Basketball Preview 2018

Basketball 2018-19 The Times Leader • Friday, November 30 2018

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 2

WHAT’S INSIDE?

BOYS Barnesville 3 Beallsville 4 Bellaire 12 Bridgeport 18 Buckeye Local 36 Buckeye Trail 28 Harrison Central 24 Linsly 16 Martins Ferry 26 Monroe Central 9 River 20 Shadyside 22 St. Clairsville 30 St. John 7 Union Local 14 Wheeling Park 6 GIRLS Barnesville 2 Beallsville 5 Bellaire 11 Bridgeport 19 Buckeye Local 35 Buckeye Trail 29 Harrison Central 25 Linsly 3 Martins Ferry 27 Monroe Central 10 River 21 Shadyside 23 St. Clairsville 31 St. John 7 Union Local 15 Wheeling Park 5 ON THE COVER

PICTURED ARE five of the area’s top senior players, all of whom earned all-Ohio accolades last winter after brilliant seasons. From left are Emily Holzopfel (Buckeye Local), Lauren Flannery (River), Cal Kildow (Union Local), Maci Crozier (Martins Ferry) and Kaylin Nixon (St. John Central).

Cover Photo/KRISTIN MAZGAJ Cover Design/JESSE KOVALSKI Tab Design/SETH STASKEY

Photo/PAUL KRAJNYAK

PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Barnesville girls basketball team. Front row is manager Kennedy Little. Sitting, from left, are Mallory Conner, Madyson Little, Sydney Leach, Addy Wildes, Paige Morgan and Annie Carpenter. Back row, from left, are assistant coach Justin Little, Kenzie Kaplet, Regan Hanlon, Rylee Stephens and head coach Jamie Carpenter.

Barnesville girls must fill leadership roles

By RICK THORP Times Leader Sports Writer

BARNESVILLE — For the past two seasons, there was little question who the leaders were for Barnesville’s girls’ basketball team.

Two years ago, it was Kallee Dowler, now playing at Westminster in Missouri. Last year, it was Dulcie Christman and Sarah Powell.

This year? Well, veteran Head Coach Jamie Carpenter has candidates for the job, but is hoping one emerges as the Shamrocks enter into the early portion of their schedule, which continues Monday at home vs. Buckeye Trail.

Despite having six seniors on his roster of nine varsity

players, Carpenter recognizes that neither has really served a leadership role.

Now, though, it’s time for one or more to rise to the challenge.

“We’re looking for that player that wants to be a leader and be one to take that last shot,” he said. “A couple of them are getting there, but they’re just not there yet.”

Carpenter said he has many players willing to challenge for the role, many of whom were part of the team two years ago that reached the district title game in Cambridge.

“Annie (Carpenter), Paige (Morgan) and Rylee (Stephens), they all played with (Kallee, Dulcie and Sarah),” Carpenter said. “They have

BARNESVILLE

have a successful season.

“If they could kind of GIRLS capture that feeling again, I Dec. 3 — Buckeye Trail think it would really help us Dec. 6 — at Caldwell here at the beginning.”

Dec. 10 — at Monroe Central One question CarpenDec. 13 — St. John ter doesn’t have to answer Dec. 15 — at Edison is in the area of continuity Dec. 17 — Cambridge and hard work. Carpenter’s Dec. 20 — Union Local teams have always hustled Dec. 27 — at Buckeye Trail and, with almost his entire Dec. 29 — at Buckeye, 11 a.m. roster having played last Jan. 3 — at Meadowbrook year, the camaraderie is cerJan. 7 — Monroe Central tainly there.

Jan. 10 — at St. Clairsville The big questions marks Jan. 14 — Meadowbrook going into camp were conJan. 17 — Bellaire sistency and how the team Jan. 24 — at Union Local will overcome its height disJan. 26 — at St. John, 1 p.m. advantage now that ChristJan. 28 — Bridgeport man and her 6-4 frame has Jan. 31 — Caldwell departed. Depth is also a Feb. 4-9 — OVAC Tournament concern.

Preseason scrimmages sense of what it takes to get deep in the tournament and yielded some improvement,

but Carpenter is confident when his team gets into the meat of its slate things will be in place.

“As long as they consistently work hard, this will get better,” he said.

Annie Carpenter and Morgan are two players Coach Carpenter is eyeing to take on the leadership role.

In Carpenter, a 5-7 guard, Coach Carpenter has a player who’s been through the battles of the last two campaigns.

“She’s been very vocal this year,” Coach Carpenter said. “She’s always filled her role well and done a great job.

“She’s our returning leading scorer, so she will be See, BARNESVILLE, Page 8

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BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Barnesville boys look to continue to progress

By RICK THORP Times Leader Sports Writer

BARNESVILLE — When Barnesville’s boys open the season at home tonight against Buckeye Trail, Shamrock fans will see plenty of familiar faces.

The roster features seven letterwinners and a combined eight seniors and juniors, something second-year Head Coach Matt Johnson hopes translates into success.

“They’re working hard,” Johnson said during the midst of preseason workouts. “I have no complaints.

Everything is falling into place. They’re understanding a bit more of what’s expected of them.

“It just helps having that

BARNESVILLE

BOYS Nov. 30 — Buckeye Trail Dec. 4 — at River Dec. 11 — at Bellaire Dec. 14 — Monroe Central Dec. 15 — at St. Clairsville Dec. 21 — Bridgeport Dec. 22 — Conotton Valley Dec. 28 — at Buckeye Local Dec. 29 — Crooksville, 3:45 p.m.

Jan. 2 — Bellaire Jan. 5 — Union Local Jan. 11 — at Buckeye Trail Jan. 15 — Caldwell Jan. 18 — River Jan. 22 — at Monroe Central Jan. 25 — at Caldwell Jan. 29 — Buckeye Local Feb. 1 — at Bridgeport Feb. 5 — at Union Local Feb. 8 — at Martins Ferry Feb. 12-16 — OVAC Tournament

extra year of experience.”

Barnesville finished 6-17 last winter, falling in the opening round of sectional play. Struggles on defense and consistent offensive production were the Shamrocks’ Achilles’ heels last season, but Johnson said his team has made great strides in correcting both deficiencies.

“I think having a whole offseason to work on the defensive side of the ball and implement some new things, while staying true to man-to-man principles, will help us in the long run,” he said. “We’ve really improved on that side of the ball.

“We will try to use our defense to help create a

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Linsly girls young, but talentBy JOSH STROPE For The Times Leader

WHEELING — Three seniors, one junior, four sophomores, four freshmen.

That is the makeup of the Linsly girls roster this season and just looking at that would give most coaches cause for concern.

Not Cadets boss Rebecca Upton.

This is a talented group of basketball players that any coach would love to have and despite the small number of players — Linsly won’t field a jayvee team — the Cadets have three seniors have been looking forward to their leadership role for the young group.

After all, the three seniors know a little bit about being new to the Linsly program themselves.

Josie Purpura (5-foot-8, guard), Maddie Menendez (5-2, guard) and Sarah Heller (5-6 forward) joined

the Linsly program last year after beginning their careers are Bishop Donahue.

Last season, Upton feels the trio were a little timid coming into the program.

That has changed.

“They were really ready for that role, and maybe were ready for it last year,” Upton said. “I don’t think they wanted to step on toes.

Last year, they were not the seniors and new to the school and I think they were hesitant, even though I was encouraging them.

“All three of them have been waiting for that to be their role. They each do it in different ways which is also good. Sarah Heller is very vocal, talking and leading defensively. Josie is more of a doer, talks more in off-thecourt stuff and pushing the girls to make sure they are making good decisions on every level academically.

Maddie is leader by example. She is feisty and fiery

and winning sprints. It is a nice three-person combination.”

Purpura will start for the Cadets after leading the team last season with 12.8 points per game.

Right behind her was a stellar sophomore in Charlie Allison.

The younger sister of former Cadets standout Vivian Allison, Charlie had some big shoes to fill and more than held her own.

The 5-11 guard averaged 12.3 points, eight rebounds and 1.3 steals.

“We need Charlie to score,” Upton said. “She plays AAU and the biggest thing with her is that she has matured a lot. Freshman year is rough, especially when you come into a system replacing her big sister and we did expect a lot of her.

“We can have a lot of different conversations and See, CADETS, Page 8

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Beallsville boys bigger and more experienced

By RICK THORP

Times Leader Sports Writer

BEALLSVILLE — After taking its lumps the last few seasons, Beallsville’s boys basketball team is ready to be the one handing out the lumps this winter.

A once young squad has become become infused with savvy veterans, and third-year head coach Rick Jarrett is eager to see what the group can do against a beefed up slate.

“We’ve been having some good practices,” Jarrett said regarding preseason workouts. “I’ve been stressing defense.

“The last couple of years, we’ve been a young group playing older teams. We still have a long way to go, but I like what I’ve seen so far.”

The bulk of Jarrett’s roster is comprised of players from Larry Deem’s football squad. That team made great strides this fall, and Jarrett is hoping the trend continues on the hardwood.

Despite having small numbers, Jarrett was impressed by his team’s devotion to improving during the summer. He said nine players attended the Huggins Camp, which isn’t bad considering most players at Beallsville participate in multi-

ple sports.

“That’s why some of these schools are good,” he said.”They put in extra time over the summer.

It’s a year-round thing now. You can’t just go when the season starts and pick up a basketball and start playing.”

Jarrett also coaches football, so he said the chemistry he’s developed with most of his players is already rock solid. That’s helped push along preseason workouts, allowing for the implementation of more things at a quicker pace.

“The main starters are back this year,” he said. “Then, we have some guys that can come off the

bench. I have a solid eight or nine guys that will be able to contribute.

“I told them you can look it two ways,” he said. “You can lay down and forget (last season), or you can step up and begin competing.

“They kind of realize now they are old enough where they are right where they need to be.

They’re buying in and pushing themselves.”

There’s plenty of competition for playing time as the season begins, Jarrett said, which can only make every player better.

“A lot of our guys are pretty much at the same level,” he said.

“We really don’t have one that stands out. They’re all pretty well evenly matched. A different one might be hitting every night. We have several that can potentially step up and be the scorer. I really like that.”

The junior class, comprised of six players, anchors the squad.

“That group right there has been the anchor of sports at Beallsville,” Jarrett said. “A lot of them have been playing together since second grade. They’re such a hardworking group.”

Leading the way is Dakota Phillips. A 6-3 guard/forward, PhilSee, BEALLSVILLE, Page 38

• Shamrocks

Continued from Page 3 little bit more offense. I’m proud of the way they’ve worked on it and embraced it.”

While the players have another year of experience under their belts, so does Johnson. The school’s longtime football coach, Johnson left that post in 2017 and turned his attention to the hardwood. He admitted there was a learning curve for him, too. Everyone, he said, really benefited from time spent together at the Huggins Camp this summer.

“We competed with teams that we probably had no business competing with,” Johnson said. “I think that was because of the chemistry and the effort they showed.

“A lot of good things happened for us up there.

We hope we can always fall back on those and take them forward.”

As the Shamrocks enter the campaign more experienced, they also do so more fit. Johnson said a rigorous off-season weight-training regimen has left many of the players in better shape.

“We’re bigger and we’re stronger,” he said. “I think they’ve seen a difference in themselves. I’m hoping it pays off for them.”

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l s Photo/PAUL KRAJNYAK i PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Barnesville boys basketball team. Front row, from left, are Jeremy Hunkler, Gage Hannahs, Aaron Marovich,n Manager Eric Keylor, Tate Dowler, Hunter Carpenter and Colton Hines. Back row, from left, are head coach Matt Johnson, Jacob Burghy,o assistant coach Johnny Hines, Evan Hudson, Luke Powell, Zack Thompson, Payne Johnson, assistant coach Jason Perkins, Aiden Hana nahs and Kason Powell. w Barnesville faced adver- the script? through the roof.” group of guys work as hard to earn his fourth letter thisY sity many times last season.

“I think so,” he said. “I In the preseason, Johnson as these guys have,” he said. season after averaging 15.2 In almost half of its loses, hope so. You still have to do said his players challenged “We’ll see how long it goes, points and eight reboundsi Johnson said his team was it on the floor. If we can get themselves daily, with the but as far as their whole at- per game last season. Theu within five or six points late through something like that goal of turning the tide on titude and outlook, it’s been 6-3 senior can be a force in-b in the game. Is another year an come out on top I think both ends of the court. so much more positive.” side or out,” Johnson stated. T of experience enough to flip their confidence will go “I don’t think I’ve seen a Aaron Marovich is in line See, SHAMROCKS, Page 6 t

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Beallsville girls expect to continue to ascend

By RICK THORP Times Leader Sports Writer

BEALLSVILLE — When Tori Jarrett donned a Beallsville uniform, the Blue Devils were pretty good.

Now, with her as head coach, the Blue Devils are rising again.

One year removed from an appearance in the OVAC Class 1A final, Jarrett and her squad have loftier goals as the 2018-19 season begins.

“When I played, I tell (the players) we were good,” Jarrett said. “We had a program that everyone respected. I’m glad we’re getting up there again.”

No more was that evident then last February when it seemed like the entire community packed the Blue Devils’ gym for the Class A semifinal vs. Trinity. The raucous hometown atmosphere helped spearhead a 40-36 victory and with it, Jarrett’s hopes, a continued excitement for girls’ hoops.

“We’re getting a bit of that culture back,” Jarrett, entering her fourth season

BEALLSVILLE

GIRLS Dec. 3 — at Paden City Dec. 6 — Frontier Dec. 10 — at Caldwell Dec. 13 — Magnolia Dec. 17 — at St. John Dec. 21 — at Cameron Dec. 27 — at Shadyside Dec. 29 — Bridgeport (at Buckeye Local), 12:45 p.m.

Jan. 3 — Caldwell Jan. 7 — Bridgeport Jan. 10 — Cameron Jan. 14 — Shenandoah Jan. 17 — Hundred Jan. 21 — Linsly Jan. 24 — at Shenandoah Jan. 26 — Rotary Challenge at Magnolia Jan. 31 — at Wheeling Central Feb. 4-9 — OVAC Tournament

as head coach, said. “It’s the first step. It’s not going to happen overnight.”

Jarrett has a strong belief in the program, and the team, which returns almost everyone from last year’s unit. With so much talent returning, it’s no wonder expectations are high.

Photo/PAUL KRAJNYAK “They’re willing to work,” Jarrett said. “When- PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Beallsville girls basketball team. Front row, from left, are Kileigh Darby, Harley ever I give the ‘big speech’ Valley, Olivia Muncy, Cheyenne Riley and Hannah Phillips. Standing, from left, are Ashley Louden, Jayden Gabel, Ashley Howell, Makenna Phillips and Jaycee Huffman.

See, BLUE, Page 39

Wheeling Park girls plan to employ a defensive mentality

By JOSH STROPE For The Times Leader

WHEELING — The Wheeling Park girls basketball team is known for its tenacious defense and that won’t change this season.

The Patriots aren’t a team that is going to light up the scoreboard and in the past two seasons, that has worked just fine. Wheeling Park has advanced to the state semifinals the past two seasons, both times being ousted by Buckhannon-Upshur.

Last season Wheeling Park didn’t have a single double-digit scorer, a rarity you will see on any level. Patriots coach Ryan Young isn’t worried.

“It is not that we don’t have anyone that it is capable of that, it is just that they so unselfish,” Young said. “The kids share the ball really well and don’t care who scores.

They are fun to be around and a good group to coach.”

Young has had strong senior leadership during his tenure and this season is no different.

Emily Pavlic has taken on that role.

The three-year starter will likely run the point guard position.

“She has played in four state tournament games and is our unquestioned leader,” Young said. “We are going to rely on her on both ends of the court. She comes to practice every day and works as hard as she can.

“She doesn’t care about scoring and will do what she can to help the team win. You know you are getting 100 percent from her each day that makes her an enjoyable kid and easy to coach.”

The Patriots will have three other seniors on the roster in Abby Jones, Niya Cook and Kelsey Chacalos who will provide valuable minutes off the bench.

Sophomore Bella Abernathy burst onto the scene last season, starting from Day 1

and getting better along the way. She had a 20-point game in the state tournament and earned first team All-Valley, second team All-OVAC and third team all-state accolades.

“We expect her to pick up her scoring,” Young said. “She is a force inside for sure.

She gives us a low-post scoring threat and we anticipate her to take that next step.”

Three juniors will likely make up the starting lineup with Pavlic and Abernathy — Kieran Johnson, Shanley Woods and Abby Snedecker.

Woods is the top returning scorer at nine points per game.

“We may rely on her to carry our scoring and we know what she is capable of,” Young said of Woods. “She will be handling the ball a little more with a lot of the kids moving around.”

Young said Snedecker is his “most athletic kid and someone we will use a lot of

different ways,” while Johnson is “aggressive, can play anywhere and does the dirty work.”

NeVaeh Cook is a sophomore Young will rely on to handle the ball and give stability in that area.

Another sophomore Lindsey Garrison will look to gain valuable minutes off the bench.

“She is one of our better shooters and has been working hard all offseason,” Young said of Garrison. “We anticipate getting good minutes from her. She has developed her game, worked on her defense and has a lot of quickness.”

The Patriots suffered a big blow during a recent scrimmage when sophomore Asia Roby suffered a knee injury that may sideline her for the season.

“We are hoping to get some good news on her, but this is a major setback,” Young See, WHEELING, Page 6

BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Wheeling Continued from Page 5 said.

“We felt she was ready for a breakout season.”

The loss of Roby could make getting to Charleston for a third consecutive year a challenge, but the foundation has been built and Young feels that is the expectation every season.

“We want to be playing on Saturday in Charleston,” he said. “That is always the goal now. I am not sure if we are as fast on defense as we have been in the past, but we have a lot of smart basket-

ball players. We may have to make some adjustments and go with a few different looks, but I feel we can be just as, if not more effective.

“Shanley and Bella give us a good punch and we have a lot of reliable guards in the lineup who can come off the bench.”

Young, entering his fifth season as head coach, is assisted by Jack Kaniecki, Lucy DeFruscio, Katelynn Hackathorn and new freshman coach Samantha Gentle.

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Park boys have eyes on CharlesBy JOSH STROPE For The Times Leader

WHEELING — For the past two seasons, the Wheeling Park boys’ basketball team has taken its lumps, young players have been thrown into the fire, but also have earned valuable experience.

No longer a young, inexperienced team, Patriots coach Michael Jebbia feels this team is ready to take the next step.

Getting to Charleston for the state tournament is the goal. And while that is always the case for a school with a rich tradition such as Wheeling Park,

• Shamrocks Continued from Page 4 “Last year, I don’t think he trusted his ability to do as much as we wanted him to,” Johnson said. “He’s worked on that, and he’s done it well.

He can create mismatches away from the basket and hit perimeter shots.”

Maraovich’s classmate, Tate Dowler (6-0), is another senior who has three letters. His biggest concern this season is staying healthy.

“He’s a tough kid that gives us an edge,” Johnson said of the guard. “In watching him in practice thus far,

he’s like a totally different player. He just leads on his floor with his toughness.”

Gage Hannahs (6-2, forward) and letterwinner Hunter Carpenter (5-10, guard) are the other seniors.

Junior Luke Powell (6-3) anchors the Shamrocks. He averaged 21.4 points and seven boards a game last season and continues to get everyone involved, Johnson said.

“He’s done that, and even better, so far,” he coach remarked.

“I’ve never seen a kid work as hard a he has. He just lets the game come to him.

“He’s going to have a big year, I think.

“Our whole team looks up to him. The more he gets others involved, the easier it will be for him. He’s a sensational talent.”

Payne Johnson (6-0, guard) and Jacob Burghy (57, guard) are two juniors cut from the same mold, Coach Johnson said. Both handles their roles well and know

this could be the team that finally gets over the hump.

“This is the best group of seniors we have had in a good while, just in terms of good, solid athletes and good kids,” Jebbia said. “They were thrusted in probably earlier than they should have been, but that’s OK. We had some growing pains and had a good year last year.

“The biggest thing is that they are a little bigger, faster and stronger. They worked hard in the weight room.

“We would love to get to Charleston.

Last year we had a good season, but didn’t play well in March. John Marshall outplayed and probably should

what and what not to do.

“Payne is a tough defender and just a smart kid that can anticipate what’s going to happen before it’s going to happen,” Johnson said “As for Jacob, he’s just a hard-nosed kid that gets in your face on defense.”

Another junior in the mix is forward Zach Thompson (6-4). He didn’t play last season, but Johnson expects him to contribute on the inside.

Johnson also expects big things from sopho-

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have beat us. Then we got down 17-6 in the regional (to Morgantown).

“We have that goal and I think it is a little bit more realistic this year. The same teams are going to be in the mix, but the seniors are hungry. They made a progression and it would be nice to take that next jump.”

The Patriots, who finished 14-9 last season, will be led by second team allstater Alex Vargo and third team allstater Keondre’ King.

King is a 6-foot-4 senior that scored 15.4 points per game, is athletic with a good perimeter shot and will be starting his for the third straight season.

See, PARK, Page 8

mores Ayden Hannahs (59, guard) and Evan Hudson (5-7, guard), along with a trio of freshmen — Colton Hines (5-5, guard), Kason Powell (5-8, guard) and Jeremy Hunkler (5-8, guard).

“They’re all very coachable, they like the game and they like each other,” Johnson said of this year’s squad.

