sears began preaching as an associate pastor at his grandfather’s church, before founding his own church in Jane Lew. One year later, the newly-

SOUTH HARRISON BASKETBALL founded church merged with New Beginnings.

Sears admits that he never has invited a player to church – he lets them decide for themselves. In his first season as head coach, his players did just that. One January morning, Sears walked up to his podium and looked to his left to see the front row filled with his basketball players.

“What a moment that was. It was very special to me,” Sears said. “Right then I knew, despite our record, that I had to be doing something right.

It showed me that I’m not just their coach.”

Sears resides in Good Hope with his wife, Nacole, and their three children – Breanna (14), Faith (6) and Tommy (12), who can almost always be found alongside his father on the South Harrison bench during games.

Along with pastoring and his position as head coach, Sears also took over for the late Ron “Fish” Fisher as Hawk football’s public address announcer in 2010.

“I’m pretty much a full-time everything,” Sears said. “Someone once said I was addicted to being busy, and I’d agree with that.

“But I’m also grateful. I’m grateful for the opportunity to coach, grateful to the administration, to (South Harrison Athletic Director) Coach Jett, and to the parents who entrust me with their kids.

“I love every former player who continues to support the program, and I’m thankful for all the things I’ve learned.

“We may have only had one team go to Charleston in this school’s existence. But I hope I am able to stay the head coach long enough for that to change.”

SEARS

BY THE YEARS AT SOUTH HARRISON: YEAR POSITION 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

ASSISTANT COACH ASSISTANT COACH ASSISTANT COACH ASSISTANT COACH ASSISTANT COACH ASSISTANT COACH ASSISTANT COACH ASSISTANT COACH HEAD COACH HEAD COACH HEAD COACH ASSISTANT COACH HEAD COACH HEAD COACH

RECORD

unavailable unavailable 15-4 unavailable 6-17 5-19 6-14 5-18 7-15 7-13 12-10 7-15 12-12 --

RECORD AS HEAD COACH (4 seasons) 38-50 (.431)

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assistant coach

MARK JONES 2nd season

With his first year of coaching basketball now behind him, head coach Tom Sears has already seen improvement in Mark Jones’ second year as an assistant coach.

Jones joined the program prior to the 2012-13 to serve as the assistant head coach at the varsity level, and head junior varsity coach - two positions he maintains this year.

“I’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth in him as a basketball coach just in one year. I noticed it in the first day of practice this year,” Sears said. “That’s a main reason why I think this is the best staff that I’ve ever been a part of here.”

A three-sport athlete in high school, the 2002 graduate of Notre Dame High School played baseball, basketball and football. He continued his baseball career at Alderson-Broaddus College in Phillippi, W.Va., where he gradu-

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COACHING STAFF

ated in 2006. Jones was a middle-infielder and pitcher for the Battlers.

“I have a much better idea of Coach Sears’ mentality, his approach and his expectations here,” Jones said. “Of course, winning is an expectation all coaches share, but I’ve learned more about his philosophy about the game, what he’s looking for in practices, and his way of implementing different styles.”

Jones also recently completed his second season as an assistant coach for the Hawks’ football program. Previously, he was an assistant for South Harrison Middle School football for two seasons.

Jones earned his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Mathematics from Alderson-Broaddus.

He currently teaches at South Harrison High School.

“

Mark and I always on the same page, the players respond well to him, and he’s worked hard this past year to develop himself into a tremendous coach.”

– Tom Sears head coach

SOUTH HARRISON BASKETBALL

assistant coach

SCOTT WALLACE 1st season

“

Scott has never coached before, but you can’t tell.

He knows the game, and knows what we’re trying to accomplish here. He’s been a great addition to this staff.”

– Tom Sears head coach

Scott Wallace enters his first season as a member of the South Harrison Basketball coaching staff, and brings a full resume of basketball experience with him.

The former Hawk basketball standout was a three-year varsity letterman under former head coach Robert Shields, before graduating in 2003. The forward earned second-team all-Harrison County honors as a senior, and participated in the North-South All-Star Game.

“Scotty has always been someone I’ve wanted to join this staff,” said South Harrison head coach Tom Sears. “I’m so happy he finally got the chance to do so. He came in here and was immediately on the same page with us.”

Sears served as an assistant coach for the team Wallace was on

in 2003, which remains as one of the more successful teams in school history. Sears says it’s obvious Wallace hasn’t missed a beat since graduation.

“It’s been more challenging than I thought, but it’s still something that has come natural for me,” he said.