“In this game, that means a lot.”

Johnson is again assisted

by Johnny Hines and Jason Perkins. Darien Decker and Jeremie Detling are the junior high coaches.

“They’ve challenged themselves and they’ve set high expectations,” he said.

“You can talk all you want, but you still have to go out and walk the walk.”

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St. John girls seek consistent improvement

By SETH STASKEY

ST. JOHN’S

Times Leader Sports Editor

ELLAIRE — Bubba B Kapral begins his 25th seae son as the head girls basketo ball coach knowing that his team will get better as the season goes along.

- The one thing he doesn’t - know, though, is just how long that improvement prod cess is going to take. a “We will need to get bet- ter quickly,” Kapral said.

“We have some kids who are wet behind the ears that are going to have to produce for us during the season.”

The Lady Irish, who find ished 9-13 last winter, have n little room to bring anyone along slowly. There will be - a lot of baptism by fire as the roster features just eight d players, including four who t are extremely new to the . game. , Kapral, who has been int volved with the program at his alma mater for 31 years and owns 381 career victories and a district championship, hasn’t been accustomed to too many sub .500 seasons in his tenure.

Because of that, the 201718 season was deemed

GIRLS Dec. 1 — at Madonna, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 — Caldwell Dec. 5 — at Linsly Dec. 10 — at Bridgeport Dec. 13 — at Barnesville Dec. 17 — Beallsville Dec. 20 — at Frontier Dec. 27 — Shenandoah Dec. 29 — at Madonna Holiday Tournament Jan. 7 — at Caldwell Jan. 10 — Frontier Jan. 12 — Trinity Jan. 21 — at West Muskingum Jan. 26 — Barnesville Jan. 30 — Tusky Catholic Jan. 31 — Bridgeport Feb. 2 — Linsly Feb. 4-9 — OVAC Tournament

Photo/MIKE HUGHES

PICTURED IS the 2018-19 St. John Central girls basketball team. Kneeling, from left, are manager Kailin Hughes, Alexis Stewart and manager Alyssa Dailey. Standing, from left, are Danielle Yeagal, Jayden Lowe, assistant Dr. Jerry Liberatore, Kaylin Nixon, Shay Horvath, Julie Schlanz, Sadie Watts, head coach Bubba Kapral and Kaylee Bryant. “very disappointing.”

“We were strapped for

numbers last year and we lacked quality depth, which showed,” Kapral said.

“Whenever you do not have a winning season, it’s disappointing.”

The numbers’ issue certainly hasn’t been rectified,

which has Kapral openly concerned.

“Our numbers are just as bad as they were,” Kapral said. “They’re actually a lit-

tle bit more shaky this year than they were last year because of who we lost.”

St. John’s, which has won a record 15 OVAC champi-

St. John boys program returns after year’s hiatus

By SETH STASKEY

Times Leader Sports Editor

BELLAIRE — Dr. Douglas Swartz knows what he’s embarking on as the St. John Central boys basketball coach.

Actually, the former

youth basketball coach who is set for his first season as a varsity coach is relishing the challenge that lies ahead for a program that didn’t field a team in 2017-18.

“It’s going to be a slow building process,” Swartz said. “One of the big reasons I took this job was to

help build the program from the ground up. I think it’s exciting because we’re really bringing this program from the ground level and now we have to incorporate some good fundamentals and then hopefully in five or six years, we can have a good program that we can all be proud of.”

The Irish mentor admitted the fact that his team has just seven players on the roster and the Green will dress no more than six throughout the season because of OHSAA transfer rules puts the Irish’s “backs to the wall.”

“We have to stay mental-

ly focused and we’ll have to be tough because we’re going to ask kids to play a lot of minutes against a good schedule,” Swartz said. “From what I’ve seen in practice, though, if these kids set their minds to it, we can be a pretty good team.

We want to get better in every practice and every game we have.”

Swartz, whose coaching

experience stems mostly from the youth travel scene, said his team will shoot its fair share of 3-pointers.

“We really don’t have a lot of half-court sets, but it’ll be a drive and kick style,”

Swartz said. “We’re going to look to push the ball up the floor. We’re going to be a lot of making reads and seeing what the defense is giving us.”

On the defensive end,

Swartz subscribes to man principles, but admitted that some zone play could be sprinkled in, depending upon matchups.

Though the roster size

is small, Swartz likes the group — both as players and as people.

“The fact that the group is small has allowed us to build a good relationship with one another,” Swartz

admitted. “The kids want to get the program back and be successful. They’ve really been receptive to the coaching and learning process.

And the older kids have really been good about working with the younger kids and being encouraging of them during practices.”

Senior Matt Fouty (5-11) will be leaned upon heavily this season for the Irish to play a bevy of roles.

“Overall, Matt’s very

skilled and his basketball IQ is very high,” Swartz said.

“He moves well without the ball and he has a good drive See, RETURNS, Page 32

onships, must replace two starting guards from last season in Alyssa Busack and Brooke Palmer.

“Those two girls who

we lost had played for four years and meant a lot to our program,” Kapral said.

Seeking their replace ments along with developing depth has been what Kapral and long-time assistant Dr. Jerry Liberatore have been seeking throughout the month of November as they See, SJC, Page 32

ST. JOHN’S

BOYS Dec. 4 — Beallsville Dec. 7 — Frontier Dec. 8 — at Bridgeport Dec. 11 — River Dec. 14 — at Union Local Dec. 18 — Shenandoah Dec. 21 — at Linsly Dec. 28 — Wood Co. Christian at Marietta College Dec. 29 — at Frontier Jan. 5 — Linsly Jan. 8 — Bridgeport, 5:45 p.m.

Jan. 9 — Tyler Jan. 11 — East Richland Christian Jan. 15 — at River Jan. 18 — at Beallsville Jan. 19 — Tree of Life (at West Muskingum) Jan. 28 — at East Richland Christian Feb. 1 — at Shenandoah Feb. 12 — at Tyler Feb. 12-16 — OVAC Tournament

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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• Cadets

• Park Continued from Page 2 Vargo, a 6-5 junior, is a two-year letterwinner that led the Patriots with 17.2 points, while also adding 6.7 rebounds. He shot 42.3 percent from beyond the arc and 82 percent from the free-throw line.

Both were first team All-Valley selections.

“Keondre’ and Alex are going to be our main scorers but for us to be improved, we are going to have to have some other guys chip in a little bit more,” Jebbia said.

“Jack Stakem is a leader, Keondre’ is starting to get a little more vocal and Alex Vargo is a leader despite being a junior.

“The kids look up to him with all the time he has put in. They have a great deal of respect.”

Stakem, a 5-9 senior, is entering his third year as

the starting point guard and is one of the team’s best defenders.

De’Vaughn McWhorter (5-10, senior) is a left-handed guard who can shoot the ball well.

He started 12 games last season.

Donovan Goddard has been a solid role player, but more will likely be expected of the 5-10 senior this season.

Other seniors include Trevor Thomas (6-4, forward), who is back after not playing last season, and David Croft (6-0, wing).

Alex Dunlevy started 16 games as a sophomore last season and brings a lot of energy to the Patriots lineup with his solid defense and rebounding.

Jebbia is high on Xavier Morris, a 6-foot junior that

may see his role expand this season.

Dustin VanSickle is a big body at 6-3 and will add depth inside with rebounding.

“Xavier Morris is a kid I think can really help us,” Jebbia said.

“He played jayvee for us last year, but he has grown, shot up.

“I think he is someone that can provide us a lot of good minutes.

“Dustin VanSickle and Trevor Thomas can help us inside.”

The sophomores in the program include Shaheed Jackson (5-7), Sincere Sinclair (6-0), Beau Heller (56), Carson Namack (5-9), Nate Hairston (6-1), Jack Lewton (6-1) and Torrence Walker (5-9).

“We plan to play a little

bit faster than we did last year,” Jebbia said.

“We are going to try and get out in transition a little more and create more opportunities. Alex is going to draw double teams and we need to get these other guys baskets.

“We will be able to play eight or nine guys so our depth is good. We were a good defensive team last season and held teams to 54 points a game, but we only averaged scoring 56.”

Jebbia, entering his 13 season as head coach, is assisted by Gene Ammirante, Jerry Ammirante and Terry Payne. Assistant coaches are Shaun Black and Josh Yost.

Continued from Page 2 counted on to produce for us and that’s new for her. So, for her to do that, I’m a little concerned. But, she’s really done a good job so far.”

Morgan (5-9, forward) played a little as a sopho-

more before missing a few weeks last season with an injury. Her role changed from one as a starter to a reserve, but Carpenter said her contributions are vital.

“She has a great work

ethic and goes 110 percent at practice all the time,” he said. “Once she starts shooting well, she shoots really well. She’s very aggressive and crashes the boards.

“I’m looking for her to be

a big contributor this year.”

The remaining trio of senior letterwinners consists of guards Madyson Little (5-6), Mallory Conner (5-6) and Sydney Leach (5-6).

Conner sustained an in-

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Continued from Page 3 she has been really positive and works hard.”

Freshman center Carleigh Grimm is the team’s tallest player at 6-foot.

Despite the lack of height, Upton is not worried because they plan to play fast.

“Yes and no,” Upton said. “We have Carleigh and Charlie is no tiny girl, being 5-11 for a guard. We are a completely different team so the things we are doing on the court are going to be completely different as well.

“The last two years, we have been more of a walk the ball up, half-court team because of numbers and personnel. That is not my scene. I’d rather get going a little bit and we have the personnel now to do that.

We are pushing the ball in transition, running spread offenses.”

Sophomores Brinley Steen (5-7) and Molly Her-

jury in the preseason and Carpenter was unsure of her status, but said her ball handling and ability are good when on the floor.

Little is another player who’s been hampered by the injury big and, too, is a “great shooter.”

Leach switched to a post role last winter.

“She just went in and gave everything she had,” Carpenter said. “She works hard and fights for rebounds. She reminds me of Abby Starr.

She’s not the tallest player, but is gritty and determined and fights inside.”

Addy Wildes (5-5, guard) is the team’s other senior.

Sophomore Ryle Stephens (5-6) has been plugged into the team’s point guard role.

“Her motor never stops,” Carpenter said. “She’s in great condition and can go the whole game, maybe something we’ll need her to do. She’s our main ball handler. We’re expecting her to run things for us on the floor this year.”

on (5-9) will likely start with one of them being the primary point guard. Freshman Haley Heitz (5-3) is the team’s lone true point guard and the ball will be in her hands when she is on the court.

Johni Lech (5-7, forward) is the lone junior. Sophomore Lourdes Giovengo and freshmen Carol Song (5-6, guard) and Abby Monk (56, guard) round out the roster.

The Cadets opened last season with a thumping at the hands of eventual state champion Wheeling Central. Upton knows the schedule will be challenging, but a better start could go a long way into determining if this team returns to the OVAC Tournament.

“That is the goal,” Upton said. “Not just my goal, but their goal.”

Junior Regan Hanlon and sophomore Kinzie Kaplet, both 5-6 forwards, will fill bench roles.

“The girls have a good attitude,” Carpenter said.

“They come every day and work hard and just try to get better.”

Carpenter is assisted by Justin Little and Alicia Jefferis. Shayla Markovich and Sheila McFarland are junior high coaches.

“I’m hoping we can go out every night and compete, and I think we will because we have those type of kids,” Carpenter said. I don’t think I have a single player on on the varsity roster that’s going to lie down and let other teams run over them. I haven’t seen that yet.

“If they can go out and compete every night, the wins will come.”

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 9

Monroe Central boys young, but talent-

t e By RICK THORP

MONROE

Times Leader Sports Writer

s t WOODSFIELD — Monn roe Central’s boys’ baskete ball team might be short on experience this season. But what the Seminoles lack in that department very well d might be made up in the areas of work ethic and hustle, according to their head coach.

“We’re extremely t young,” noted third-year t bench boss Jon Perkins. e “But with that being said, - I think our freshmen and - sophomore classes are really t talented. I think we’ll deal g with some inexperience and s growing pains at times.”

Gone are names like Ryan LaFollette, Logan Pletcher n and Dalton Dick, players t who between them averaged nearly 30 points a game. But the players that remain have brought a lunchpail mentality to preseason workouts, something Perkins has been delighted with.

“We’re young, but we’re hungry,” he said. “I expect a lot of competition, especially at guard. I think anytime you have competition it makes guys better. And I think that’s one of the things we’re excited about this year.

“This may be the most coachable group I’ve had.

A lot of yes sir, no sir kind of guys who have good attitudes and come to practice ready to work.

“And we have lots of good leaders. The older guys are helping the younger guys. I’m encouraged by that.”

Many of Perkins players also donned football pads through the fall. Being an assistant coach for Josh Ischy, Perkins had an opportunity to bond with the players, too. That, he said, has paid continued dividends on the hardwood.

“That helped us grow stronger as individuals and

Photo/PAUL KRAJNYAK

BOYS Nov. 30 — at Bridgeport Dec. 4 — Magnolia Dec. 7 — River Dec. 11 — at Shenandoah Dec. 12 — at Magnolia Dec. 14 — at Barnesville Dec. 15 — Frontier Dec. 18 — at Caldwell Dec. 21 — at Fort Frye Dec. 28 — Bridgeport Jan. 4 — at Shadyside Jan. 8 — at Frontier Jan. 9 — Magnolia Jan. 11 — Bellaire Jan. 15 — Shenandoah Jan. 18 — Shadyside Jan. 19 — Buckeye Local Jan. 22 — Barnesville Jan. 26 — at Bellaire Feb. 1 — Fort Frye

PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Monroe Central boys basketball team. Front row, from left, are Wyatt Young, and he took his lumps. This Malachi Rose-Burton, Dillon Lincoln, Auston Hogue, Luke Burkhart, Cooper Thompson and Talin Babcock. year, he’s developed his peSecond row, from left, are assistant coach Jordan Stephens, assistant coach Curtis Nixon, Paul Yonak, Owen rimeter shot.

Hartshorn, Zac Jones, Jason Reich, Garet Cramer, head coach Jon Perkins and assistant coach John Ischy.

“He exudes confidence.

Not arrogance, but a healthy confidence.” stronger as teammates,” we’re capable of that we can players having more free- Jones. The 6-5 senior averJason Reich (6-1) is the Perkins said. “There’s a really compete with anyone. dom offensively. aged 11.6 points and 9.1 re- squad’s other senior. lot of camaraderie there.

“We have a group of “I’m confident in the bounds per game en route to The Seminoles sport three Those guys are familiar with guys that want to play good sophomores and freshmen earning all-district honors. juniors — Wyatt Young (5each other and enjoy being defense and sacrifice their we have,” he said. “And, we “Every year I’ve been im- 10), Talin Babcock (5-10) around each other. They en- bodies. We’ll stand by our have a strong JV crop com- pressed with him,” Perkins and Paul Yanok (6-1). joy the sport and they like goal to hold teams under 50 ing up.” said. “He’s worked on his “We hope he can do like practicing.” points per game.”

The lone double-fig- game a lot. As a sophomore, Perkins said that showed Despite being younger, ure scorer returning is Zac he was thrown into the fire See, MONROE, Page 11 during summer activities.

Perkins is hopeful he’ll be “I don’t know what that able to play more guys this will equate to in wins, but I season. And, he sees those like what I’ve seen so far,” he said.

Perkins and assistant coach Jordan Stephens spent much of the preseason working to shore up things at both end of the court.

“I think defense has to be our calling card,” Perkins said.

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BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 10

Monroe Central girls return veteran cast

By RICK THORP Times Leader Sports Writer

WOODSFIELD — Optimism is high surrounding the Monroe Central girls basketball program.

Having five returning letterwinners will do that.

“Things are going smoothly this year,” said Troy Baker, in his 18th season guiding the Seminoles.

“We bring back five letterwinners and, basically, five starters from last year, so things are definitely improving.

“We’re a lot further along than last year.”

Monroe Central finished 5-18 a year ago, dropping a heartbreaking sectional contest to Steubenville Catholic.

The Crusaders then went to overtime against Shenandoah, a squad that ended up with a district title.

From the moment the final buzzer sounded in February, Baker and his staff knew what issues needed to be tackled in the offseason and preseason.

“The biggest thing this year is we’re going to have to take care of the ball better than we did last year and

MONROE

GIRLS Dec. 1 — Frontier Dec. 3 — Shadyside Dec. 6 — at Fort Frye Dec. 8 — at St. Clairsville, 1 p.m.

Dec. 10 — Barnesville Dec. 13 — Bridgeport Dec. 20 — at Caldwell Dec. 29 — at River Jan. 3 — Shenandoah Jan. 7 — at Barnesville Jan. 10 — at Shadyside Jan. 14 — at Frontier Jan. 17 — Union Local Jan. 19 — at Bridgeport, 1 p.m.

Jan. 24 — Fort Frye Jan. 28 — Caldwell Jan. 31 — at Shenandoah Feb. 4-9 — OVAC Tournament Feb. Photo/PAUL KRAJNYAK 5 — at River PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Monroe Central girls basketball team. Front row, from left, are Morgan Kendall Feb. 8 — Caldwell

and Gillian Leonard. Middle row, from left, are Regan Hamilton, Alexa Marley, Sydney Yoho, Kirsten Friday, Myranda Secrest, Trista Morris and Kalista Friday. Back row, from left, are assistant coach Paris Yoho, assis- noted.

Senior Myranda Sechrest tant coach Doug Yoho, Allee Zwick, Megan Hoover, Haylynn Hiles, Amy Bettinger, Hannah McKelvey, Sierra (guard) and juniors Gracie Rainey, Gracie Gehrig, head coach Troy Baker and assistant coachTrevor Friday.

Gehrig (guard) will also Lucio and Brittany Moore always gives everything she compete for playing time, the year before that,” he a main focus.

“We played in shootouts were lost to graduation, but has and is comfortable out- along with a pair of junior said. “We’ve had a bunch guards — Morgan Kendall of turnover issues and it’s and over at St. Clairsville the Seminoles picked up a side or inside definitely something we’ve and, overall, we improved,” six-member freshman class “She’s really started to and Gillian Leonard.

The six seniors on the been trying to get them to Baker said. “We definitely that Baker said holds lots of step up being a leader. She’s made improvements in a lot potential. understand. a very physical player and is roster are — Kalista Fri“We just need to get fun- of areas and I thought to“We’re going be able to coming around as a scorer. day (guard), Trista Morris damentally better on de- ward the end of last season go deeper this year,” he said. She presents matchup prob- (guard/forward), Haylynn we started improving.” fense.”

“The freshmen that came in lems.”

Hiles (guard/forward), ReCassidy Rainey, Rose are all quality kids and all So, this summer, that was Sierra Rainey (guard), gan Hamilton (guard/forquality basketball players.” Allee Zwick (guard/for- ward), Alex Marley (guard/ Monroe Central’s ward) and Amy Bettinger forward) and Megan Hoover strength, though, lies in its (forward) are the returning (forward). seniors, a trio led by a pair letterwinners in the junior “Practices are more comof two-time letterwinners — class. petitive and all of the players Sydney Yoho and Kirsten Rainey was second in 3s have a good basketball backFriday. last season.

Yoho (guard) averaged “She’s sometimes more ground,” Baker said. “That’s about nine points per game of a streak shooter,” Baker something that, most of the last season and paced the said. “But she has the ability time, doesn’t happen t the team in 3-point percentage to go off at anytime. And if high school level where you have that many that have and assists. she’s on, she on.”

“Syd is a good passer and As for Zwick, Baker said those abilities being brought good shooter,” Baker said. she was probably the team’s to the table.”

“She was asked to do an aw- most improved player Baker is assisted by Doug ful lot the last two years and during the summer.

Yoho, Paris Yoho and Trev(740) 472-5445 I think some of that pressure “Her court awareness on or Friday.

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BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 11

Bellaire girls expect continued sucBy RICK THORP

Times Leader Sports Writer

BELLAIRE — Expectations are high surrounding the Bellaire High girls’ basketball program.

John Farrier wouldn’t want it any other way.

But with high expectations come challenges; challenges to maintain success from within and those from outside forces and other teams.

Farrier feels he has a veteran group that can handle any type of adversity that comes its way. But it’s always a work in progress to keep the squad on its toes.

“We know we have some high expectations this year because we’ve had some tsuccess the last two years,” eFarrier said. “That’s a good othing, but sometimes it can be a bad thing. Sometimes, ,we might lose sight of of rhow hard we have to work lto attain that.”

Twenty-one victory camepaigns don’t come easy, -and the Big Reds have put stogether two straight. Last nyear’s resulted in an appear-ance in the OVAC champi-onship game and a district /semifinal. So, there’s room rfor improvement, and Farrier believes his team can get -there. s “The girls know what -needs to be done,” he said. s“We have the core four ethat’ve been around. We ehave two three-year starters uand two two-year starters. eThey’ve been around and tknow what they need to do when they step out there.”

So far, Farrier said the g -

Photo/PAUL KRAJNYAK

PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Bellaire girls basketball team. Front row, from left, are Cristina Recio, Natalie Stoner, Brittany Falcone, Sydney Purtiman, Michaela Flaherty, Maci Crozier and Linde Verheyen. Second row, from left, are Shayleigh Sochor, Kaleigh Leigh, Bryanna Beckett, Courtney Ault, Ashley McCarthy, Mia Gavarkavich, Katrina Davis, Jenna Miller and Kaya Chilson. Back row, from left, are head coach John Farrier and assistant coach Hutch McFeely. team appears up to the challenge.

“They’ve looked pretty seasoned,” he said. “They’re working hard. The one thing I’m trying to get through to them is you have to sellout in every practice and sellout every scrimmage.

“When we got those wins the last two years it was because we worked so darn hard. We’re not blessed with the size or anything like that where we can go and score

easy layups. We have to work extra hard when we’re on the court.”

It’s true.

Bellaire’s calling card under Farrier has been its tenacity, especially on the defensive end. The Big Reds’ defense, along with its press, has resulted in many buckets and scoring opportunities.

Farrier said that will need to continue this season.

“Our bread is kind of buttered through defensive

pressure and pressing and stuff like that,” he said.

“That’s where our concentration is, in getting better defensively, not only in the full-court, but in half-court, because you’re not going to be able to press teams all the time. We have to be able to do simple things like rotating and helping each other out.

“If you’re a really good defensive team, then you’ll have a lot of success.”

Bellaire is still paying attention to offense, too.

“Most of our offense is created in transition,” Farrier said. “We’ve been working on it and trying to work on what’s best for us.

“We don’t like to play that way, but sometimes you have to. It’s out of our comfort level, but we’re always trying to make it more comfortable.”

The Big Reds aren’t exactly slouches in the half-

court offensively. They have a plethora of weapons, especially shooting the ball.

One of the players normally on target is senior Maci Crozier. Now a fouryear starter, Crozier, 5-5, entered the season, 64 points shy of 1,000 for her career. She averaged 13.4 points per game from her guard spot last season.

“Her shooting has improved tremendously from

ate. We’re hoping for big things this year.”

Babcock has impressed with his decision making.

“He might be the best defender we have,” Perkins said.

“Last year, many times he drew the toughest defensive assignment.”

The sophomores include: Cooper Thompson (5-9), Luke Burkhart (5-11), Auston Hogue (5-8) and Garet

Cramer (6-0).

“Auston is an Aaron Craft type,” Perkins said of Hogue.

“He just makes things happen. He’s grown a lot since last year, He makes it

hard not to play him.”

Perkins has been impressed with his two freshmen — Malachi Rose-Burton (5-9) and Dillon Lincoln (5-10).

“We’re very pleased with

the team so far,” Perkins said, “and we have a lot of high hopes for it.”

Perkins is also assisted by John Ischy and Jordan Reusser.

See, BELLAIRE, Page 13

• Monroe

o Continued from Page 9 l and Paul Yanok (6-1). e “We hope he can do like d Logan last year and sacrifice d for the team,” Perkins said of Young.

“He handles the ball well and is athletic and can cre-

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 12

Bellaire boys must replace a bulk of its scoring

By RICK THORP

Times Leader Sports Writer

BELLAIRE — Ben Doyle had to move his opening basketball game from tonight to next Friday.

That’s alright by him.

Such a move means Bellaire’s football team made a deep run in the Ohio playoffs, something Doyle, the Big Reds’ second-year basketball coach, applauds.

“It’s always good to have a culture of success,” he said. “We’ll take it.”

Even if it meant tipping off practice earlier this month with a smaller squad.

“The lettermen that didn’t participate in a fall sport have been great in taking on the leadership role and getting us ready,” Doyle said.

And when the gridders traded their pads in for shorts, the transition was seamless.

“They jumped right in and were excited to be there,” Doyle said. “The biggest thing was everyone was healthy. That’s always

•

C

BELLAIRE

BOYS Dec. 4 — Union Local Dec. 7 — at Harrison Central Dec. 11 — Barnesville Dec. 14 — at Bridgeport Dec. 15 — Martins Ferry Dec. 18 — at St. Clairsville Dec. 20 — at Buckeye Local Dec. 22 — Bridgeport Dec. 28 — Shadyside Jan. 2 — at Barnesville Jan. 4 — at Union Local Jan. 8 — Harrison Central Jan. 11 — at Monroe Central Jan. 15 — at Martins Ferry Jan. 18 — St. Clairsville Jan. 25 — Steubenville Central Jan. 26 — Monroe Central Jan. 29 — at Shadyside Feb. 2 — Buckeye 8 at St. Clairsville Feb. 5 — at Steubenville Central Feb. 12-16 — OVAC Tournament

Photo/PAUL KRAJNYAK

PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Bellaire boys basketball team. Front row, from left, are Karter Hicks, Isaiah Patterson, Cole Runyan, Sheldon Lekanudous, Daniel Lednik, Mason Badia, Jacob Marthaler, Jaden Bellville and a concern. Coming off a Ethan Shaver. Back row, from left, are Austen Rejonis, David Zwack, Marshall Fish, Creed Rhodes, Trenton longer football season, you Wilson, A.J. McCarthy, Jacob Defibaugh and Kaleb Pitchford. Absent was Levi Littel. want everyone healthy, and iar faces, but without one All-American Village, as and we relied on him a lot,” felt in the scorebook alone. that’s true.”

The Big Reds will en- that lit up the scoreboard one of the top scorers in Doyle said of Yoho. “Now, His leadership and work school history. He led the these guys need to step up in ethic were unmatched, ter the opener inside “The last year.

That’s because the team’s area in scoring last season their own way and be able Doyle said, and he believes House of Champions” vs.

Buckeye 8 rival Union Lo- top two scorers from last with 25.5 points per game to put the ball in the bucket. it rubbed on on those he left cal with a plethora of famil- season — Chase Yoho and en route to earning first- I think the guys are excited behind.

“He’s still around some,” about the opportunity. It’s Mason Ramsay — picked team all-Ohio honors.

Ramsay poured in 10 nice to see how everyone’s Doyle said of Yoho. “And up their diplomas. roles are coming together.” you can see some of him in Yoho, now playing points per contest. “(Chase) was the scorer Yoho’s presence wasn’t at Muskingum, left the See, REDS, Page 13

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BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

• Bellaire

• Reds

Continued from Page 11

Continued from Page 12 the guys that are still here.

We have a couple of gym rats. It’s a credit to their personalities and their goals.

“Anyone’s that’s had the success they had is certainly going to leave an impact,” Doyle added of his departed seniors. “We’re building off that in the expectations we have and how practices are run.

We’ve jumped right in.

We’ve had some leaders who’ve stepped right in and are excited about being leaders and are looking to carry that torch.

“It’s tough to replace those type of scorers, but we’re looking to do it with team scoring and team stops and trying to do it with balance.”

One of Bellaire’s Achilles’ heels last winter in struggling to a 9-15 record was getting stops on the defensive end at key moments.

So when camp opened, Doyle made that a focus.

“We’ve really made a commitment to the defensive end,” he said. “We have to get the stops we need and we have to string stops together. We have to really try to focus on that and how we

last year,” said Farrier, who’d already said Crozier is virtually automatic in the paint. “She’s a great vocal leader and talks on defense.

She works her butt off.”

Crozier’s classmate, Natalie Stoner (5-5) nearly duplicated her scoring averaged from a year ago (13.5 ppg) and is 173 points away from 1,000.

She set a school mark for 3-point shooting percentage last winter.

“Every time she steps on the court she might be the fastest one out there,” Farrier said of the second fouryear starter.

“She’s had a great last Kthree years and her shooting -has improved.” d Junior Katrina Davis ennters her third year in the starting line up after averaging 13.1points and 7.2 boards per outing last year.

Despite being 5-2, she led the team in rebounding.

“She really has a nose for the ball,” Farrier said.

“She knows where the ball is going as soon as it’s shot, and she gets after it.

She competes to win and she pushes herself to the max ... relentless on both ends.”

Senior Michaela Flaherty (5-9) also returns for her second season starting. She averaged nine points and six boards last season.

“I expect big things from her because she can play down low and also shoot it,” Farrier said.

“She presents matchup problems for teams.”

Battling for the final starting spot in the preseason were: seniors Brittany Falcone (5-5) and Sydney Purtiman (5-7), along with junior Mia Gavarkavich (5-5).

“They all bring something different to the table,” Farrier said of the trio. “Sydney has a really nice shot. Mia, she is kind of a little bit of a shooter, is strong and can rebound. Brittany is a post

BELLAIRE

GIRLS Dec. 1 — at River, 1 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Martins Ferry Dec. 10 — St. Clairsville Dec. 13 — at Union Local Dec. 14 — Wheeling Park (at WesBanco Arena) Dec. 17 — at Harrison Central Dec. 20 — Martins Ferry Dec. 27 — Buckeye Local Jan. 3 — Shadyside Jan. 7 — at St. Clairsville Jan. 10 — Union Local Jan. 12 — at Wheeling Central Jan. 14 — Harrison Central Jan. 17 — at Barnesville Jan. 19 — River, 1 p.m.

Jan. 26 — Buckeye 8 at Martins Ferry Jan. 28 — at Shadyside Jan. 31 — at Steubenville Feb. 4-9 — OVAC Tournament Feb. 13 — Wheeling Park Feb. 12-16 — OVAC Tournament player and works her butt off.

“I feel good about giving them all opportunities.”

Ashley McCarthy (5-7) and Kaleigh Leigh (5-4) are two sophomores in the mix for playing time, as is promising freshman Jenna Miller (5-1).

“She has a lot of potential at point guard, and she can really dribble,” Farrier said of Miller.

Again, the Big Reds face a tough schedule, including a showdown with Wheeling Park at the Sam Andy Classic.

“That will be like a tournament feel and a tournament environment,” Farrier said of the contest at Wheeling’s WesBanco Arena.

“That will be neat. I think our schedule is really tough.

“We want to take another step further this year. That’s our goal.”

Farrier is assisted on the varsity bench by Hutch McFeely.

can get two or three stops in a row and really celebrate that.”

So far, Doyle said the players have been receptive to what the coaches have put forth.

“We’re all climbing the hill together,” he said. “It’s a long season. We’re really promoting team stops and team scoring. We’re approaching everything together.

“We always go back to ‘Do not Flinch.’ We always go back to doing what do and keep moving forward and improving; not flinching along the way.”

Doyle believes the squad will be deep , with many players capable of contributing.

“I’m excited to see who jumps out,” he said.

“Everyone is concerned about scoring and everything, but we’re trying to be balanced and do what we have to do to be successful.

That’s what’s good about this group.

“Everyone has been really supportive of each other and building trust. They don’t care who scores.”

Bellaire’s lineup is led by

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 13

five seniors — Cole Runyan (5-7), Sheldon Lekanudos (5-9), Jacob Marthaler (510), Daniel Lednik (6-0) and Mason Badia (6-1).

“Cole is a shooter, and when he’s on, he’s on,” Doyle said of Runyan.

“He’s really learned to enjoy defense, and he’s becoming more aggressive to the bucket.”

“Marty” came up big in many moments last season with his 3-point shooting.

“He stepped up and was always in he mix,” Doyle said. “He’s always in the mix and has a gritty work ethic. He always makes players work when he’s in there.”

Doyle expects big things from Lednik, Lekanudos and Badia, who’s back after taking time away from the sport.

“Sheldon had a great summer of basketball,” Doyle said. “He really improved and it was valuable to his development. He loves to defend and challenges the opponent to outlast him. I’m really looking forward to seeing him out there.”

Juniors in the mix for the Big Reds include: A.J.

McCarthy (5-7), Levi Littell (6-3), Trenton Wilson (6-1), Austen Rejonis (5-7) and Kaleb Pitchford (5-6).

“That’s an athletic class,” Doyle pointed out. “McCarthy is a spitfire. He’s energetic. He can get to the bucket and just loves to compete. He has the potential to score, too.”

Doyle sees Littell and Wilson boosting Bellaire’s inside presence.

“The matchup will dictate our style,” Doyle said.

“We’ll try to take advantage of any weaknesses we see.”

Sophomores David Zwack (5-7), Jacob Defibaugh (5-7) and Marshall Fish (5-7) round out the roster.

“We have a lot of unselfish guys,” Doyle said.

“They are really committed to shared leadership.

It’s what they’re promoting.

We’re going have some people step up.”

Doyle is assisted by by Nathan Regel, Nathan Steele and Kyle Michalo (freshmen).

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Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 14

Union Local boys must replace key pieces

By SETH STASKEY

Times Leader Sports Editor

MORRISTOWN — While every coach would love to have to all of his questions answered in the preseason, the fact of the matter that’s very rarely the case.

Zach Delman is well

aware of that as he prepares for his third season at the helm of the Union Local boys program.

Last season, the Jets advanced to the Division III Eastern District Tournament, fell in the OVAC Class 3A title game and finished with a 20-4 record.

“I knew we’d have a good team, but I had no idea we’d win 20 games,” Delman said. “We found a way to

PICTURED IS the 201819 Union Local boys basketball team. Front row, from left, are managers Dustin Yates and Logan Hess. Second row, from left, are Nathan Meyer, Andrew Smith, Stuart White, Elijah Baker, Cal Kildow and Cade Latham. Back row, from left, are assistant coach Jim Hess, head coach Zach Delman, Hunter McCort, Matt Bateman, Aiden Shugert, Luke McDiffitt, Luke Merritt, assistant coaches Doug Butts and Vaughn Butler.

See, UL, Page 16

Photo/PAUL KRAJNYAK

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BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Barr takes over Union Local girls

By SETH STASKEY

Times Leader Sports Editor

MORRISTOWN — There were many new faces in the gymnasium when Union Local started basketball practice late last month.

From head coach Rob

Barr to a large, 12-member freshmen class, the time it took for introductions was a bit longer than normal.

But, as it pertains to the Jets, it’s more about the familiar face that’s no longer there that’s causing Barr, who took over for Kelley Hanlon, the most concern.

Haley Porter, who scored well over 1,000 career points, collected her diploma last spring and is now a starter at Waynesburg University. Gone not only is her scoring and 3-point shooting, but her leadership is

what Barr and the returning cast must figure out how to replace.

“We have to become accustomed to playing without Haley,” Barr said. “For the last four years, when all else failed, we always had Haley.

Now that she’s gone, it’s up to these girls to take on that role.”

That challenge — and

adjusting to coaching girls’ sports for the first time — has been a focus for the Jets throughout the month of November leading up to their opener at Shadyside earlier this week.

“This is my first time

coaching girls and my first time coaching at the varsity level, so there’s been a learning curve,” Barr said.

“It’s really gone well. We have a great group of girls and I’m fortunate to have

great assistants, and (coaching) has become just kind of second nature.”

With adjustment seem ingly accomplished, finding a way to replace Porter and her 1,495 points and school-record 257 bonus goals is ongoing and Barr thinks it might take some time, too.

“These girls understand

their roles better,” Barr said.

“I don’t think anyone on our team will score 25 or 30 points a game, but we might have seven players who can score in double figures on any given night. I think it will be more (scoring) by committee.”

The Jets certainly have

quality numbers on the roster with 23 players. However, more than half are freshmen, but five are seniors, which helps with the leader-

ship shift.

“We have a nice group of freshmen and even though I hope it’s not the case, I am guessing there’s a dropoff in numbers in that group over time,” Barr said. “I think all of those kids can contribute. A few will be on the varsity and the others will contribute in reserves.

It’s a nice mixture of girls.”

The five seniors have

all been around and earned letters during their careers with the Jets. But, most have been in complementary roles.

The chemistry on the

team should also help ease the transition.

“These girls honestly do not care who scores,” Barr said. “This is the most unselfish bunch of girls I’ve See, UNION, Page 17

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 15

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BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 16

Wallace believes Linsly is ready to take next

By JOSH STROPE For The Times Leader

WHEELING — Linsly boys’ basketball coach James Wallace didn’t know much about his team last season as a host of newcomers took the court.

This season is a little different.

“We have a lot of returning letterman, lot of returning starters, a lot of guys that had a crucial developmental year,” Wallace said. “They have matured from being first-year varsity guys to, at the end of last year, guys that knew what to do, knew

• UL

Continued from Page 14 win some close games and overall it was a really exciting year that exceeded my expectations.”

As he begins for this

season, however, four key members of that team — Ty Kildow, Luke Menges, Cody Ray and Derek Smith — are gone via graduation, leaving Delman and his coaching staff with those aforementioned question marks.

“Losing those guys is

huge for a multitude of reasons,” Delman said. “Not only did we lose a nice chunk of scoring, but those guys had played together for so long there was a cohesion about them. They were all intelligent kids who picked up everything we threw at them.”: Delman is hopeful that his program has gotten to the point where the next-guy-up mentality starts to assert itself.

“We’d like to think we’re getting to the point where when you lose guys (to graduation), you just plug guys in and keep moving and you don’t fall off the bandwagon,” Delman said.

As he prepares his new

squad, one thing doesn’t change with the mentality

what it took to win and those guys are all back.

“They all really like each other and like playing with each other.

“We added some guys that know how to win and who are competitors, not necessarily basketball players at heart, but guys who like to compete. So far practice has been really fun and really competitive and that is a recipe for success.”

The Cadets return one player that scored in double figures in junior guard Trevin Tush, who averaged 10 points, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals and made 16 3-pointers.

Junior guard Marshall Taylor, who paced Linsly in 3-pointers with 23 and averaged eight points and four rebounds, will also be in the starting lineup, as will sophomore Hunter Kelley (6-foot-4, forward), who averaged six points and a team-leading five rebounds.

He made 12 3s.

After that, seniors Jon Milton (forward), Mikal Warfield-Payne (forward) and first-year player Eli Petho (forward), along with sophomore Will Carson (guard) could also crack the starting lineup.

“It may depend each night

on who we are playing,” Wallace said. “Chaz Ghaphery (senior forward, 6-4) has been a starter for us in the past and he will also be in the mix. We have the ability to match up with a lot of different people. We can go big, we can go small.

“We have some guys who are really good guards. We have some guys who are really good bigs. We are going to be really versatile every night in what we can do.”

With so many players being thrown into the fire, Wallace is happy with the depth his team brings.

Linsly has seven letter-

winners in Ghaphery, Milton, Warfield-Payne, Taylor, Tush, Kelley and junior forward Paul Cook.

Others on the varsity roster include seniors Dom Gorrence (guard) and Wyatt Hirt (6-3, forward) and sophomore Steve Felton.

“We are going to have a chance to see what guys can do in varsity games,” Wallace said.

“We know we have guys from last year we can count on and make sure they are ready and fresh at the end of the games.

“The nice thing is guys like Eli Petho and Wyatt

Hirt and Dom Gorrence and Steve Felton, they don’t have a lot of basketball experience, but they are super-competitive kids. When they go into games, they are not going to try and do too much. They are going to do their role and do their job and give you that effort and attitude to at least keep the game even if not put us ahead.”

Despite one double-digit scorer returning, Wallace feels those numbers are deceiving.

“Last year Marshall would get 21 one night,

UNION LOCAL

Delman is concerned, but that seems like it’s becoming a yearly thing.

“We’re getting used to

handling that,” Delman said. “We have some inexperience in spots with some guys getting a taste of varsity for the first time and overall our basketball IQ was a real strength last year. I’m not saying our kids are bad in that area, but last year’s was so good.”

However, the one area in which Delman believes his team will especially benefit is from being around those aforementioned graduate losses. Their work ethics, approach and the success they enjoyed are things he hopes trickle down.

“These guys got to see

what it takes,” Delman said.

“They saw how hard you have to work and how much time goes into winning those games. I hope that’s rubbed off.”

The Jets’ cupboard isn’t

totally bare by any means.

After all, they do boast a returning all-Ohioan on their roster in senior standout Cal Kildow.

Kildow (5-7) was named second-team all-Ohio in Division III after averaging 17.7 points a game.

“Cal’s an unbelievable

competitor,” Delman said.

“He gives you everything he has every time he steps foot on the court. We’re hoping he takes on more of a leadership role.”

Senior Elijah Baker (6 1) was a solid contributor a season ago, knocking down several big shots throughout the season.

“I am really excited about Elijah and the type of season he’s capable of,” Delman said. “He really, really came on for us. He has great floor vision and he’s put on some weight.”

While those two are firmly entrenched into the lineup, the remaining three spots in the starting lineup and in the rotation are currently being “mixed and matched,” according to Delman. That could be the case for much of the season, which begins tonight with a road trip to Steubenville Central.

Battling for the spots are senior Stuart White (6-3), senior Andrew Smith (6-0), junior Matt Bateman (6-0), sophomore Luke Merritt (59), junior Hunter McCort (5-8), sophomore Nathan Meyer (5-9), sophomore Cade Latham (6-0), junior Aiden Shugert (6-1) and ju-

nior Luke McDiffitt (5-10).

“These guys are competing hard every day trying to get minutes,” Delman said.

“I really see about 10 guys getting minutes on any given night. The lineups could change as the season moves along, too. It’s a puzzle each night to put together a lineup. We have some guys who are interchangeable and can play different spots as we need them to to find our best lineup.”

Ticketed primarily for

jayvee duty are junior Jared Reitter (5-6), sophomore Liam Vinskovich (5-8), sophomore Andrew Martin (6-1), sophomore Zach Bateman (6-1), sophomore Carter Loase (5-10) and sophomore Braxtin Murphy (6-5).

One change for the Jets

is that they will sponsor a freshmen schedule.

“We have eight freshmen, so getting them a separate schedule is a good thing to get them more playing time,” Delman said.