“Coaching is something that I always wanted to do.”

Wallace graduated from Fairmont State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing before earning his Master’s Degree in Business.

He’s currently employed by Dominion Hope Gas, and resides in Morgantown.

“It’s been a fun group of guys to coach, and a great coaching staff to be a part of,” Wallace said. “I’ve been learning a lot in my short time here, and I’m having a blast with it.”

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PLAYERS

SOUTH HARRISON BASKETBALL

SOUTH HARRISON BASKETBALL

2013-14

ROSTER VARSITY NO. NAME

CLASS

HT.

WT.

2 3 4 10 11 12 20 23 24 30 32 34

Sophomore Junior Freshman Senior Senior Junior Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Senior Sophomore Senior

5-10 5-9 5-11 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-0 6-2

145 140 160 155 165 155 185 140 150 170 225 160

NO. NAME

CLASS

HT.

WT.

2 3 4 12 20 24 32 40

Sophomore Freshman Freshman Freshman Junior Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore

5-11 5-10 5-11 5-6 6-1 6-0 6-0 6-2

155 145 160 110 150 185 225 200

Jacob Montgomery Dallas Golden Jonathan Whitehair Dylan Smith Cory Messenger Zak Wentz Christian Smith Austin Barker Ian Riggleman Hunter Hitt Josh McNemar Cody Wright

JUNIOR VARSITY Tyler Mays Dakota Jarrett Jonathan Whitehair Jeff Wright Tanner Simons Christian Smith Josh McNemar Brooks Stover

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senior

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HUNTER HITT 6-foot-3 | 170 lbs.

DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF MORE OF AN OFFENSIVE PLAYER, OR A DEFENSIVE PLAYER? Coming in from the football background, I always pride myself on what I can do defensively and how well I rebound. That’s what coach needs me to do, and that’s what I plan on doing.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT WITH THISS TEAM THIS YEAR, COMPARED TO LAST YEAR’S TEAM? We have a lot of talent back from last year’s team, and all of us are more experienced now. I think that experience from last year will help us a lot.

I still think people think of us as an underdog, but that’s alright. I think it’s better for our mindset to be an underdog.

WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE TEAM ON THE SCHEDULE TO PLAY? I went to basketball camp with a lot of the guys from Roane County, so I know a lot of them. I’m looking forward to playing against them all.

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IF YOU PLAYED COACH SEARS 1-ON-1 IN A GAME TO FIVE, WHO WOULD WIN??

I’m going to say Coach Sears would win, 5-4. He’s got a lot of size on me he can push me around pretty easily, I think.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WANT YOUR TEAMMATES AND FANS TO REMEMBER YOU BY? I just hope they remember me has just a good kid, a good student and someone who always worked.

WHO IS ONE PLAYER ON THE TEAM WHO YOU THINK COULD HAVE A GREAT YEAR? I think Dylan Smith will have a great year. I know how hard he worked in the offseason. He seemed like he was out playing every day. He’s been having great practices so far.

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senior

CORY MESSENGER WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE TEAM ON THE SCHEDULE TO PLAY? Gilmer County. It’s always a close game. It’s a always a clean game. It’s just a good, all-around game that’s fun to play in.

IF YOU PLAYED COACH JONES 1-ON-1 IN A GAME TO FIVE, WHO WOULD WIN? That’s easy, I’d win. I will say it would be close though. Maybe, 5-4.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN YOUR SENIOR YEAR? Just the potential we have. There’s enough experience with the older guys, and enough talent with the younger guys that we could surprise some teams. We return four players who pulled a lot of varsity time last year. So the potential is there, but I think we’re still an underdog. But that’s the way we like it.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH YOU WISH ALL UNDERCLASSMEN PLAYERS WOULD UNDERSTAND? Play your heart out for Coach Sears, and play as much as you can. Go to the summer workouts, and work on

6-foot-2 | 165 lbs.

things in your own time. The more you work, the better you’ll be.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE, AND WHY? Tom Brady and Kob Bryant. They both just win. No matter the situation, they both are good enough leaders that they know how to make their team win.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE REALIZED ABOUT COACH SEARS? He will do anything to help his players out no matter the situation.

Regardless of it is with basketball or not, he’s always there for us and always willing to help us out.

ONCE THIS SEASON IS COMPLETE, DO YOU THINK YOU’LL BE SATISFIED WITH YOUR BASKETBALL CAREER? Obviously, there’s plenty of basketball still to be played. But looking back, there’s always things you wish you could change or improve. But I feel like I’ve set myself up and worked hard enough that I won’t have any regrets when it’s over.