The freshmen in the program are Dakota Hess (511), Matt Grob (5-6), Kade Kiser (6-0), Elijah Butterworth (6-0), Gavin Loy (5-3), Dannen Foraker (59), Josh Neidert (5-9) and

Ayden Smolira (6-0).

Of those, Hess and Kiser are also listed on the jayvee roster.

Union Local made a few subtle changes to its schedule. Gone are Wheeling Park and Buckeye Trail has been dropped to a single game.

On the slate now are a single game with St. John Central and Buckeye Local. The Jets will once again take part in the Buckeye 8 Challenge at OUE and they’ll take on Steubenville.

“I think there are going to be a lot of competitive teams in the area,” Delman said.

“We’re going to have our hands full most nights. We have to come ready to play and be prepared because a lot of teams we play are going to be much improved.”

Delman’s coaching staff

is basically the same from a year ago. At the high school level, Vaughn Butler is the varsity assistant, while Jim Hess guides the junior varsity. Dustin Roe is also on the high school staff, while Doug Butts guides the freshmen team.

Joby Barr — a former

first-team all-Ohioan — is coaching the eighth grade, while Eric Kerns is leading the seventh grade.

BOYS Nov. 30 -- at Steubenville CC Dec. 4 -- at Bellaire Dec. 7 -- Martins Ferry Dec. 11 -- at St. Clairsville Dec. 14 -- St. John Dec. 15 -- Shadyside Dec. 18 -- Harrison Central Dec. 22 -- Buckeye 8 Challenge vs.

Steubenville (at OUE), 2 p.m.

Dec. 28 -- at John Marshall, 5:45 p.m.

Jan. 4 -- Bellaire Jan. 5 -- at Barnesville Jan. 8 -- at Martins Ferry Jan. 11 -- St. Clairsville Jan. 15 --at Shadyside Jan. 18 -- at Harrison Central Jan. 22 -- at Buckeye Local, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 -- Buckeye Trail Feb. 2 -- Buckeye 8 at TBA Feb. 5 -- Barnesville Feb. 12-16 -- OVAC Tournament that UL plans to employ.

Playing as a unit will once again be of the utmost importance.

“I hope we’re unselfish

because that’s always the top priority,” Delman said.

“I think we have some nice pieces to work with and we’re not totally green by any means, but some of the guys are going to have to be more vocal and take on bigger roles.”

Size is an area in which

See, LINSLY, Page 17

6

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 17

• Union Continued from Page 15 seen in my life. The senior group is amazing. Just a great bunch of kids, who aren’t only great players, but great people who are fun to coach.”

With not much dropoff

in the top 10 players, Barr believes depth will be a strength.

“There could be changes at almost every dead ball,” Barr said. “We want to play as hard as we can for as long as we can. Our kids are in great shape because they all work so hard in practice. I honestly feel like we have eight to 10 starters.”

Barr really likes his team athleticism and foot speed.

On top of those intangibles, the Jets should shoot the ball well, especially from behind the 3-point line.

“We have a lot of girls

who can shoot the ball,” Barr said. “We’re better when we’re running, but I do not know how much we’ll look to pressure. I think we’ll be able to pressure and will show some.”

One key ingredient in the Jets’ recipe for success will be whether or not they’re able to rebound the ball.

With no player standing taller than 5-8, Barr said “if we rebound well on the defensive end, it will be the key to our season.”

“We simply have to limit second shots,” Barr said.

“We’ve worked a lot on rebounding. We want the girls to be more aggressive.”

One of those rebounding leaders from a season ago is senior Emilee Robb (5-6), who will be taking on a bigger role.

“Emilee is a rugged player inside,” Barr said. “She’s

• Linsly

UNION LOCAL

GIRLS Dec. 3 -- Ridgewood Dec. 6 -- Harrison Central Dec. 10 -- at Martins Ferry Dec. 13 -- Bellaire Dec. 17 -- at St. Clairsville Dec. 20 -- at Barnesville Dec. 27 -- Fort Frye Dec. 29 -- Cambridge Jan. 3 -- at Harrison Central Jan. 7 -- Martins Ferry Jan. 10 -- at Bellaire Jan. 12 -- Beaver Local, 3 p.m.

Jan. 14 -- St. Clairsville Jan. 17 -- at Monroe Central Jan. 21 -- at Buckeye Local, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 24 -- Barnesville Jan. 26 -- Buckeye 8 vs. TBA at Martins Ferry Jan. 28 -- at John Marshall Feb. 4-9 -- OVAC Tournament

Photo/PAUL KRAJNYAK

PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Union Local girls basketball team. Front row, from left, are manager Ella Pietranton, Lauryn Menges, Alison Loase, Sutherlynd Butler, Emilee Robb and Hannah Porter. Back row, from left, are head coach Rob Barr, Abbey Boyer, Hannah Merritt, Marissa McGary, Casey Kildow, Keira Gregor, assistant coach Nikki Gregor, assistant coach Mike Menges. not going to score a lot, but she’s a role player. She’s unselfish, does little things, defends and is a good team leader.”

Senior Sutherlynd But ler (5-8) has expanded her game, according to her head coach.

“Sutherlynd’s game has

grown, but she needs some aggression,” Barr said.

“She’s a very talented kid who comes from a basketball family. She gets up and down the floor well. From 15 feet and in, you’d better have a hand in her face.”

Senior Allison Loase (55) is the team’s strongest player and Barr wants to be more aggressive on offense.

“She’s a great foul shoot-

Continued from Page 16 then Hunter would 23, then Mikal Warfield-Payne would get 15 and 12 one night,” he said. “It took guys a long time to see what they could do. If you looked at the last 10 games of the year and took the averages,

er, but we need to get her to the line more,” Barr continued. “She’s capable both inside and outside.”

Senior Hannah Porter (53) is another who will take on a larger role.

“Hannah loves the game and she’s a great two guard,” Barr said. “She runs the floor well and is a smart player.”

Sophomore Casey Kil dow (5-5) put forth an impressive rookie campaign and is looking for more this season.

“Casey has grown some and she’s going to be our point guard,” Barr said.

“We’re kind of going to go as she goes. It’s a lot to put on a sophomore, but she’s

I think it would be a little more fair. Trevin didn’t start until halfway through the year and still got 10 a game.”

Last season the Cadets failed to make the OVAC Tournament.

proven she can handle it.

She can be as good as she wants to be.”

Senior Lauryn Menges

(5-4) is back and healthy after battling injury-riddled campaigns the past few seasons.

Freshmen Keira Gregor (5-7) and Hannah Merritt (5-6) are also making a strong push for minutes along with junior Abby Boyer (5-3) and freshman Marissa McGary (5-6).

“The lineup could defi nitely change based on matchups,” Barr continued.

“There could be games when one or both of the freshmen start.”

Ticketed for jayvee action are junior Bri Bumgardner,

sophomores Madi Sells, Haley Smith, Alexis Lab, freshmen Sierra Scott, Dakotah Verbeck, Baylee Rex, Alleigh Cheatham, Savannah White, Paige Briggs, Abi Marinelli, Brianna Waggoner and Ava Lucas.

With such a large freshmen class, Barr did say the Jets may play a few separate freshmen games, but finding opponents for that schedule has been a challenge.

“I’ve talked to Wheeling Park and Magnolia about playing a few freshmen games, but because we lack some numbers in the middle two grades, we can’t fully separate the freshmen because of quarter issues,” Barr admitted.

Like always, that is the goal for a team that doesn’t have a state championship to play for. Wallace feels this is a team, despite an always difficult schedule, can reach that goal.

On top of the afore mentioned opener against Shadyside, the Jets have single games with Ridgewood, John Marshall, Beaver Local and Cambridge. River was dropped prior to Barr being hired.

“I think we’re going to

have a lot of good games,” Barr said. “I think there will be some games (on the schedule) where we’re the best team on the floor by far, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to win. I think we’ll compete with anyone on our schedule. I am hopeful we can make the OVAC Tournament and then that we’ve played good enough competition that come sectional time, we’re ready for that.”

Barr’s coaching staff includes Nikki Gregor (varsity assistant) and Mike Menges (junior varsity) at the high school level. Jamie Vinskovich (8th) and Tony Gregor (7th) work at the junior high level.

“These guys have that greatness to them that will help them figure out those little plays before the game, whether it is a steal at end of the third and you get a bucket and you win the game by two,” Wallace said.

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 18

Bridgeport boys return three lettermen

By KIM NORTH Times Leader Sports Writer

BRIDGEPORT — Donnie Cash has been around long enough to know what it takes to win at the varsity basketball level. In his 15th year as head coach of the Bridgeport boys program, he has a pair of Ohio Valley Athletic Conference championships.

However, successful seasons haven’t been in the fold recently as the Bulldogs have fallen upon some tough times lately.

Bridgeport has just three lettermen back from last season’s 9-14 squad, but the good news is that its second-leading scorer returns for another campaign.

“We are going to be really, really young,” Cash admitted. “We have two seniors, a junior and five sophomores in the mix for some playing time. That gives us eight guys that we’ll count on.”

Back for his second sea-

BRIDGEPORT

BOYS Nov. 30 — Monroe Central Dec. 4 — at Shadyside Dec. 7 — Beallsville Dec. 8 — St. John Dec. 14 — Bellaire Dec. 18 — at River Dec. 21 — at Barnesville Dec. 22 — at Bellaire Dec. 27 — at Steubenville CC, 4 p.m.

Dec. 28 — at Monroe Central Jan. 2 — Buckeye Local Jan. 4 — River Jan. 8 — at St. John Jan. 11 — at Cameron Jan. 12 — Shadyside Jan. 22 — Cameron Jan. 25 — at Beallsville Jan. 29 — Steubenville Central Feb. 1 — Barnesville T-L Photo/KIM NORTH Feb. 5 — at Buckeye Local PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Bridgeport boys basketball team. Front row, from left, are Timmy Stanton, Kayden Feb. 12-16 — OVAC Tournament son will be senior Trevonn Ray (5-8). The letterman scored around 14 points a contest last year.

“Trevonn will be a twoyear starter for us. He had a really good junior season and we’re hoping he can car-

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Williams, John Stark, Ryan Stewart, Cooper Dulesky, Adam Sommer and Riese O’Kernick. Back row, from left, are Ricardo Mainetti, Dylan Gregorcic, Trevonn Ray, P.J. Sauvageot, Eric Williams and J.B. Marling. Not pictured are Jera Massey, Kyle Gummer, Jacob Waterman and Jaylon Addison.

ry that over to this season,” Cash said. “We’re going to rely on him for a lot of our offense this season and I think he is capable of handling that.

“He has really worked on his jump shot over the summer. That will help out be-

cause he is known as a driver/slasher-type of player.

“He needs to be our leader because he is one of the few players on the team that have been out there in the fire.”

Also back for another season are senior John Stark

Good Luck & Always Be A Good Sportsman!

Good Luck Bulldogs!

(6-0) and sophomore Dylan Gregorcic (6-1).

“John had a decent junior year,” Cash said. “He’s been doing a good job of working with the younger kids on their games.

“He just needs to know the difference between a

good shot and a bad shot.

We do need him to shoot the ball and put points on the board, but sometimes it might not be the time for a shot like that in our offense.

He has to adapt to that.”

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BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 19

Bridgeport girls must replace key personnel

By KIM NORTH

Times Leader Sports Writer

BRIDGEPORT — In Greg Harkness’s two years as head coach of the Bridgeport girls basketball, the Bulldogs have gotten off to rough starts. There are several reasons for that, however.

In his first season he inherited a group of inexperienced sophomores that had relied upon the scoring of Caitlyn Kroll as freshmen.

Last year, he had a talented cast that just couldn’t put things together against a formidable schedule until it made a late run down the stretch and upset a very good Shadyside team for the H Division IV sectional title in n finishing 11-14. m “It just took us a while to t start clicking,” Harkness explained. “The first year we had a lot of inexperienced girls, but last year we had more experience back. Not making excuses, but our schedule is pretty challenging, especially last year. If you look back at last year, there were a lot of teams on our schedule they either won the OVACs or made the OVAC Tournament.

Shenandoah made the regionals, so we played a lot of good teams.

“It doesn’t give you too much room for error, but sometimes when things are going bad they tend to snowball. It’s a credit to that group for getting it turned around and finishing strong.

“How that translates to this year is to be determined.”

The Bulldogs lost a majority of their scoring and rebounding to graduation in the forms of Marissa Beal, Kamden Dulesky, Lauren Neer and Shelby Matheny.

Beal led the team in scoring at a 17-point clip and earned honorable mention all-state, first-team District 12 and OVAC, and second

BRIDGEPORT

GIRLS Dec. 3 — Steubenville Central Dec. 10 — St. John Dec. 13 — at Monroe Central Dec. 17 — at Shadyside Dec. 19 — Shenandoah Dec. 22 — Martins Ferry, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 — at Steubenville Central, noon Dec. 29 — Beallsville (at Buckeye Local), 12:45 p.m.

Jan. 3 — River Jan. 7 — at Beallsville Jan. 9 — at Shenandoah Jan. 14 — at Martins Ferry, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 — Buckeye Local Jan. 19 — Monroe Central, 1 p.m.

Jan. 24 — Shadyside Jan. 28 — at Barnesville Jan. 31 — at St. John Feb. 4-9 — OVAC Tournament team all-Eastern District.

Dulesky averaged nearly a double-double and was first team District 12 and second team all-OVAC. Neer, a three-point specialist, was honorable mention District 12, while Matheny was a force under the boards.

The lone starter back is senior Angela Sommer (54).

“We only have three girls that played meaningful minutes, so a lot of these girls are going to be thrown into the fire immediately,” Harkness allowed. “We’re still figuring ourselves out right now as much as anything.”

Sommer is a 3-year letterwinner that Harkness is going to rely a lot on, especially early in the campaign.

“She’s our captain. She’s a prototypical point guard.

She handles the ball really well and gets us in our offense,” he said. “We’re going to need her to look to score a little more this year and be more of an offensive threat. She was more of a ball distributor last year.

This year she is going to have to step up and help us score.”

The other returnees are senior Bri Conaway (5-7),

T-L Photo/KIM NORTH

PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Bridgeport girls basketball team. Front row, from left, are Head Coach Greg Harkness, Bri Conaway, Brooke Corrick, Angela Sommer, Lauren White and Assistant Coach Jason Hanson.

Second row, from left, are Jessa Stockwell, Kyleigh Roberts, Jaren Tucker, Jaida Kusic, Maura Tiber and Meleah Tiber. Back row, from left, are Hailee Aubrey, Bailey Dyson, Riley Bell, Justine Feuillen, Hallee Lewis and Hayley Conaway.

GOOD LUCK LADY BULLDOGS!

a forward, and junior Jaren Tucker (5-6), a guard.

“Bri came on strong towards the end of last season. She had a real nice

game against Beallsville in the (sectional) tournament,” Harkness recalled. “Her main problem was she was stuck behind Kamden and

Shelby. She probably de“She’s done some things served more minutes, but it to improve. She looks a litwas hard because she was tle quicker and we’re going behind two people that had to expect her to help us on already been through that.

See, BULLDOGS, Page 29

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BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 20

River boys coming off record-setting season

By SETH STASKEY

Times Leader Sports Editor

HANNIBAL — Even with the season opener upon him, Mark Romick still has caught himself taking a quick glimpse at the R.L. Potts Gymnasium Door to see who might be walking in.

The veteran River Pilots boys basketball coach has finally comes to grips with the fact that Lukas Isaly — the all-everything, 2,000-point scorer, isn’t “walking through that door anytime soon.”

The current Marietta Pioneer basketball player might be back at some point, but it’ll strictly be as a spectator.

His graduation coupled with the losses of Cody Hupp and Drew Dietza leave the Pilots with several unknowns following last season’s 24-2 campaign, which saw them win the OVAC Class 2A title before bowing out in the Division IV, Eastern District championship game to Hiland after ascending to as high as No. 2 in the state poll.

“Life goes on,” Romick said. “We have to find a way

RIVER

BOYS Nov. 30 — Frontier Dec. 4 — Barnesville Dec. 7 — at Monroe Central Dec. 11 — at St. John Dec. 14 — Paden City Dec. 18 — Bridgeport Dec. 21 — at Shadyside Dec. 28 — Crooksville (at Marietta College) Jan. 4 — at Bridgeport Jan. 8 — Magnolia Jan. 11 — at Frontier Jan. 15 — St. John Jan. 18 — at Barnesville Jan. 22 — Martins Ferry Jan. 25 — Shadyside Jan. 29 — at St. Clairsville Feb. 1 — at Magnolia Feb. 5 — Monroe Central Feb. 9 — at Columbus Bishop Ready Feb. 19 — at Union Local to fill the void that not only Lukas leaves, but that all of those kids from last year leave.”

Romick admits that the group last season, which hung its hat on its half-court man defense, spoiled him from basically the first practice of the season on.

“Last year, we could walk in the gym and those kids werejust able to do a lot of

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T-L Photo/SETH STASKEY

PICTURED IS the 2018-19 River boys basketball team. Front row, from left, are Jonas Schmidt, Michael Johnson, Carter Dennis, Colton Lawrence and Jason Eaton. Standing, from left, are assistant coach Jordan Indermuhle, head coach Mark Romick, James Hendershot, John Murphy, Stone Thompson and assistant coach Kris Pfalzgraf. things because of their experience,” Romick said.

“Those were all good kids who came with a blue-collar attitude and approach each day. We’re hopeful that kids who are back realized what it took to have that kind of success.”

Entering this evening’s opener against Frontier, the Pilots have just three players in their expected eight-player rotation who have significant varsity experience. But, just one — John Murphy — was a starter against the Hawks in the Pilots’ finale.

“The learning curve is sharp this year and we’ll need some kids who catch on quickly,” Romick said.

“A few of these kids got a taste of what (varsity basketball) is all about and know what’s going on, so we’ll really kind of lean on them to shoulder some of the burden.”

One aspect that Romick

doesn’t expect to be any different this winter than last is the Pilots’ approach and commitment to the defensive end of the floor.

“If you’re able to play good defense each night out, you’ll be in games,” Romick said. “We believe that defense is about work ethic. If you work hard at it, you can be a good defender. But, if you take breaks or slack off (defensively), you’re going to get burned.”

With the bulk of their scoring gone, the Pilots will settle into more of a halfcourt team this winter.

“You might see us run more sets than we have in the past because we obviously don’t have Lukas out there, allowing us to do some freelance kind of things,” Romick said. “We need to continue to improve each game. I think our defense will be there, but we have to find a way to score

because you’re not going to shut teams out no matter how good of defense you play.”

Murphy (6-3) will be counted upon to shoulder a big part of the scoring load, especially early. He had a handful of bigger games last season.

“John is a very capable scorer and player,” Romick said. “He had a huge game against Strasburg (in the district semifinal) and we will need that this year. He played a vital part in our success last year and he’s going to do a lot of things for us like scoring, defending and handle the ball.”

Junior Stone Thompson (6-2) saw heavy minutes off the bench last season. He’ll move into a starting role and be another that’s looked upon for scoring.

“There were a few times when Stone had 18 to 20-point nights for us,”

Romick said.

Junior Colton Lawrence (5-10) is another who saw some minutes a season ago, but they’ll be increased significantly this season.

Sophomore Michael Johnson (5-8) played primarily on the jayvee squad last season. He’ll move into the point guard role.

Sophomore Carter Dennis, who enjoyed a breakout football season and was named Eastern District Defensive Player of the Year, is expected to be the fifth starter this evening.

Senior Jason Deaton (60) has shown some signs during practice that he’ll be a solid contributor off the bench and could be in the mix to start based on matchups and such.

“I don’t think we’re going to have a guy who can get us 40 (point) on any given night, so it’s going to have See, RIVER, Page 39

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 21

River girls return everyone from OVAC title

By KIM NORTH Times Leader Sports Writer

HANNIBAL — River won the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Class 2A championship last year without a senior on its roster.

That’s good news for veteran head coach Rick Isaly as the Pilots enter the 201819 campaign with a roster full of veteran players and high expectations.

“Our key is staying healthy. We can’t afford to lose one player because that turns everything around,” he explained. “We also can’t afford to look ahead and we need to stay positive.”

Isaly welcomes back seven letterwinners and nine players from last season’s deceiving 14-10 record.

Three of them will be 4-year letterwinners, while another two will have lettered three times.

“The girls are working really hard. They know they have a target so-to-say on their backs as OVAC champs, but I think they relish the opportunity to try and win back-to-back titles,” he added. “I think that is possible if we stay healthy.”

Leading the group of returnees are five seniors. Lauren Flannery (5-5), Carsyn Reynolds (5-9) and Riley Lollathin (5-4) are lettered since they were freshmen and have enjoyed outstanding careers. Candace Caldwell (5-8) and Livi Rose (55) have lettered since they were sophomores.

“Those five girls have given a lot to this program,” Isaly continued. “They have had pretty good careers so far and they want to end with another championship.”

Flannery is the most decorated of the group.

The Lake Erie College recruit was a second team Division IV all-Ohio and Eastern District co-Player of the Year selection last

RIVER

GIRLS Dec. 1 — Bellaire, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 — Linsly Dec. 10 — at Parkersburg South Dec. 13 — at Frontier Dec. 15 — at Magnolia Dec. 17 — at Martins Ferry Dec. 20 — Fort Frye Dec. 22 — at Caldwell Dec. 28 — at Marietta College vs.

TBD Dec. 29 — Monroe Central Jan. 3 — at Bridgeport Jan. 7 — Magnolia Jan. 14 — at Shadyside Jan. 19 — at Bellaire, 1 p.m.

Jan. 21 — Shadyside Jan. 24 — at Linsly Jan. 28 — Frontier Jan. 31 — Waterford Feb. 4-9 — OVAC Tournament winter when she averaged 18.4 points per outing. She also surpassed the coveted 1,000-point plateau last season when she was also a District 12 honoree.

However, she does more than score as her 4.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists and three steals a game last season indicate.

“Signing early took a lot of pressure off of her,” Isaly noted. “A lot of pressure.

She just wanted to get that out of the way so she could concentrate on her senior season.”

When asked how good Flannery could be, Isaly smiled.

“As good as she wants to be,” he quickly answered.

“She’s a very good ballhandler. She sees the floor and she knows the game. She is tough to defend because if you play her close, she’ll beat you to the basket. But, if you play off of her she can beat you from the outside.

She also has a good pull-up jumper.”

During her sophomore season she scored 20 points per game and earned second team all-state honors, as well as all-OVAC and all-Eastern District.

T-L Photo/SETH STASKEY

PICTURED IS the 2018-19 River girls basketball team. Front row, from left, are Livi Rose, Carsyn Reynolds, Lauren Flannery and Riley Lollathin. Top row, from left, are Hannah Straub, Jonayah Moeller, Emily Smith and Candace Caldwell.

Reynolds, who has been slowed by injuries during her career, is healthy and Isaly said she is looking really good thus far.

“Carsyn played a lot of AAU ball over the summer.

She is in the best basketball shape she has been in,” he mentioned. “She hurt her ACL her freshman and sophomore seasons. Last year was her first full season and she played pretty well.

“She has developed into a good ballhandler. She can jump and she likes to block shots. I think her and Lauren can be a formidable 1-2 punch.”

Lollathin has worked her way into being an all-around player, according to Isaly.

“She is a scrappy player who has developed into

a better shooter from last year,” he said. “She has also improved her ballhandling skills. If other teams spend too much time focusing on Lauren, Riley is one of those girls we can go to on the offensive end. She is also a great defender.”

Caldwell will play a forward spot.

“Candace is a good shooter who really worked hard on improving her shot over the summer. She is already better than last year.”

Rose will be the first player off the bench for the Pilots.

“She can be a a good outside shooter,” isaly said.

“She is really working hard to improve her shot.”

See, PILOTS, Page 29

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BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 22

Shadyside boys looks for more scoring options

By SETH STASKEY

SHADYSIDE

Times Leader Sports Editor

HADYSIDE — It didn’t S take Ed Andes long to pinpoint an area in which his Shadyside basketball team needs to be better.

Last season en route to

a 7-17 record, the Tigers weren’t the most difficult team to defend because they didn’t have a lot of legitimate scoring options.

Andes, who is beginning his 22nd season at his alma mater, would like to look at his scorebook following a game and see as many players in double figures as possible. Should that happen, he believes the Tigers could have a bounce-back season.

“I am hoping we have

more guys who can score,” Andes said. “Most of the time, last season, we had two kids who did the bulk of the scoring and other teams could really key on them.

We’re hoping to get at least

BOYS Nov. 30 — Shenandoah Dec. 4 — Bridgeport Dec. 7 — at Linsly Dec. 11 — Cameron Dec. 15 — at Union Local Dec. 18 — Wheeling Central Dec. 21 — River Dec. 28 — at Bellaire Jan. 4 — Monroe Central Jan. 5 — at Martins Ferry, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 8 — at Shenandoah Jan. 12 — Bridgeport Jan. 15 — Union Local Jan. 18 — at Monroe Central Jan. 19 — Martins Ferry Jan. 22 — Linsly Jan. 25 — at River Jan. 29 — Bellaire Feb. 1 — at Cameron Feb. 5 — at Wheeling Central Feb. 12-16 — OVAC Tournament

PHOTO PROVIDED

PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Shadyside boys basketball team. Front row, from left, are Korey Beckett, Frank Ripoly, Collin Holmes, Quinn Berletch, Jordan Joseph, Parker Gibson, Nate Milhoan, Anthony Ditch, Doug Renshaw and Jacob James. Standing, from left, are Mason VanNest, Anthony Coggins, Jacob Visnic, Alec three or four legitimate scor- Shepherd, Bryce Amos, Kelly Hendershot, Nicholas Murphy and Eric Allen. ers this year because when that happens for us, we’re season ago, Andes actually which ended with a section- got better as the season went was the Tigers’ leading scorcouldn’t find much to be al-final loss to Hiland. along and won a tournament er. He’s now on the team at usually successful.”

“Overall, I really can’t game. A lot of things go into Wheeling Jesuit University.

Because they were offen- upset about as it pertained sively challenged at times a to the 2017-18 campaign, complain,” Andes said. “We determining success and you Helping the Tigers quest always have to be realistic.” for more scoring is the fact Gone from last year’s that they have more bodies

GOOD LUCK TIGERS! team is Josh Zandron, who

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BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 23

Shadyside girls return solid cast from 15-win season

By SETH STASKEY Times Leader Sports Editor

SHADYSIDE — As Serge Gentile took a minute to think back to the 201718 season, he found a lot of positives to accentuate.

The Lady Tigers qualified for the OVAC Class 2A Tournament, advanced to its title game and played in the sectional final.

But, advancing to the OVAC and sectional final just wasn’t enough for neither him nor his squad, which finished with a 15-9 record.

“We reached a lot of our goals, but we obviously came up with short on many others,” Gentile said. “All in all, it was a pretty good season and we gained some experience.”

With the new season upon them, the Lady Tigers have set their sights on taking the next stump or “getting over the hump,” if you will.

“We were close at times against a lot of good teams on our schedule, but we have to find a way to win those games and build on the experience we gained last year,” Gentile pointed out. “Whether it’s a possession here or there, we need to be able to do the little things that it takes to be successful.”

The nucleus for success is certainly in place for the Lady Tigers who lost just two players — Jess Cicogna and Haylee Gregan — to graduation.

However, both were starters for part of the season and played a key role.

“We have a good core back, but we also have some girls, who will need to play some key minutes for us, that are untested at this point,” Gentile said.

“But, they’re talented kids who have just kind of been waiting for their opportunity. I am anxious to see how they perform as they get that chance.”

SHADYSIDE

GIRLS Dec. 3 -- at Monroe Central Dec. 5 -- Wheeling Central Dec. 10 -- at Linsly Dec. 13 -- at Wheeling Central Dec. 17 -- Bridgeport Dec. 20 -- Linsly Dec. 27 -- Beallsville Dec. 29 -- Buckeye Trail (at Buckeye Local) Jan. 3 -- at Bellaire Jan. 5 -- at Martins Ferry, 3 p.m.

Jan. 7 -- at Steubenville Central Jan. 10 -- Monroe Central Jan. 12 -- Martins Ferry Jan. 14 -- River Jan. 17 -- Steubenville Catholic Jan. 21 -- at River Jan. 24 -- at Bridgeport Jan. 28 -- Bellaire Feb. 4-9 -- OVAC Tournament Seemingly a yearly concern for the Tigers is size — or a lack thereof. Since this year’s roster has no player standing taller than 5-ft-8, rebounding is a concern for Gentile. But, on the offensive end, expect more 3-pointers to be launched.

“The way we’re built (physically), we’re going to shoot the ball, but we also have girls who have a lot of time invested and are good shooters,” Gentile said. “When those shots aren’t going in, though, we will have to find a way to get some easy buckets and finish.”

Since they lack size, but boast athleticsm and pretty good foot speed, Gentile won’t hesitate to turn up the defensive pressure to try to get his team on the break more. He means both in the fullcourt and halfcourt.

“We want to make teams take shots they want to take,” Gentile said. “We can’t get overly aggressive to the point where we get out of position because we allowed far too many easy baskets last year. We need to be better defensively.

We’re going to pressure, but See, SHADYSIDE, Page 32

Photo/PAUL KRAJNYAK

PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Shadyside girls basketball team. Front row, from left, are Haleigh Osman, Jaycee Mayeres, Macy Coffland and Syd Destifanes. Middle row, from left, are Madisyn Stewart, Julie Hendershot and Brooke Selmon. Back row, from left, are head coach Serge Gentile, Paige Gorby, Mandy Doyno, Baylee Wach, Kamdyn Elerick, Tory Hendershot and assistant coach Brandon Parr.

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BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 24

Harrison boys primed for more success

By SETH STASKEY

Times Leader Sports Editor

CADIZ — Justin Clifford has learned a lot during his near decade tenure as the basketball coach at Harrison Central.

One thing that he had re-affirmed for him last season was always be ready for the unexpected.

And he was reminded of Photo/ANDREW GRIMM that in many different ways PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Harrison Central boys basketball team. Front row, from left, are Kobe Mitchell, during the course of the Tyler West, Joe Rogers, Caden Dalton, Gavin Muckle, Skylar Mazeroski and Garret Bossell. Back row, from 2017-18 campaign, which left, are assistant coach Chad Figurski, head coach Justin Clifford, Cale McAfee, Evan Stine, Sam Santille, saw the Huskies finish with Payton Taylor, assistant coaches Willy Walker and Jim Little. a solid 18-6 record, qualify for the OVAC Tournament and reach the Division II District tourney where they fell to eventual regional champion Meadowbrook.

While the on-court success was probably a little more than Clifford had expected last winter, there was more than that. During the course of the season, Clifwas diagnosed with GOOD LUCK HUSKIES! ford cancer, causing him to miss a handful of games and be unable to coach fully in SHURFAST some other games.

127 West Warren St. FOOD MART It actually seemed to Cadiz, OH 43907 serve as a rallying cry for the & SUDZEEZ Huskies.

740-942-2444 “Personally, (last season) was a whirlwind,” Clifford said. “You never expect to have cancer or anything like 217 E. Market St., Cadiz, OH M-F 8am - 5pm that. I am good now (health Now Accepting All Major Credit Cards wise) and I really think it made me, my family and our team stronger.”

Clifford, who still undergoes some treatment, tests and routine checkups, has been given a full go-ahead to coach the same as he had prior to the diagnosis last season.

2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! “Our kids really rallied around the entire situation, 51660 National Rd. W., St. Clairsville OH and I am proud of them 740-695-3501• Mon-Fri 7:30-5 Sat 8-1 Sun Closed for that,” Clifford said. “It 245 E. Market Street, Cadiz, OH 43907 could have been an easy out 740-942-2153 • Mon-Fri 8-6 • Sat 8-2 • Sun Closed to fold their tents as a built-

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BOYS Dec. 7 — Bellaire Dec. 11 — at Martins Ferry Dec. 14 — St. Clairsville Dec. 18 — at Union Local Dec. 22 — Linsly (at OUE) Dec. 28 — Indian Creek Jan. 5 — Minerva Jan. 8 — at Bellaire Jan. 11 — Martins Ferry Jan. 15 — at St. Clairsville Jan. 18 — Union Local Jan. 22 — Beaver Local Jan. 25 — at Edison Jan. 29 — Claymont Jan. 31 — at Buckeye Local Feb. 2 — Buckeye 8 Feb. 5 — East Liverpool Feb. 8 — at Indian Creek Feb. 12-15 — OVAC Tournament Feb. 19 — at Steubenville Central Feb. 23 — at Garaway

in excuse. But, instead of doing that, they roce to the occassion and maybe played better. It’s a tribute to our seniors, Coach (Chad) Figurski and our staff and our entire team for leading us on the court and in practice.”

The seniors lost to graduation include OVAC and District 5 All-Star Caden Arbaugh, who led the Huskies in a myriad of categories en route to numerous post-season accolades, Chance Hursey, DaJuan Caldwell and Gage Rapavi.

Even without those seniors, the Huskies cupboard isn’t bare. Actually, Clifford would like to think that his program has reached the point where the standard for success has been established.

“We talk every day about being one of those programs that people mention and the type of program other strive to be,” Clifford said. “These guys are going to be held See, HARRISON, Page 35

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 25

Harrison girls boast potential

By BUBBA KAPRAL Executive Sports Editor

CADIZ - Nick Yourkovich enters his 10th season at the Harrison Central girls’ hoop helm with a sense of optimism.

“I believe that this team has the potential to be pretty darn good, but in order to do that, we need everyone on the roster to get after it in practice every single day,” Yourkovich said. “We have talent, but we are also inexperienced in some key areas. With that being said, I think that we can address those weaknesses in practice, and our hope is, that we can improve upon those as the season progresses.”

The Lady Huskies, coming off a 10-13 campaign, boast a nice mixture of experience and youth.

Four battle-tested sef niors will provide leadere ship and skill this winter for d Yourkovich. r Sydney Starr enjoyed a - solid junior campaign. The r 5-9 forward averaged 14 n points and 10 rebounds a game. She is primed for a - strong final campaign. d “We have challenged Syd n to be more assertive on the - court, both with her play and - as a leader,” Yourkovich s said. “She has stepped up , her level of play from last n year, and we are going to need her to be a force each - and every game.” d Yourkovich has a nice sitd uation in the backcourt with s a trio of seniors ready for e regular duty. They are 5-4 d Lexee McAfee, 5-5 Marina - Miller and 5-6 Jara Madzia.

“Lex has put in countless t hours in the gym since the s end of last season. She has e stepped up as a leader and e is truly showing our younge er girls the way we expect d them to work,” the former Martins Ferry High athletic

HARRISON

GIRLS Dec. 3 -- St. Clairsville Dec. 6 -- at Union Local Dec. 10 -- at Steubenville Dec. 15 -- at Fort Frye Dec. 17 -- Bellaire Dec. 19 -- Indian Creek Dec. 27 -- Martins Ferry Jan. 3 -- Union Local Jan. 5 -- East Liverpool, noon Jan. 7 -- Linsly Jan. 10 -- at Martins Ferry Jan. 14 -- at Bellaire Jan. 16 -- at St. Clairsvlle Jan. 21 -- Steubenville Jan. 24 -- Buckeye Local Jan. 26 --Buckeye 8 Championship Jan. 28 -- at Beaver Local Feb. 4-9 -- OVAC Tournament Feb. 15 -- Malvern great noted. “Lex has really improved her offensive game, including her accuracy from the outside.

“Marina has the tools to be a very good player for us.

Her court vision is tremendous and she has really improved her outside game,” he added. “ Jara is one of our most versatile players.

She has good length, is very athletic, handles the ball well and is our best passer.

She will be counted on to do a lot of things that may go unnoticed by the casual fan, but will be very important in our success.”

Two juniors — Lexi Carter and Kobey Johnson — play big into the Lady Huskies’ plans this winter. Both are 5-5 guards.

“Kobey is back after a year’s absence from basketball, and I couldn’t be happier to have her. She is our best defender and is just tenacious when she is on the floor. She has one speed, and it is full throttle,” Yourkovich said. “Lexi is someone we will rely on to help with ball-handling duties and, hopefully, develop See, HUSKIES, Page 35

Photo/ANDREW GRIMM

PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Harrison Central girls basketball team. Front row, from left, are Sydney Starr, Jara Madzia, Lexee McAfee and Marina Miller. Middle row, from left, are Kobey Johnson, Britton Positano, Tory Thompson, Catlina Sierra, Kylie Stull and assistant coach Chace Smith. Back, from left, Back row, from left, are head coach Nick Yourkovich, Lexi Carter, Audrey Corder, Thea Haney, McKayla Dunkle, Taylor Mencer, Maggie Goudy and assistant coach Mike Angelozzi.

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BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 26

Ferry welcomes back experienced group

By BUBBA KAPRAL Executive Sports Editor

MARTINS FERRY It’s never easy replacing a coaching legend. Derek Edwards, however, has done a superb job in that realm.

Edwards enters his third year as head coach at Martins Ferry. He took the reins from Jeff Sabatino, who guided the Purple Riders for a quarter of a century, amassing some 400 wins to go with four regional berths.

Edwards has seen both ends of the coaching spectrum in just two seasons as the head man.

In his inaugural season at the Purple Riders’ helm, the former all-Ohio point guard guided his alma mater to a sparkling 21-3 record and an OVAC championship. In the process, Edwards was named Ohio AP Division III Coach of the Year.

Last winter, however, Edwards faced the ultimate rebuilding job as his squad

featured no returning lettermen. That lack of experience reared its ugly head early on as Ferry stumbled out of the gates, losing five of their first six starts. As the season progressed, so did the Purple success as they won eight of their final 15 games.

Inexperience is no longer an issue. Ferry boasts a host of battle-tested performers despite still featuring a relatively young roster, one that has just two seniors.

Graduation claimed just

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two players. Gone are forward RayQuan Prayear and Marcus Clark.

“RayQuan and Marcus were two very dedicated players,” Edwards said.

“They played hard and helped to hold us together during our slow start.”

Edwards is excited for his third season.

“I am always optimistic.

I am never negative. The bigger difference this year is now we know better who we are. It took some time to figure that out,” Edwards said.

“We want to take another step this year. We want to get better a little bit every day.”

Due to football playoff action, Ferry’s first two games with Bellaire and St. Clairsville have been pushed back.

Consequently, the Riders will launch their campaign Dec. 7 against Union Local.

All five starters and six total lettermen return.

The two seniors are DeAndre Pugh and Donovan Shrodes. Both mean a lot to this year’s team success.

Pugh is a 6-5, 310-pound post. He enjoyed a solid junior campaign.

“DeAndre is a load. He is working hard to get in shape.

He is a double-double waiting to happen,” Edwards said. “DeAndre is an impact player on both ends of the floor. He really finished last season strong.”

Shrodes is a 5-11 swingman. He is coming off a excellent football campaign.

“Donovan is a hard-working young man. He has dedicated himself to the gym the last few years,” Edwards noted. “Donovan has developed not just into a good shooter but rather a good allaround basketball player.”

A pair of rising 5-11 juniors — Cody Olson and Dasyn Hores - will handle the backcourt duties.

“Cody is our type of player. He has a lot of toughness.

Cody brings it on both ends of the floor. We want him to look more for his shots this year,” Edwards said. “Dasyn is a very athletic player. He is a hard-nosed kid and is

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MARTINS FERRY

BOYS Dec. 7 — at Union Local Dec. 11 — Harrison Central Dec. 14 — Wheeling Park (at WesBanco Arena) Dec. 15 — at Bellaire Dec. 19 — at Linsly Dec. 21 — Indian Creek Dec. 28 — at Steubenville Jan. 4 — at St. Clairsville Jan. 5 — Shadyside Jan. 8 — Union Local Jan. 11 — at Harrison Central Jan. 15 — Bellaire Jan. 18 — Steubenville Jan. 19 — at Shadyside Jan. 22 — at River Jan. 25 — at Buckeye Local Jan. 30 — St. Clairsville Feb. 2 — Buckeye 8 at St. Clairsville Feb. 5 — at Indian Creek Feb. 8 — Barnesville Feb. 12-16 — OVAC Tournament very talented in transition.”

The fifth returning starter is Logan Smith. He is a 6-6 sophomore with a high ceiling. Smith can play inside or out.

“I look for Logan to take a major stride, not step this year. He is a tremendous talent,” Edward noted. “He has spent a lot of time in the gym working on his game.

He is a very physical player and very coachable.”

Rounding out the letter-winning list is Reuben Hilson. He is a cat-quick 5-9 sophomore.

“The thing I love most about Reuben’s game is his tenacity. He really gets after it,” Edwards said. “Reuben has spent time in the weightroom and the gym to improve his game. We expect big things from him this season.”

Elijah Smith is in the hunt for quality time. He is a talented 5-10 sophomore.

“Elijah got thrown into the fire last year. He showed he could play,” Edward said. “He knows his role and is one of our smartest players.”

See, FERRY, Page 34

6

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 27

Martins Ferry girls boast strong junior class

By KIM NORTH Times Leader Sports Writer

MARTINS FERRY — Paul Matuska is in his second year as head coach at Martins Ferry, and for the second consecutive season, the Purple Riders will have not one senior on the court.

However, that suits him just fine.

“We didn’t lose anyone that saw action a year ago.

We had a senior in Sierra Pintarich, but she had a knee injury and didn’t play. Last year the sophomores were our starters because the transfers we had were ineligible for the first semester, so some of the young girls were kind of thrown into the fire,” he explained.

“Our expectations are the same as last season ... to get a lot better. Although, I believe we are at a better point and starting in a better place,” he added. “The girls are a year older. They are a year stronger. They are doing more things right.

MARTINS FERRY

GIRLS Dec. 3 — Bellaire Dec. 6 — at St. Clairsville Dec. 8 — Indian Creek, 3 p.m.

Dec. 10 — Union Local Dec. 17 — River Dec. 20 — at Bellaire Dec. 22 — at Bridgeport, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 — at Harrison Central Jan. 3 — St. Clairsville Jan. 5 — Shadyside, 3 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Union Local Jan. 10 — Harrison Central Jan. 12 — at Shadyside Jan. 14 — Bridgeport Jan. 16 — at Buckeye Local Jan. 26 — Buckeye 8 Jan. 28 — at Edison Feb. 4-7 — OVAC Tournament Feb. 24 — Buckeye Local

We’ve had a pretty good beginning of the year and the girls worked really hard during the summer, so I think we’ll be alright.”