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senior

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DYLAN SMITH 6-foot-2 | 155 lbs.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT PLAYING FOR SOUTH HARRISON? I love the pride of being from a small community. I’m sure all schools have it but it’s not the same. I couldn’t imagine playing for a bigger school. I wouldn’t want to.

WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE TEAM ON THE SCHEDULE TO PLAY? Gilmer County. It’s always a battle, but it’s also always a clean game. I think both teams respects each other.

IF YOU PLAYED COACH SEARS 1-ON-1, WHO WOULD WIN? I played him before and he beat me when I was a sophomore. I was just immature then. I thought I could just drive past him every time. I hadn’t realized then that I had to figure out what to do against him. Now, I know his weaknesses. I’d beat him now, 5-3.

OUTSIDE OF THE COACHES, IS THERE A PERSON WHO HAS HELPED YOU IMPROVE AS A PLAYER? Someone who has always helped me and inspired me is (2013 graduate Logan Kirby). He always pushed me since I was a freshman. He taught me not to back down from anybody bigger than me. Don’t back down, and

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PLAYERS

never quit working. That’s the only way you’re going to get better.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PREGAME HABITS OR ROUTINES? I can’t play a game without eating a Snickers. If you’d ask Cory Messenger the same thing, he’d say the same thing. We both have to have a Snickers. It started as candy with Jacob Stroupe, but then I switched to Snickers and it’s worked out OK for me.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL? I’d love to play small college basketball, if possible. But if not, I’d like to pursue becoming a State Trooper.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU’VE LEARNED THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE UNDERCLASSMEN? You don’t just get better by being at practice. You have to work outside of practice, and in the offseason.

Everybody gets to practice the same amount of time during the season. It’s whoever puts in the most work in the offseason who really stands out.

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senior

CODY WRIGHT

6-foot-2 | 160 lbs.

IF YOUR TEAM ALL ENTERED A SINGING COMPETITION, WHICH TEAMMATE WOULD LIKELY WIN? Zak Wentz is pretty good. I think I’d go with him. Coach Jones and Zak would be pretty close though.

stood on his chair and said “Is this good enough for you?”

HOW MUCH HAVE YOU CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED AS A FRESHMAN? I think I’ve grown up a lot since I started. I took a year off, which I think might have hurt me, but I think I’ve grown up a lot since I started. I’m still just trying not to make Coach Sears mad, which I think I’ve gotten better at.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN YOUR SENIOR YEAR? I want to be a leader. I look forward to it. It’s my time to be one. It’s hard though, because it’s a complicated thing. You have to earn that. It’s easier said than done.

WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST STORY YOU HAVE ABOUT COACH SEARS? We were playing at Harman last year, and they had chairs for all of the players and coaches to sit on. Well, the sideline was pretty tight, and Coach Sears didn’t have anywhere to stand. So he asked the referee where he could stand.

They told him he’s OK if he moved around a little bit. But later on in the game, the refs told him to get back on the sideline, even though he had no where to go. So Coach Sears

WHAT’S ONE TEAM YOU HAVE ALWAYS LIKED PLAYING? That’d be Union, because we usually do pretty well against them.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH THE YOUNGER PLAYERS WOULD UNDERSTAND? Just not to take a year off. I played my freshman year, but sat out my sophomore year. It gets you behind, and it’s not worth it.

HOW EASY IS IT TO MAKE COACH SEARS MAD IN PRACTICE? Actually, he’s not that easy to make mad. He’s patient with us. He has a long fuse. But when he gets to the end of it, we get our share of ladder drills.

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sophomore

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3

freshman

AUSTIN BARKER DAKOTA JARRETT 6-foot-1 | 140 lbs.

5-foot-10 | 145 lbs.

COACH SEARS ON BARKER:

“Even though he’s only a sophomore, he’s bringing back a level of experience. He came up as a freshman last year, and that really helped him progress as a player. We’re very high on him.”

junior

3

COACH SEARS ON JARRETT:

“He’s a kid who, for a freshman, I consider to be somewhat advanced. All he needs is experience. We think he’ll be a really good player for us for years to come.”

sophomore

DALLAS GOLDEN TYLER MAYS 5-foot-9 | 140 lbs.

5-foot-11 | 155 lbs.

COACH SEARS ON GOLDEN:

“Dallas worked and ended up dressing at the varsity level last year. He was one of our biggest contributors at the JV level. He’s fast as lightning and a great kid. We expect him to contribute at a high level on the varsity level.”