Matuska hopes those growing pains from a season ago will be a good experience heading into this season.

“Use those growing pains from last year to our advantage this season,” he said.

“We knew going into last season that we were going to have some growing pains.

This year, however, we are looking to grow more as a team.”

Martins Ferry has six letterwinners in the fold, with some of them having earned two letters in their short careers.

“We have everybody back, essentially. We had a couple of players that transferred here last year and played in the second semester when they became eligible, but they didn’t come back,” he continued. “ All six of the returnees reside in the talent-ladened junior class. They are leading scorer from a year ago, Madison Ging (5-5); leading rebounder and second leading scorer, Richella Spielvogel (5-10); the sweet-shooting tandem Shayla Schuster (5-5) and Jaden Stalder (56); defensive-minded Sidne

Sidon (5-2); and athletic Haleigh Boyer (5-6).

“My junior class is a really special group to me because of what we went through last year. We had some rough bumps and they stuck with it. They worked hard and have great attitudes,” Matuska praised.

“There is some talent there, too. They are a close-knit group and are good kids in general.”

Ging came into her own a year ago as she averaged

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to the basket.”

Possibly the Purple Riders most improved player last year was Spielvogel, who turned into a double-double machine in points and rebounds on a nightly basis.

Her length also allows her to be a shot-blocking force.

“Richella can be very strong. She spent a lot of time in the weightroom over the summer and the fall,” Matuska noted. “She has

GOOD LUCK LADY RIDERS!

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PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Martins Ferry girls basketball team. Front row, from left, are Carly Marchbank, Sidne Sidon, Maddie Ging, Shayla Schuster and Jaden Stalder. Second row, from left, are Joceltn Donahue, Hunter Pollock, Eve Agnew, Macie Ging and Lauren McFarland. Back row, from left, are Alivia Matz, Haleigh Boyer, Richella Spielvogel, Maria Clark, Allarah Jones and Head Coach Paul Matuska.

a team-best 14 points while Schuster was sidelined with a foot injury. Ging also charted 51 rebounds and 38 steals. She is also a 60-percent shooter from the charity stripe. She was also recognized by the Buckeye 8, OVAC and District 12.

“Madison can do a lot of things on the court. She was our leading scorer last year and played a big role in our offense,” Matuska said. “She is a good outside shooter, but can also take it

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BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Well-traveled Meister takes over Trail boys program

By DONNIE YEAGER JR. For The Times Leader

OLD WASHINGTON —

The Buckeye Trail boys basketball team will have a fresh face on the sidelines this season following a 1013 campaign that saw the Warriors go 5-7 in the Inter-Valley Conference last season.

Drew Meister takes over the reins at Buckeye Trail most with a career record of 114-98 after stints with Lakewood, Chillicothe, Canton South and Newark Catholic.

The new Warriors’ boss is no stranger to success with a state runner-up finish under his belt, at Newark Catholic.

He brings experience and fair expectations to the East Guernsey County school.

“Anytime you have transition, your main focus point is to insert your core values of the program,” stated Meister.

“We want championship effort, unity and leadership. I think those are pretty good ingredients for a winning formula.”

Meister added, “from an X’s and O’s and schemes standpoint, I feel like we

BUCKEYE TRAIL

BOYS Nov. 30 — at Barnesville Dec. 7 — Conotton Valley Dec. 8 — Shenandoah Dec. 14 — Indian Valley Dec. 18 — at Hiland Dec. 21 — at Ridgewood Dec. 28 — at Garaway Jan. 4 — at Newcomerstown Jan. 8 — Claymont Jan. 11 — Barnesville Jan. 18 — at Shenandoah Jan. 22 — at Conotton Valley Jan. 25 — at Indian Valley Jan. 29 — Hiland Jan. 30 — at Union Local Feb. 1 — Ridgewood Feb. 5 — Garaway Feb. 8 — Newcomerstown Feb. 12 — Claymont Feb. 16 — IVC Showcase

can add some pressure to our defensive principle with this current group and build off of some of the motion principles that have been a long standing tradition with the program prior to my taking over.

Those are the key expectations.”

The Warriors have three starters currently in place with a trio of senior guards set to be on the floor at tipoff. They are Brandon Barnett (6-1), Zach Grafton (5-11) and Dylan Beaver (6-2).

“Barnett is a versatile

lead guard we are looking for him to improve his passing, while Grafton is an experienced combo guard and leads by example,” observed Meister.

“Beaver is a utility scorer with range and can guard every position.”

The rest of the lineup is in flux.

Vying for the remaining spots are seniors Logan McVicker (5-10 guard), who Meister described as athletic and is coming off of an injury last season and Brandon Rominger (6-2 forward) who Meister said brings rebounding toughness; junior Jack Parry (6-1 forward) was said to have seen his role grow late last season, while sophomore Caden Burga (5-11 guard) has “shown ability to provide scoring from beyond the threepoint arch,” per Meister.

Rounding out the varsity lineup are: senior forward Landom Bamfield (6-2), junior forwards Isaac Hickman (6-2) and Ronnie Rominger (6-1), sophomore guard Connor Puskarich (6-1) and frosh guard Franko Rome (5-6).

Platooning for the varsity and JV squad will be Hickman, Rominger, Puskarich, and Rome.

They will be joined on the junior varsity by junior forwards Noah Castello (6-1) and Lincoln Williams (6-2), sophomore guards John Berger (6-2) and Jacob Fannin (6-0), freshman forwards Joseph Martin (6-2) and Creed Jones (6-0) and freshman guards Will Rome (5-6), Brayden Walter (5-7) and Aiden Snodgrass (5-10).

Coaching the junior Warriors are Gary Chumney, Tim Leppla and T.S. McVicker, who also complete Meister’s coaching staff.

Chumney spent two seasons as the head coach of the Warriors and directed them to the OVAC Class 3A Championship game in 2017 where they lost to Martins Ferry.

“We compete in a very tough league in the IVC which boasts a strong basketball tradition, and we believe Buckeye Trail basketball will prove to be a good fit in the years to come,” noted Meister.

“Buckeye Trail is also a league member of the OVAC and will have seven games against OVAC opponents this season.”

John Rome rounds out the Warriors’ coaching staff.

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• Dogs Continued from Page 18 Cash said Ray and Stark need to be the team leaders.

“For those two, this is it.

They don’t have an extra season,” he stressed. “They haven’t been team leaders so to say, but they need to step it up this year and fill that role.”

The athletic Gregorcic is the tallest player on the roster.

“Dylan stepped in really late in the year last season and helped us out. I think he may have started 2-3 games,” Cash said. “He hit the game-winner at Barnesville for us and we’re looking for him to get bigger this season. He’ll have to do a good job on the boards because he is one of our tallest players at 6-1.

“He can step out and shoot the ball, but he can put it on the floor and go to the basket, as well. We’re looking for him to expand his role and develop his outside shooting a little more.”

Also being counted on is junior P.J. Sauvageot (5-9).

“He has stepped up really well. He is coming off a wrist injury, but he is healthy,” Cash added. “P.J. had a good summer. “He, like the sophomores, needs to adapt to the high school game at the varsity level because the JV level is totally different.

“He’s a talker. He hustles and does the little things that don’t show up in the boxscores.”

In addition to Gregorcic, Cash is real high on his sophomore group.

“The sophomores have done a good job of listening in practice and doing what we are trying to teach them,” he continued. “They’ve had good attitudes and everything, which is a plus, but until the lights come on and we get out there and play to see how they react, we don’t know.”

The sophomore class is comprised of Cooper Dulesky (5-9), Adam Sommer

(5-7), Eric Williams (5-9), Riese O’Kernick (6-0), J. B. Marling (6-2) and Timmy Stanton (5-8).

“He is fighting for a starting spot,” Cash said of Dulesky. “He had a really good summer and has really worked on his game. He has to work on his skills more, such as ballhandling and shooting.

“Another hustler. I’ve been pleased with what I’ve seen out of him,” Cash said of Eric Williams.

“Adam is another guy that hustles all the time.”

According to Cash, the sophomores had a good season last year as freshmen.

They were 7-3.

Rounding out the roster are seniors Jacob Waterman (5-7), Riccardo Mainetti (60) and Ryan Stewart (5-8); juniors Jera Massey (6-1) and Kyle Gummer (5-10); and freshman Kayden Williams (6-1).

“We did okay in our first scrimmage(s), but we have to get out there and continue to get in as much work as we can.

“I’ve been stressing to each player to just contribute in the best way they can.

Not everybody has to be a scorer, but be a rebounder or play defense or take care of the ball. I’ve been satisfied with their efforts so far.

“Overall, it’s been good attitudes.”

Cash said everyone on the team must define his role.

“Until we identify our roles and everything, these kids, especially, the underclassmen, need to keep improving on what they need to work on. If we need a guy to be a defender, be a defender. If we need a guy to be a rebounder, be a rebounder.

Certain players will have certain roles. With not putting limits on what they can and can’t do as coaches, they have to work on their allaround games.

He was quick to detail the See, DOGS, Page 29

8

, . y

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Buckeye Trail girls look to continue to make progress

a By DONNIE YEAGER JR. f For The Times Leader y y OLD WASHINGTON — s Buckeye Trail put together , quite a season last year bed fore bowing out to Hiland in the district tournament. The e Lady Warriors managed to e make the OVAC tournad ment and compiled a 17-6 record on the season. t Trail, however, lost four seniors from that team, but e head coach Chris Starr re- mains optimistic headed . into the 2018-19 season.

“Our expectations every r year are to progress and get n better We lost four seniors - who played a lot,” noted ; Starr. “We have two return) ing lettermen, who played ; quite a bit. We have some - young girls who are going to play. They are going to be t pretty decent, they are athe letic. We expect to be pretty e solid and we always expect e to win more than we lose.”

Gone to graduation are o All-OVAC first teamer and - 1000-point scorer Jenni . a r f Continued from Page 21 d Senior Hanna Straub (55) lettered last year and will d provide the Pilots with some depth at the guard position.. e “She is another really good outside shooter,” Isaly r said. e o Continued from Page 28 o team strength.

- “Quickness will be our a main strength,” Cash not. ed. “We must be disciplined e when it comes to defense.

- We have some guys that n want to reach and foul and y do the little things that don’t - make you a good defender.

“We shoot the ball pretty e well from the outside, but once again the lights aren’t

• Pilots

BUCKEYE TRAIL

Carmichael from the post, point guard Hannah Smith, who collected All-OVAC second team honors, and guards Amber Colvin and Ally McVicker.

While Trail has nary a senior on its roster, the cup-

board is far from bare for Starr’s charges. Sophomore point guard Ashley Wheeler (5-6) started as a freshman and will do the same this season.

“Ashley made us better last year,” observed Starr.

“We are expecting a lot out of her. We probably need some more scoring out of her but she is capable of doing that.”

Sam Canner (6-1) is the other returning starter and will play in the post.

The junior garnered first team all-OVAC honors last season.

“Sam Canner is getting some looks from some schools. She is a tall kid who can jump really well. She blocked a lot of shots last year and we are hoping to get a lot out of her last year,” Starr stated. “Her freshman year was the first year she really played and she progressed a lot last year. We are expecting a lot out of her this year.”

Juniors Katie Clipner (5-

8) and Kiley Wayble (5-6) will start on the wings for Trail, while classmate Rylie Smith (5-7) rounds out the starting line up as the other post.

Also competing for playing time at the varsity level will be junior wing Emma Rome (5-6),junior Jolye Wilds (5-6) who will seek time on the inside and outside and junior Brook Baird (5-7) who is currently recovering from knee surgery, but is expected to be in the mix to start once she recovers.

The junior varsity squad will consist of sophomore Jolee Smith (5-7) and freshmen Abby Wayble (5-4) Izzy Gray ( 5-8) Sydney Beaver (5-7) KaceyHastings (5-7).

“We are hoping to be competitive and play hard,” stated Starr in closing. “We have a lot of girls to play who are athletic and we are hoping to have a good year.”

Starr is assisted by Mike Smith.

Junior Alli Long (5-10) has started every game of her career, but has been slowed some this preseason with a back injury.

“She’s a very physical player inside,” Isaly said.

“She has been limited in practice and we’re bringing her along slowly, but she can be a double-double (points-rebounds) machine.”

Rounding out the varsity

roster are junior Makenzie Cieszewski (5-9); sophomores Emile Smith (5-9) and Jonayah Moeller (5-6); and freshman Raylee Smith (5-11).

on the there aren’t people in the stands, so we’ll have to see what happens when that time comes.

“Rebounding will be our biggest weakness,” he admitted. “We don’t have a kid over 6-2, so we’ll have to work our butts off on the boards to just get a rebound.

This is the smallest team I’ve had since I’ve been

here.

Bellaire and St. John Central are both back on the Bulldogs schedule after a couple of year’s absence.

They are scheduled for two games each and replace Frontier and Madonna.

Bridgeport, which opens tonight against Monroe Central, will once again be in Division III when tourna-

ment time rolls around.

“I’m waiting to see how we react when something goes wrong,” he said. “Are the kids going to say, ‘here we go again’ or are they going to be mentally strong enough to say let’s go and get better?”

Cash is joined by Jim Murad as varsity assistant and JV coach.

GIRLS NDec. 3 — at Barnesville Dec. 5 —Shenandoah Dec. 8 — Newcomerstown Dec. 12 — at Indian Valley Dec. 15 — Hiland, 1 p.m.

Dec. 19 — at Claymont Dec. 22 — at Ridgewood Dec. 27 — Barnesville Dec. 29 — Shadyside (at Buckeye Local) Jan. 2 — Garaway Jan. 10 — at Conotton Valley Jan. 17 — at Shenandoah Jan. 19 — at Newcomerstown Jan. 23 — Indian Valley Jan. 30 — Claymont Feb. 2 — Ridgewood Feb. 4-9 — OVAC Tournament Feb. 5 — at Hiland, 1 p.m.

Feb. 6 — at Garaway Feb. 9 — IVC Showcase

See, PILOTS, Page 33

• Dogs

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 29

• Bulldogs Continued from Page 19 the boards and with some more scoring this season.

“Jaren really improved as the year went on last year. A lot of what we are going to expect from her this season is to take that next step in, basically, every aspect of the game,” Harkness added. “We’ll need her to handle the ball some.

We’ll need her to make some outside shots.

“Defensively, we always expect everyone to play tough defense, but she’s capable of shutting down opponents.”

Tucker averaged a little under 7 points per contest as a sophomore.

Two seniors, a pair of juniors and a sophomore will round out the varsity portion of the roster.

The seniors are guard Lauren White (5-5) and forward Brooke Corrick (5-6).

“Lauren can help with ballhandling and she plays pretty good defense,” Harkness noted. “She’s streaky, but she can hit an outside shot.

“Brooke does all the little things,” he added. “She likes a glue player. She gets on the floor for loose balls. She rebounds and we’re going to need her to score a little more.

“We have four seniors that have, basically, been with the program for going on four years now. Only one of those has ever started a game going into this year, yet there are four of them still there. I think that says a lot about their character. In today’s microwave society where it is instant gratification, if you don’t play as a freshman, a lot of times you quit or go somewhere else where you can play.

“Those four have all bought into the system and waited their turns,” he continued. “Now it’s their time to get equal minutes. That says something about their character, and hopefully it says something about our program and how we great the girls right until its time for varsity action.”

Kayleigh Roberts (5-6) and Jessa Stockwell (5-6) are a guard and forward, respectively, while sophomore Meleah Tiber (5-5) is listed as a guard.

“Kayleigh broke her foot her freshman year and missed the whole year. Last year was get back into basketball mode. She can make an outside shot, so that will help us.

She’s getting some of her quickness back, but she’ll probably never get it all back.

“Meleah is good in the open court. She just needs come experience and confidence. Jessa will give us some minutes underneath and she can hit some shots. She’s under-sized, but she’s not afraid to go in there and throw her body around.”

There is one other senior, that being foreign exchange student Justine Feuillen (6-3). She hails from Belgium.

“She’s kind of a wild card,” he admitted. “She’s 6-3, but basketball has a lot of little nuances that you have to learn.

I don’t know to what extent her basketball level is, but you can’t coach 6-3.

“We’re hoping we can ease her in during some JV games just to let her learn the game,” he explained. “Hopefully, at the end of the regular season she will be able to contribute and help us.”

Ticketed for JV action are juniors Maura Tiber (5-0) and Jaida Kusic (5-6), along with freshmen Riley Bell (5-9), Hayley Conaway (5-5), Hallee Lewis (5-6), Bailey Dyson (5-7) and Hailee Aubrey (5-4).

The Bulldogs will play the same exact schedule as last season, with one exception. They will meet Beallsville during the Wheeling Hospital Women’s Health event at Buckeye Local.

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 30

Ryan Clifford takes over for his dad at St.

By SETH STASKEY

Times Leader Sports Editor

T. CLAIRSVILLE — S Ryan Clifford knows exactly what it takes to build, maintain and run a highly successful basketball program.

After all, he grew up — literally as a man and figuratively as a coach — under Kim Clifford, who retired in April after 27 seasons and 371 victories at St. Clairsville High School.

But, even with the experience and knowledge, being in charge of a program for the first time has proven to be an adjustment still.

“My dad did a really good job of preparing me for this situation, but until you’re actually the (head coach) and every answer is expected from you, you don’t really realize how much beyond the actual basketball goes on,” Ryan Clifford said. “As the assistant coach, you’re

ST. CLAIRSVILLE

BOYS Dec. 4 — at Martins Ferry, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 7 — Brooke Dec. 11 — Union Local Dec. 14 - at Harrison Central Dec. 15 — Barnesville Dec. 18 — Bellaire Dec. 22 — Philo (at OUE), 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 28 — at Park, 5:45 p.m.

Jan. 2 — at Wheeling CC, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 4 — Martins Ferry Jan. 8 — Indian Creek Jan. 11 — at Union Local Jan. 15 — Harrison Central Jan. 18 — at Bellaire Jan. 22 — Steubenville Jan. 26 — at Steubenville Central Jan. 29 — River Feb. 2 — Buckeye 8 Championship Feb. 8 — at John Marshall, 5:45 p.m.

Feb. 12-16 — OVAC Tournament Feb. 19 — at Indian Creek able to just focus on the basketball part of things. Moving down the bench just one seat is still an entirely different animal.”

On top of the foundation

T-L Photo/SETH STASKEY

PICTURED IS the 2018-19 St. Clairsville boys basketball team. Front row, from left, are Matt Busby, Nate Harris, Broc Crist and Cade Wolfe. Standing, from left, are Brett Vike, David Lane, Craig Bober, Greg Norman and Will Balgo. that his father built for the in which the cupboard is opening round of the Diviprogram and instilled in his far from bare after a 13-10 sion II sectional at the hands son, Ryan takes over a team campaign that ended in the of Indian Creek.

“I knew, whenever my

dad decided to retire, he was not going to leave (the pro-

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gram) in a bad situation for whoever the next (coach) was,” Ryan said. “The group of kids we have makes this season even more exciting.”

Though much of what

the Red Devils look to accomplish this season will be predicated on many of the same principles that Kim Clifford utilized, Ryan admitted that there will be some subtle changes.

“We’ll probably be a

little bit more multiple on defense than we’ve been in the past,” Ryan said. “There was a point in time when the ‘Z’ word (zone) was not allowed to be used in our house. It was like a swear word. A lot of things will be the same because we’ll still use motion offense, play with pace and try to get up and down.”

Ryan also, jokingly,

pointed out that his demeanor on the sideline will be different than his father’s.

“I am definitely more

active on the sideline,” Ryan laughed. “There will be times when I might be

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The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 31

St. Clairsville girls trying to find inside presence

By KIM NORTH

Times Leader Sports Writer

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — As Stacey Agnew enters his fourth season as the head coach of the St. Clairsville girls’ basketball team, he came up with a unique way in describing his team for the 2018-19 season.

“We’re like a donut. We have four or five good perimeter shooters, but right now we have a hole in the middle,” he acknowledged.

Much of that is due to the loss of Katie Bradshaw and Ari Reager to graduation.

Both were forces on the inside last winter.

“They both battled back from some nagging injuries to receive post-season honors,” Agnew said. “Ari was second team all-district and Katie was honorable mention. They are a big loss for us inside.”

St. Clairsville has 17 players on the roster this season.

“Our numbers were up a little more last year, but

ST. CLAIRSVILLE

GIRLS Dec. 3 — at Harrison Central Dec. 6 — Martins Ferry Dec. 8 — Monroe Central, 1 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Bellaire Dec. 17 — Union Local Dec. 19 — Cambridge Dec. 27 — at Indian Creek Dec. 29 — John Marshall (at Buckeye Local), 4:15 p.m.

Jan. 3 — at Martins Ferry, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 7 — Bellaire Jan. 10 — Barnesville Jan. 14 — at Union Local Jan. 16 — Harrison Central Jan. 21 — at Fort Frye Jan. 23 — at Brooke, 5:45 p.m.

Jan. 26 — Buckeye 8 Jan. 28 — at Steubenville Jan. 31 — Buckeye Local Feb. 4-9 — OVAC Tournament we’ve got a nice quality of girls out this season,” he said.

The Red Devils do return five letterwinners from last season.

Leading that group are returning starters in seniors Maria Vincenzo (5-4) and Rileigh Simpson (5-6), and

junior Keri Klinkoski (5-8).

Junior Katie Strama (5-7) and sophomore Macy Malin (5-6) round out the group.

“Maria is a 4-year starter at point guard for us,”Agnew said. “She came on really good at the end of last year, so we’re hoping that carries over to this season. She’s our primary ballhandler, but we’re also looking for her to do some more scoring. She’s a very good shooter from behind the three-point line. She’s streaky, but when she’s hot, she’s hot. She’s also a great defender.

“Rileigh will be a 3-year starter. We’re looking for her to up her scoring a little more this year. She’s also a great defender,” he noted.

Klinkoski is the tallest Red Devil.

“Keri was our most improved player last year. She worked really hard,” the coach continued. “She can drive to the bucket and use either hand. She also has three-point range.”

Strama also battled in-

juries last year, but played well when healthy.

“Great athlete. She always goes one speed and that is fast, but she needs to slow down a little and let her talent and mind get on the same level,” Agnew said. “She’s an explosive offensive player.”

Malin is the lone sophomore on the roster.

“Macy may move to the point this season,” Agnew allowed. “She could do a lot of the ballhandling and

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can shoot the three, so we should have better scoring overall. We won’t be as strong inside, but our outside game should be pretty good.”

Other members of the varsity squad are senior Kassidy Stephens (5-7); juniors Olivia Robinson (5-5), Emily Vera (5-5) and Emma Haley (5-10); and freshmen Shae Brookover (5-5) and Alexis Thoburn (5-7). Vera is sidelined with an injury

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PICTURED IS the 2018-19 St. Clairsville girls basketball team. Front row, from left, are Macy Malin, Maria Vincenzo, Rileigh Simpson, Kassidy Stephens and Alexis Thoburn. Middle row, from left, are Mylie Gardner, Shae Brookover, Olivia Robinson, Annie Stroud and Kadaira Fordyce. Back row, from left, are Destiny Heatherington, Katie Strama, Emma Haley, Daishanay Easter, Keri Klinkoski and Sydney Miller. Not pictured is Dekotah Namack.

allow maria to get open for her shots. She had a good summer. She is capable of shooting from the outside, but she can also take it to the hole. Another very good defender.”

Agnew said he wants to up the tempo a little more this season due to the lack of height.

“We’re going to get out and press. We’re going to open it up on offense,” he said. “I think we have three, four maybe five girls that

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BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 32

• Returns

Continued from Page 7 to the basket.”

Junior Mason Kelly (5 10) will in the opening-high lineup for the Irish. However, because he didn’t arrive at SJC before the OHSAA’s policy change on transfer sitout, he will not play in the second 11 games of the campaign.

“Mason can flat out shoot the ball,” Swartz said. “He’s moves without the ball well and he can also drive to the basket.”

Senior Nick DiLorreta (59) is also an adept 3-point shooter and his head coach says he’s “a good, on-court leader.”

Freshman Aiden Parr (53) is a scrappy, quick player who will be one of the Irish’s top defenders, according to Swartz.

Freshman C.J. Fouty (57) rounds out what’s expectT-L Photo/BUBBA KAPRAL ed to be the lineup for the PICTURED IS the 2018-19 St. John Central boys basketball team. From left are players Matt Fouty, Mason Irish when they play host to Kelly, C.J. Fouty, Aiden Parr, Jacob Powell, Nick DiLoretta and Mikey Shaheen. Back row is coach Dr. Doug Beallsville on Dec. 4.

Freshman Jacob Powell

Swartz.

• Shadyside

• SJC Continued from Page 7 pressed toward last Friday’s opener at Beallsville.

“Depth is a major con cern and some of the things we’ve been able to do in the past, like play pressure defense, can’t happen because of our numbers,” Kapral said.

“Though the learning curve is steep for some of our younger kids, this is a fun bunch to coach. I think, in time, a lot of these girls will become solid contributors.”

The Irish and Kapral do boast one of the area’s premier players in senior Kaylin Nixon, who is coming off a brilliant junior season.

Nixon was named thirdteam all-Ohio after she posted 19.1 points and 11.1 rebounds a game. She was named all-Eastern District, all-OVAC and all-District 12 to go along with her state honor.

(5-8), who Swartz said is a “decent spot up shooter” will be in the sixth-man role.

The Irish will be without the services of junior Mikey Shaheen (6-0) for the first 11 games after he transferred to St. John in the spring prior to the OHSAA’s vote that calls for transfers — without an exception — to sit out the second half of the season and tournament. He played at St. Clairsville last season.

“Mikey is one of our most skilled players,” Swartz said. “He can finish around the rim and he’s a good, three-point shooter.”

The Irish remain in eligible for the OHSAA post-season tournament, but they will line up against a formidable 22-game slate and take part in two events — one at Marietta College and one at West Muskingum.

Swartz has no assistant

coach. He’s hopeful to have one place for next season.

Continued from Page 23 f

“We moved Kaylin to

point guard late last season and she really handled it well,” Kapral said. “She’s a very good player who can score inside and outside. I believe she can be a Division II college player.”

Moving back to the pe rimeter after playing in the paint last season will be sophomore Jayden Lowe (57). She’s coming off a solid fres hman campaign.

“She has really blossomed since we moved her to twoguard,” Kapral said. “She has a high ceiling. Her shot has really improved. Jayden plays extremely hard.”

Seniors Shay Horvath (57) and Julie Schlanz (5-9) will take on expanded roles as starters this season. Schlanz was the Irish’s sixth player last winter.

“Shay is a returning starter and a real good shooter

and Julie, being the daughter of coaches, is very fundamental, and is becoming more physical.

“They both are much better, but both are really in their second year of (playing) basketball. We need them to be more offensive minded.”

From there, however, Kapral could be mixing and matching.

“I think players five

through eight are the big keys,” Kapral said. “We have to be able to play aggressively, but stay out of foul trouble because issues can surface if we have to go too deep.”

Letter-winning

sophomore Danielle Yaegal (5-7) is expected to be the fifth starter.

Rounding out the rota tion are sophomore Kaylee Bryant (5-8), freshmen Sadie Watts (5-6) and Alexis

Stewart (5-4).

Because the Irish won’t

be using much — if any — pressure defense, they’ll turn to half-court man and sprinkle in zone.

“Our basic defense will

be man, but if we have to go too deep on the bench, we’ll play some zone,” Kapral said. “Offensively, we have to be able to put Kaylin in a position to score because we realize she’ll be the focus of all opposing defenses and may see some junk defenses.”

St. John Central has welcomed back some old faces to its schedule. Barnesville is back on the slate for a pair of games after a several-year absence. Shenandoah returns for a single game and the Irish will also take on West Muskingum in the first meeting of the two programs.

Gone from the slate are

a pair of games in the Parkersburg Catholic Tournament and single games with Western Reserve Academy and Our Lady of the Elms in Akron.

For the second straight

season, the Irish will not be eligible for the OHSAA postseason tournament as they complete their two-year ban from when they didn’t sponsor enough sports to remain as state members.

“I like our schedule,”

Kapral said. “It’s nice to have some more local teams on there. Barnesville is a team we should be playing.

It’s good to have Shenandoah back and West Muskingum has a nice tradition and is expecting to have a good team.”

but we need to be smarter about it.”

Though the Tigers feature a solid core of experience, their depth might be a question mark. Shadyside will play jayvee games of only two quarters becuase it hast just 12 players in the highw school program. b “We only had one freshman come out and whent that happens, you’re goingg to have lower numbers than— usual,” Gentile said. “I’ms not worried about it tooe much because it’s a goodt group. As long we can beg cohesive, our team chemis-o try remains strong and we’re all on the same page, we’llc be OK.” — During the course of lastt season, Gentile made theg difficult decision to shake“ up his starting lineup wheng he inserted freshmen Bayleet Wach and Tory Hendershott l See, SHADYSIDE, Page 33 w

2

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 33

• Shadyside Continued from Page 32 into the starting lineup.

Now sophomores, both are expected to take on even bigger roles — on both ends — this season.

Wach (5-8) earned a bevy of post-season accolades after she averaged 11 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two assists a contest.

“Baylee is definitely skilled and athletic,” Gentile said. “She battled some injuries during the summer that stemmed from track season, so she wasn’t quite herself. But, she still put a lot of work in and really made some improvements. Good shooter and has a good take.

We’ll need her to rebound.”

Hendershot — an adept 3-point shooter and slasher — also averaged 11 points.

She collected four rebounds and three steals.

“Tory had a great sum-

• Tigers

mer,” Gentile said. “She is a hard-nosed kid who attacks the basket. She’s a tough kid and we’re expecting her and Baylee to have some big games and be leader for us as sophomores.”

Three seniors — Syd Destifanes, Jaycee Mayeres and Macy Coffland — will join the sophomores in the starting lineup. All three were solid contributors last season.

Destifanes (5-0) will serve as the Tigers point guard as she seeks her fourth letter. She’s an adept 3-point shooter and is fearless in going into the paint despite her height.

“Syd’s a smart player who makes all the right plays,” Gentile said. “She knows what to do, how to play and finds people. It feels like she’s been playing

for us for 20 years. We want her to be aggressive offensively because we feel like she passed up some open shots at times.”

Mayeres (5-5) also showed flashes of brilliance at times last season. A solid shooter and an improved rebounder, she’ll also draw the assignment of guarding the opposing team’s best player.

“Jaycee can really shoot the ball and is the type of kid who will take any role that we need,” Gentile said.

Coffland (5-8) will play in the post for the Tigers.

She’ll be one of the players Gentile leans on for rebounding. She’s also expanded her range on the offensive end.

“Macy will patrol the paint for us. She’s a tough kid who isn’t scared to get

in there and play physically,” Gentile said. “I really think she’s going to have a good year.”

When the Lady Tigers go to the bench, junior Brooke Selmon (5-3) is expected to be the sixth girl. She’s a veteran of the program and saw some spot duty last season.

From there, Gentile will look to junior Julie Hendershot (5-8), sophomore Kamdyn Elerick (5-2) and freshman Paige Gorby (58) to supply depth. He also mentioned senior Haleigh Osman (5-0) and junior Madisyn Stewart (5-4) as in the mix. Sophomore Mandy Doyno (5-4) is also vying for minutes.

“I think our depth will be dictated by the game, the opponent and who is playing well,” Gentile said. “I am comfortable putting any

of these girls into the game.

It’s a matter of seeing who separates themselves. All of the girls put in a lot of work this summer and I think they know what’s expected of them.”

The Lady Tigers schedule has several new foes because last season Shadyside made the trip after Christmas to Orlando to play in an event at Disney. Also gone are dates with Frontier and Caldwel.

Signed to replace those games are a single game with Union Local, a pair with Beallsville, a pair with Steubenville Catholic and a date with Buckeye Trail has been added.

The meeting with the Warriors will take place on Saturday, Dec. 29 at Buckeye Local as part of the Wheeling Hospital Wom-

• Pilots

Continued from Page 29

Continued from Page 22

and capable ones vying for minutes.

“We have some younger kids who we think are going to help us, but we’re still determining out ‘deep’ we will be,” Andes said. “Since we have more kids who we feel like we can use, we’ll have to really use our practice time well to determine which unit that plays the best together.”

Speaking of practice

time, Shadyside — as it’s growing accustomed to — had a shortened preseason because of the success enjoyed the Tiger football team. It advanced to the regional final before bowing out two weeks ago.

“This is a group — because of the youth we have — that needs as much practice time as we can before game one,” Andes said.

“Whether or not to move games (because of the extended football run) is a tough call because I do not like getting to the point where we have to play three

en’s Health Classic.

Gentile likes the schedule, but admits that his team better be ready to play early because the pre-Christmas portion of the slate is challenging with the likes of Wheeling Central and Linsly all on the horizon.

“We’re definitely going to find out about ourselves pretty early,” Gentile said.

Shadyside, which opened Monday against the Jets and played Thursday at Beallsville, returns to the floor Monday at Monroe Central.

Gentile’s coaching staff is identical from a season ago.

Brandon Parr is his chief assistant and will coach the junior varsity.

Former Lady Tiger greats Hayley Holenka and Karli Bonar will coach the eighth and seventh grade teams, respectively.

or four games in a week and there’s always a chance you’re going to havge a few snow days along the way, so you start to run out of dates.”

While improving the offensive output is a focus, being better on the defensive end is important, too.

Shadyside allowed almost 60 points a game, which is a number that must come down, according to Andes.

“We think since we’re

playing more kids, it should help defensively because we’ll be able to be fresher and guard better,” Andes said. “Our style, on both ends of the floor is going to be determined by how the group comes together.”

Shadyside does return

a talented scorer in junior Kelly Hendershot (6-2).

Coming off a brilliant football season, which saw him earn first-team all-Ohio honors, Hendershot has been slowed by a shoulder injury he sustained in the football finale against Fort

Frye and he’s not expected to be available tonight against Shenandoah. A season ago, he averaged close to 18 points a game.

“With teams not being

able to key on him, hopefully, that will be a plus and allow him to expand what he’s capable of doing,” Andes said. “He’s a great athlete and a great competitor.”

Senior Collin Holmes

(5-8) returns after netting seven points a game last season. Senior Anthony Coggins (6-0), who also earned first-team all-Ohio in football, scored five points a night in a season that ended pre-maturely due to injury. He, too, is coming off an all-state caliber football season at quarterback.

The battle for the other two starting spots has been a true battle. Andes pointed out that senior Quinn Berletch (5-10), senior Frank Ripoly (5-10), sophomore Alec Shepherd (6-1) and sophomore Jacob Visnic

(5-10) all saw some varsity action and earned a letter last season.

Sophomore Jordan Jo seph (5-9) is another trying to work his way into the varsity mix.

Juniors Nicholas Murphy (6-0) and Douglas Renshaw (5-10) are in search of their first letter, while sophomores Eric Allen (5-11), Parker Gibson (5-7) and Nate Milhoan (5-10) are also vying for minutes.

Five freshmen are highly touted and could make a signficiant push for varsity minutes.

“It’s a talented and competitive group,” Andes said.

“But, it’s a big jump when you come from the eighth grade to varsity.”

The group includes Bryce Amos (6-4), Korey Beckett (5-10), Anthony Deitch (511), Jacob James (5-11) and Mason Vannest (5-10).

Andes wasn’t going to

lock himself into a starting lineup because of the fewer practices the Tigers experi-

enced and the influx of new faces.

“We’re going to be a

work-in-progress and it really could be one group of guys starting one game and another group starting another game,” Andes said.

“Practices are really competitive in practice because so many kids are trying to get playing time at the varsity level.”

The Tigers are lining up against an identical schedule this season. The only difference is they’re not taking part in the Sam Andy Classic at WesBanco Arena.

“It’s a good schedule for us,” Andes said. “It’s competitive and we have to be ready to play each night.”

Andes is being assisted

by his sons, Jared (reserve) and Justin (7th grade). Also working with the Tigers are Mike Schlanz (freshmen) and Jay Thomas (8th grade).

“Makenzie will play and wing and come off the bench,” Isaly said.

“Emile is a hustler. She has worked hard over the summer on being a post player. She is also a good rebounder.

“Jonayah played some varsity last year,” Isaly recalled. “She can play under the basket. She is athletic and can jump.

“Raylee has a sprained ankle and is out until the first of the year.”

The Pilots are always battle-tested when tournament time rolls around because of their schedule.

River has perennial West Virginia Class AAA powerhouse Parkersburg South for one game this season.

It also plays Waterford, a top Division IV program in Ohio.

Isaly is joined on the bench by Dean Caldwell.

Scott Piatt has come over from the boys staff, while former Paden City head coach Fred King also joins the staff.

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 34

• Ferry Continued from Page 27 Two 5-10 juniors — Jeffrey Grubba and Michael Buksa are being counted on to deliver quality backcourt depth.

“Jeffrey is a very good offensive player who plays hard. He is getting acclimated to our system,” Edwards said. “Michael has spent a lot of time in the gym. He has shown good improvement.”

Sophomore Jovahn McKennen - a 5-10 guard — adds additional depth to the backcourt.

The freshman class harbors several promising nuggets.

Jaizen Miles is a 6-2 multi-faceted talent.

“Jaizen is a physical specimen. He is extremely raw but talented,” Edwards not-

ed. “We are very excited about the potential he possesses.”

Davian Ray and David Skvarka are a pair of 5-10 promising guards.

Rounding out the varsity Purple roster is freshman J.C. Hill, a 5-10 guard.

“There are a lot of good teams out there this year.

We play a very challenging schedule,” Edwards said.

Wheeling Park is the one new addition to the Purple Riders’ card.

Edwards boasts a quality staff. Veteran Ron Hill is one of the premier hoop lieutenants in the OVAC. Jeremy Shrodes, Mike Beck and Dave Edwards, Derek’s dad, round out the coaching staff.

• Riders Continued from Page 27 also gotten faster. A very strong rebounder and post player. She can block shots, too.”

Schuster is back after

missing most of the 201718 season.

“Shayla probably would’ve been our leading scorer last year hadn’t

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PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Martins Ferry boys basketball team. Front row, from left, are David Skvarka, Elijah Smith, Jovahn McKennen, Cody Olson and Davian Ray. Second row, from left, are assistant coach Jeremy Shrodes, Donovan Shrodes, DeAndre Pugh, head coach Derek Edwards and assistant coach Greg Kumse.

Third row, from left, are J.T. Hill, Ruben Hilson, Mike Buksa, Jeffrey Grubba, and assistant coaches Dave Edwards and Mike Beck. Fourth row, from left, are assistant coach Ron Hill, Jayden Gray, Dasyn Hores, Logan Smith and Jaizen Miles.

she been injured,” Matuska allowed. “She’s healthy, maybe not totally, but we’re taking it easy with her. We don’t want to rush her back too soon. She had surgery and got back in September.

She’s good to go so far.”

Stalder, the third sister to play for the Purple in recent years, is the type of player that does all the little things that don’t show up in the boxscore.

“Jaden is a hustler. She never stops,” Matuska said.

“She can shoot from the outside, but isn’t afraid to take it inside. She can pass the ball and can play defense, as well.”

Sidon is another player that has an engine that doesn’t know any other speed than full go.

“She’s another hustler.

She’s a ballhandler and she can play defense with the best of them,” Matuska added. “We need a little more scoring from her.”

Boyer blended in well with the Purple Riders last year after transferring in

from St. John Central. She gives Matuska some added force on the inside, but can knock down the long ball.

“Haleigh is a good outside shooter and a good rebounder.”

Another junior is Carly Marchbank (5-6).

“She didn’t play last year, so she is behind everyone a little when it comes to fundamentals,” Matuska noted.

“She is coming around and will provide depth for us.”

The sophomore class only numbers two, but they are both dandies in Macie Ging (5-0) and Alivia Matz (5-4).

“These two girls are also very special to me,” Matuska admitted.

“They have been around since the beginning as freshmen and were solid players on the JV level last season.

“They both will see a lot of JV time, but will also get some varsity minutes as they help our depth.”

The freshmen class might be the best all-around, and Matuska isn’t afraid to insert any one of the into the

varsity lineup. They include Maria Clark (5-8), Allarah Jones (5-6), Lauren McFarland (5-5), Hunter Pollock (5-2) and Eve Agnew (5-4).

“My freshmen are a good group. They played well as 8th graders last year and enjoyed a lot of success,” Matuska said with a smile.

“There are probably about three of them that will play at the varsity level and contribute.”

“Maria is strong and big. I can see her breaking into the varsity group and get some minutes, while Allarah has great hands.

“She’s another big girl in the paint for us. I can see her possibly seeing some varsity time.

“Actually, I can see five freshmen seeing some varsity time.”

Pollock, Agnew, McFarland and fellow frosh Jocelyn Donahue (5-4) will mainly see JV time.

“Eve is athletic as heck,” Matuska said. “She can shoot and she can rebound.”

Matuska said practice has

been better in preparation for this season.

“It’s been a little bit better this year because of their maturity from a year ago,” he said. “We had to work on the fundamentals of the game a lot last year, but, while we still work on fundamentals daily, we can focus more on things like game plans and what we’re going to try and do.”

However, a team weakness will be that maturity.

“We’re still not ready for a full-blown varsity schedule,” he admitted. “There are some things they still don’t understand, but after this year they will.”

The team strength will come from the perimeter.

“We should have four good shooters on the floor and a strong post player,” he said.

River and Indian Creek are new to schedule “We’ve got a pretty solid schedule.”

Matuska is once again assisted by Larry Duck and Tina Exner.

4

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 35

Experience and talent exist for Buckeye Local girls

By RICK DELUCA Times Leader Sports Writer

CONNORVILLE — Tom Figurski’s time with the Buckeye Local girls’ basketball helm has seen a steady improvement. Of course, with his two aces back for a fourth year, there is no reason that Lady Panther basketball can’t continue to improve and continue reaching for the stars.

What Figurski does have within his group of experienced and talented players are two of the Ohio Valley’s

best and one players that has her sights set of the coveted 2,000-point mark.

Buckeye is coming off a 15-8 season that saw the Lady Panthers fall to Cambridge in the OVAC Class 4A Championships and then lose to River View in the sectional tourney.

Figurski will need to replace a good group of graduates in Maddie Gill, Angelina Piergallini, Carrie Dill, Brooklyn Miller, Skylar Langford and Lillie Windsheimer. Gill, Dill ad Piergallini accounted for a total

of 357 rebounds and 213 points last season.