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COACH SEARS ON MAYS:

“Tyler’s an athletic kid, and has been a very hard worker for us.

Every single day we see improvement out of him, so he’ll continue to get better.”

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sophomore

32

sophomore

24

JOSH MCNEMAR IAN RIGGLEMAN 6-foot | 225 lbs.

6-foot-2 | 150 lbs.

COACH SEARS ON MCNEMAR:

“Josh came up last year and worked hard enough that he earned a varisty uniform. We’ll need him to keep working hard, keep improving at the rate he was last year.”

sophomore

2

COACH SEARS ON RIGGLEMAN:

“Ian’s someone who has never played organized basketball in his life. But he’s stepped in and picked everything up quick.

We expect him to help us this year.”

junior

23

JACOB MONTGOMERY TANNER SIMONS 5-foot-10 | 145 lbs.

COACH SEARS ON MONTGOMERY:

“He’s a really athletic kid, and a left-hander, which really suits this team well.

We feel like he has enough ability that he can contribute.”

6-foot-1 | 150 lbs.

COACH SEARS ON SIMONS:

“Tanner’s a 1styear player with some length.

He’s working hard to grasp all of the concepts.

He’ll continue to develop that physical toughness that we think he can have.”

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sophomore

20

junior

12

CHRISTIAN SMITH ZAK WENTZ 6-foot | 185 lbs.

6-foot | 155 lbs.

COACH SEARS ON SMITH:

“Christian’s an extremely intelligent basketball player. He has a nice little midrange jumper and plays well up close to the basket.”

sophomore

40

COACH SEARS ON WENTZ:

“Zak has always been a scorer.

But he’s worked really hard to improve his defense, which I thought was a weakness at times last year. He’s a quiet leader.

But he has a lot of things you can’t coach. He has great vision and just a great sense of his surroundings while on the court.”

freshman

4

BROOKS STOVER JOHN WHITEHAIR 6-foot-2| 200 lbs.

COACH SEARS ON STOVER:

“He’s a big kid, and really talented. We’re really excited about him. We think he’s a kid who, once he gets in the system and gets experience, will be a good contributor.”

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5-foot-11 | 160 lbs.

COACH SEARS ON WHITEHAIR:

“For a freshman, he’s very athletic. He’s a hard-nosed kid who gets after it and works hard. Really, I’d consider him on of the hardest workers on the team right now.”

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freshman

12

JEFFREY WRIGHT 5-foot-6| 110 lbs.

COACH SEARS ON WRIGHT:

“From day one, we all took notice at how hard this kid works.

He’s a great kid.

He’s come in and done everything we’ve asked him to do. He’s just a freshman, but he’ll battle anyone he can battle.”

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hunter

HITT We are so proud of you.

Good luck in your senior season! Enjoy yourself and make it your best!

Love Mom, Dad, and Harlee

CORY, HAVE A GREAT

SENIOR

SEASON WE LOVE YOU, &

DAD MOM

Harrison County Bank Proudly serving Hawk Country LOST CREEK • WEST MILFORD • NUTTER FORT BRIDGEPORT • CLARKSBURG

a letter to

HAWK NATION from head coach Tom Sears

Another season has arrived and it’s an exciting time for Hawk basketball. We welcome players, parents, and alumni to take part in what should be a season of excitement and improvement.

This group of dedicated young men know the meaning of hard work. I don’t have to coach effort. They bring it. These young men will show up every night prepared to give their absolute best. In that I have no doubts.

Last year, we were one game away from playing in the LKC night of Champions. South Harrison basketball is starting to become a contender in conference play. Our goal this year is to keep that going. We may not win every game, but I promise that we will never be an easy win for anyone. We will pride ourselves on defense and be productive on offense.

Since I took over the program in 2008, it has been my desire to make sure that we raise the level of expectations. We can be successful and I know we will be. The young men have bought into this and I am honored to stand with them as their coach. Our players will always carry themselves well on the court and off. We understand the importance of integrity and character.

We have a talented group of new players and a hardworking group of returners. So I am confident in their abilities. Yet, at the conclusion of the season, I want them to look back and say that they had fun, they learned, and they are better in the game of life and basketball.

So, the season is upon us and I ask that you do your best to support these young men every night their on the floor. Together we can make sure that our season is a success.

As we have learned in the past several months we are a part of a great community with great people. I reinforce this with the players. There is no place like Lost Creek, WV. I am honored to be a small part.

Bleeding Orange and Black,

Tom Sears

Head Coach

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