“We’re optimistic going this year. We have a lot of talent. When you have Emily (Holzopfel) and Alaire (Destifanes), you are going to have two of the best,” Figurski said. “We just need to find four of five girls to go with them and I think that we have found them at this point, but can we stay healthy?”

Five seniors are back with the Panthers including Holzopfel and Destifanes who are both going after

their fourth letter. Of course, Holzopfel, a 5-8 forward, will be the one that most eyes will be centered on as she nears that 2,000-point mark. She scored 429 points as a freshman, 435 and 563 the past two seasons. With her current 1427-point total she is well above the top of the Panther career scoring list and comes into her senior year as the top returning rebounder.

Destifanes, a 5-7 guard, enters her final season as a Lady Panther after scoring 274 points and grabbing

114 rebounds last season.

She was also the team leader in both steals and assists with 72 and 70, respectively.

Rounding out the senior group is 5-7 forward Audrey Sebring, 5-8 forward Morgan Donley and 5-6 guard Cameron Henry.

“Emily is the type of player that wants to get everyone involved and I think that’s her maturity as a basketball player.

“Alaire is probably the purest player at a guard, but I think this year she is going

to be more aggressive. She just has the ability to handle the basketball that you don’t see from too many girls that can do. She is probably our best three-point scorer.”

“Emily and Alaire have gone through it, so there will be times when you will them some of the other players on side. It’s like having two coaches on the court.

They’ve been in the system for four years, so I don’t have to be explaining it, they are already explaining

year.”

Clifford spent much of this month as one of the busiest people in the St. Clairsville School District. On top of his duties as basketball coach and as a teacher, he’s also an assistant coach for the St. Clairsville football team, which advanced to the regional final before bowing out.

While Clifford pulled

double duty working with his players who weren’t football team members, the football success obviously delayed the arrival of some key cogs.

But, that’s OK with the new head coach.

“We’re going to be behind a little bit in terms of basketball, but we will gladly take the extended (football) season every year,” Ryan said. “We have some guys banged up from football and it might take them some time to get fully healthy.

And it’ll take a while to get our basketball legs under us, but the goal is always to be playing our best at the end of the season.”

The built-in expectations, the list of returnees and the winning mentality that St. Clairsville owns, St. C. has some key ingredients to success.

“From a talent and skill

standpoint, we have a lot of things that it takes to be successful,” Ryan said. “Our concentration and mental toughness are areas that have been our downfall at times, so we’ve spent a lot of time working on that.”

The Red Devils hope to be fairly deep, utilizing an eight or nine-man rotation.

Headling line the list of returnees is senior Craig Bober (6-4), who was off to a brilliant start last winter.

However, he dealt with a nagging knee problem for a big part of the season, which hampered him. He still scored more than 13 points a game and was close to a double-double.

“Craig worked hard this summer on continuing to develop his outside shot, so teams can’t sag off of him,” Ryan said. “He can be as good as anyone in the area if he’s able to stay healthy.”

Senior Justin Heather ington (6-3) will be a threeyear starter, but his actual debut date is still unknown.

He suffered a knee injury in Week 8 of the football season and didn’t return to action. But, he’s expected to be cleared relatively early in hoops.

“Justin’s experience and

athleticism are so valuable to us,” Ryan said. “So much

of his game is based on his athletic ability. He’s put some time into his shot and he can get to the basket and rebound.”

Senior Matt Busby (5-11) is embarking on his third year as a starter and according to the head coach is the only Red Devil player who didn’t miss any time due to either injury or illness.

“Matt is by far our best defender and will guard the other team’s best player,” Ryan said. “He’s been a steady presence for us and we’ll look to him to score more.”

Junior Brett Vike (6-0)

is expected to move into a starting spot. A gym rat, Vike has worked hard on his perimeter shot during the offseason.

“Brett was in the gym

working on his shot almost to the point of obsession,” Ryan offered. “He actually started a few games last year when we had a few guys out.”

Junior Nate Harris (5-7) is expected to move into the point guard role, allowing Busby to shift to the off guard. Harris is another hoops junkie, who saw spot duty last winter.

“Nate really dedicated

himself this offseason and got what seems like a mil-

lion shots up,” Ryan said.

“He will control the ball for us.”

Senior David Lane (6-2) will play a big role as another adept perimeter shooter.

Senior Greg Norman (6-4) and senior Broc Crist (510), who transferred to St. C. from Nicholas County in West Virginia, will also see time.

Junior Cade Wolfe (5-9) and sophomore Will Balgo (6-1) will also be in the mix for minutes.

Should the Red Devils

need to go big, Ryan Clifford pointed out that junior Ja’Von Lyons (6-2) and freshman Avery Henry (67) will be utilized.

Ticketed primarily for

jayvee duty are juniors Christian Simmons (6-1) and Tyler Parr (5-9), sophomores Braden Roski (6-0) and Robbie Cain (6-0).

A large class of freshmen rounds out the roster.

St. Clairsville will sponsor an entire freshman schedule, but a handful could go back-and-forth between the jayvee team and the frosh squad.

“That freshmen group is really a nice class,” Ryan said. “We have a lot of numbers. It’s actually to the point where we could move four or five up and still still

field a solid freshmen team.

It’s exciting to have those kinds of numbers.”

The group includes: Ryan McCort (5-10), Saul Crist (5-9), Matt Ponzani (58), Hayden Smith (5-11), Aiden Moran (5-9), Andy Schmidt (5-11), Jacob Haley (5-7), Drew Sefsick (5-10), Carson Woodford (5-8), Colin Oberdick (5-9), Joey Balgo (5-9), Jacob Jordan (5-6) and Jacob Saffell (5-10).

St. Clairsville has add ed Barnesville for a single game to the schedule after playing only 21 regular season contests a season ago. It will also tangle with Philo in the Buckeye 8 Challenge.

“I really like our schedule,” Ryan said. “We play pretty much all of the local teams up and down the river.

We play both Wheeling and both Steubenville teams, which not a lot of people do.

We feel like you can’t play in the big game if you don’t schedule the big game.”

The St. C. coaching staff is similar to years past. Kevin Sacco will serve as the varsity assistant, while Eric Gay will guide the reserve team. Brian Gay is the freshman coach. Kurt Clifford and Jeremy Schafer will lead the eighth and seventh grade programs.

See, BUCKEYE, Page 37

• St. C. Continued from Page 30 down in a stance trying to get us to guard someone.”

Actually, that stance

might be utilized more often than most realize because the defensive end of the floor has been an area that’s been stressed.

“With the athleticism we have, we should be better than we have been defensively,” Ryan said. “When you play in big games, which we like to think we do, you have to be able to sit down in the halfcourt and guard someone. And we need to do that better than we did last year.”

Because of the list of

returnees, which features three returning starters and a handful of others who saw quality varsity minutes a season ago, the expectations are certainly as high as ever for the Red Devils, who lost Matt Butkus, Kaden Blomquist and Jayden Starks to graduation.

“The expectations are always high in our circle, regardless of what they might be on the outside,” Ryan pointed out. “We finished 13-10 last year and maybe in a lot of places that’s successful, but we kind of looked at it as disappointing because we left some (wins) out there, possibly. We have to try to rectify those this

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 36

Heaton takes over the Buckeye Local boys •

By RICK DELUCA Times Leader Sports Writer

CONNORVILLE — Chris Heaton graduated from Buckeye Local in 2005 and sports kept him pretty busy during his years with the Panthers. Since then, he has been a mainstay on the coaching staffs of three different sports.

As the 2018-19 season gets under way, Heaton will assume a new role and create a first in the process as

he takes over the Panthers’ head basketball coach.

When the season tips off Friday on the home boards against Toronto, Heaton will also become the first Buckeye Local grad to serve as the school’s head basketball coach.

Of course, being no stranger to the court and having a calm, business-like personality, Heaton is take things in stride in his new position with the Panthers.

Heaton replaces Joe Soos,

who stepped down after one year at the helm, and is coming off a tough 2-21 season.

That season also took with it eight graduated seniors.

Buckeye’s list of departed seniors includes the school’s all-time leading scorer in Drake Novak, who finished with 1100 career points, including 527 last season.

Also gone is Shane Heitz, who scored 207 points a year ago and Jeremiah Seaman, a 4.9 ppg scorer.

Adding to that list is James

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Mills, John Marelli, Cody Griffith, Max Moffo and William Hopkins.

“Any time that you lose a player like Drake Novak who averaged 23 points a game, that’s a hard hole to fill,” he pointed out. “And we have to replace Shane Heitz who scored over nine points per game. That’s 32 points we have to replace and we are only bringing back 15 points a game.”

“We have two seniors back that played a lot of minutes last year with Stevie Roberts and Owen Long and that we are expected some good things from them this year,” Heaton said looking over his first-year roster. “We have a solid junior class with five players, four sophomores and seven freshmen.”

“We have some pretty good balance throughout the program, but we expect the same from all of them, play hard, execute and play together”.

“Toward the end of last year, Coach Soos went with the direction of going with the young guys, so some

of the younger players got some valuable playing time in a varsity game. They should go in there and be nervous about playing their first varsity game.”

Three seniors top the roster for Heaton and the Panthers including 5-11 forward Owen Long, 5-10 guard Stevie Roberts and 5-11 guard/forward Blake Ring-Fish.

Heaton’s junior group includes 6-1 guard/forward Lance Novak, 5-8 guard Josh Kinyo, 5-10 guard Jacob Pielech, 6-3 forward Jacob Moffo and 6-1 forward Dalton Watt. Moffo is the leading returning scorer after tallying at a 5.1 clip last season and leading the team with 106 rebounds.

Buckeye’s four sophomores are 6-2 guard Jake Mayle, 5-10 guard Cameron Grabits, who saw ample playing time late last season, 5-8 guard Jacob Zanes and 6-1 forward Mason Brown, who finished with 70 points and 35 rebounds as a sophomore.

Not only is Heaton’s freshmen group the biggest

BUCKEYE LOCAL

BOYS Nov. 30 — Toronto Dec. 4 — Indian Creek Dec. 7 — at Edison Dec. 11 — Beaver Local Dec. 14 — at East Liverpool Dec. 20 — Bellaire Dec. 22 — at Toronto Dec. 28 — Barnesville Jan. 2 — at Bridgeport Jan. 4 — at Indian Creek Jan. 8 — Edison Jan. 11 — at Beaver Local Jan. 15 — East Liverpool Jan. 19 — at Monroe Central Jan. 22 — Union Local Jan. 25 — Martins Ferry Jan. 29 — at Barnesville Jan. 31 — Harrison Central Feb. 2 — Buckeye 8 at St. Clairsville Feb. 5 — Bridgeport Feb. 12-15 — OVAC Tournament in numbers, it also provides some notable size. The group includes 6-5 brothers Luke Darrah, at forward, and Hunter Darrah, at center. Both will see a great deal of varsity action. Other freshmen are 5-8 guard Logan Capers, 5-6 guard Cameron Best, 5-8 guard HuntSee, PANTHERS, Page 37

•

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PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Buckeye Local boys basketball team. Front row, from left, are Zach Flesch, Cameron Best, Logan Capers, Hunter Roush, Josh Kinyo and Jacob Zanes. Second row, from left, are Cameron Grabits, Jake Mayle, Stevie Roberts, Owen Long, Dalton Watt, Lance Novak and Ethan McHugh. Back row, from left, are assistant coach Neil McCormick, Jacob Pielech, Luke Darrah, Jacob Moffo; Hunter Darrah; Mason Brown, head coach Chris Heaton and assistant coach Cameron McKim.

6

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 37

• Buckeye Continued from Page 35 it to the others before I have a chance. It’s great to have players like that.”

Figurski also has three juniors in the mix with Brooke Roski, who is coming off an injury from a year ago, 5-7 forward Emily Gonze and 5-6 guard Brooke Carpico.

Three sophomores will also be vying for playing time and they include 5-7 forward Megan Valuska, who had 107 points and 63 rebounds last season, 5-7 guard/forward Landyn Walker and 5-6 guard Hannah Crane.

“We have another freshman coming up to play this year in Demetria Christian, she’s smooth and talented,” he pointed out. “We have Brooke Roski back this year after sitting the past two seasons with a knee injury. We have some seniors that are coming back that will help.”

A good group of freshmen will play a big role in the Buckeye attack including 5-5 guard Demetria Christian, who will be called on often with the varsity and could find a spot in the starting lineup. Rounding out the freshmen contingent are Haylee Dockery, Cassidy George, Erica Hurst, Adrianna Blazeski, Mariah Pelkey and Carly Englert.

“There are 10-12 girls

• Panthers

BUCKEYE LOCAL

GIRLS Dec. 3 — Steubenville Dec. 6 — Edison Dec. 10 — at East Liverpool Dec. 12 — Linsly Dec. 13 — Beaver Local Dec. 17 — at Indian Creek Dec. 27 — at Bellaire Dec. 29 — Barnesville Jan. 3 — at Edison Jan. 7 — East Liverpool Jan. 10 — at Beaver Local Jan. 12 — at Steubenville, 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 14 — Indian Creek Jan. 16 — Martins Ferry Jan. 17 — at Bridgeport Jan. 21 — Union Local Jan. 24 — at Harrison Central Jan. 26 — Buckeye 8 at Martins Ferry Jan. 31 — at St. Clairsville Feb. 4-9 — OVAC Tournament Feb. 13 — at Martins Ferry

Photo/ANDREW GRIMM

PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Buckeye Local girls basketball team. Front row, from left, are Cameron Henry; Morgan Donley, Alaire Destifanes, Emily Holzopfel, Maddie Kujawa and Audrey Sebring. Middle row, from that we can count on every left, are Megan Valuska, Demetria Christian, manager Kylie Merkel, Brooke Roski and Brooke Carpico. Back night, it’s just who is ready row, from left, are head coach Tom Figurski; assistant coach Brittney Hicks; assistant coach Christine Ciarto step up and whether or not delli; assistant coach Charlie Nest. we can stay healthy.”

“We know what we have basically is to hold team’s overall team that I’ve had change to its schedule this Brittany Hicks, Christine in (Holozopfel and Desti- under 50. Over the last two with regard to the top six or year by adding a game with DeFede, Gina Hicks and fanes), but we lost our en- or three years, we only lost seven skilled players, but I Linsly in place of East Rich- Bob Czuchran. At the junior forcer from last year through three games when we were think this is our most com- land Christian, which was a high level, Tom Valuska graduation in Angelina Pier- to hold teams under 50, so plete team. I think it’s going last-second replacement on will be coaching the eighth gallini and we are looking that’s what we are stressing to be exciting for Buckeye their slate last year. grade and Gary Dulkowski for someone to fill that role. this year, defense.”

Local basketball this year.”

Figurski returns a good will be coaching the seventh I don’t think we need scorBuckeye made one staff in veteran Charlie Nest, grade.

“This is probably our best ing, but we have four or five girls that can give up some added scoring.”

“Defensively, our goal

Continued from Page 36 er Roush, 5-7 guard Zach Flesch and 6-0 forward Ethan McHugh.

“There really isn’t much drop off from one to number 14 on the varsity roster, so I think we will be pretty deep.

With the amount of kids that played last year, they will have an idea of what we will expect this year.”

“I’m trying to instill some of the defensive practices that I learned when I played for Coach (Joel) Nau. Defense wins championships. We could have used that last year.

We let a lot of games slip away from us late in the games because of defense.”

Buckeye added two new opponents to its schedule this year, bringing on Monroe Central and Union Local in place of Weir.

Heaton has a staff that includes Neil McCormick, Cameron McKim and Joey Bodnar. At the junior high level, the Panther coaches are Matt Spencer with the eighth grade and Coy Sudvary with the seventh grade.

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BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 38

PICTURED IS the 2018-19 Beallsville boys basketball team.

Front row, from left, are Matt Bertrand, James Schnegg, Wyatt Brown, Jarrett Raab and Kolin Ludwig. Back row, from left, are assistant coach Michael Maddy, Brandon Louden, Toby Otto, Spencer Jarrett, Dakota Phillips, assistant coach Jeff Fluharty and head coach Rick Jarrett.

Photo/PAUL KRAJNYAK

• Beallsville Continued from Page 4 Phillips, the quarterback of the football team, averaged 10 points and five boards per game last season.

“He really tries to make

things happen,” Jarrett said.

And, although he might be too aggressive, at times, Jarrett appreciates his enthusiasm and hopes he can con-

tain it enough that it helps on the scoreboard.

“He just tries to get every inch he can,” Jarrett said.

“He has tremendous leaping

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ability and looks to be one of our top rebounders.”

Wyatt Brown also averaged 10 points per game last winter. A 5-10 guard, Brown has steadily been improving his defensive presence on the court.

“He’s quick and has gotten a little taller and put on a little more weight,” Jarrett said. ‘He’s speedy and smart with the ball and sees the floor well. He has a good shot ... a nice 3-point shot.”

James Schegg (5-9, guard/forward) offers “quickness,” while guard Matt Bertrand (5-4) brings another set of legs that will also help at the junior varsity level.

Spencer Jarrett (6-3), another junior, will help at forward/center. He averaged five points and 10 boards per game last season and hopes to have an injury-free campaign.

“I’d like for him to get a little more aggressive with

the ball,” said Coach Jarrett, also his father. “He loves playing defense inside. He uses his frame well in there.”

Jarrett also has high hopes for another junior, Kollin Ludwig (5-10, guard/forward). Ludwig played just 11 games last season after transferring from Monroe Central.

He’s really picked it up on the defensive end and handles the ball very well,” Jarrett said.

Beallsville has height in a pair of 6-4 sophomores — Adam Baker and Toby Otto, both forwards/centers. Jarrett is also seeking contributions from freshman Brandon Louden (6-3, guard/ forward).

The Blue Devils have picked up St. John and Valley this season in place of East Richland Christian and Jefferson County Christian.

“Every game this season we’re going to be going in with a game plan where

BEALLSVILLE

BOYS Dec. 4 — at St. John Dec. 7 — at Bridgeport Dec. 11 — Paden City Dec. 14 — Cameron Dec. 18 — at Frontier Dec. 20 — at Cameron Tournament Dec. 22 — at Cameron Tournament Dec. 28 — Frontier Jan. 4 — Madonna Jan. 5 — at Caldwell Jan. 8 — at Paden City Jan. 11 — Hundred Jan. 12 — at Valley Jan. 15 — at Newcomerstown Jan. 18 — St. John Jan. 22 — Newcomerstown Jan. 25 — Bridgeport Jan. 29 — at Hundred Feb. 1 — Caldwell Feb. 5 — Valley Feb. 12-16 — OVAC Tournament

we’re trying to win,” Jarrett said.

Jarrett is assisted by Jeff Fluharty and Michael Maddy.

8

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The Times Leader ¯

• Devils

• River Continued from Page 20 a guy who can get us 40 (point) on any given night, so it’s going to have to be more of a team thing,” Romick said.

Others expected to contribute off the bench are senior James Hendershot (6-0), junior Jonas Schmidt (5-11) and sophomore guard Chase Lawrence (60).

“Guys four through nine (on the depth chart) have never stepped onto a varsity court, so there’s some unknown from those kids,” Romick said.

“Obviously, the speed of the game, the window you have to shoot the ball all changes at the varsity level. And sometimes that can consume some guys, so we will have to see how those

• Blue

Continued from Page 5 they are usually pretty good at giving what I ask for. They’ve done pretty good with it so far this year.”

As the team has matured, so has Jarrett. After spending one season as an assistant, Jarrett decided to take on the head role. As the season’s have rolled on, the former Muskingum University standout has settled into the role more and more.

“I’ve learned it’s definitely not easy,” she said.

“There’s so much that comes with it. The biggest thing is being a motivator and learning how to motivate every single girl on the team. Everyone is different and it’s your job meet everyone’s needs.”

The Blue Devils return just one senior, but she’s a key cog. Olivia Muncy (G/F) has been a mainstay for the program for four years and averaged 9.5 points and six trebounds a game last year.

“I think she’s gotten betfter defensively,” Jarrett said.

-“She played some good defense last year, too, and she’s a good rebounder.

Friday, November 30, 2018 ¯ 39

Continued from Page 31

guys adjust.”

Ticketed primarily for jayvee duty are: juniors Cy Kraft, Jadon Moeller, Damon Williams, Chensey Necessary, sophomores Chase Lawrence, Mark Marty, Connor Hunter, Niko Mancini and Collin Lamp.

All told, the Pilots have nearly 25 players in the

“Those are the two things she’s good at.

“She’s also a good vocal leader and is good at getting the team to step up and holding them accountable.”

Ashley Howell (F), Ashlie Louden (G) and Jadyn Gable (G/F) are the squad’s juniors.

Howell (12 ppg, 9.8 rpg) and Louden (15.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg) are inseparable, according to Jarrett.

“Those two have just played together for long,” she said. “I tell them to go run a high pick-and-roll on a ball screen and Louden will just throw it to her and you can just tell they’ve been playing together for a long time.

“They are just the heart and soul of the team.”

Gable (7.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg) will be asked to contribute more shooting.

“We need players to step up and be shooters because that’s something we’ve lacked,” Jarrett noted. “We need to have more outside threats. And I’m hoping that maybe, with the offense

program, including an eight-member freshmen class. Romick is excited to once again be able to field a separate freshman team.

“I think they have 16 games scheduled, which is good for them,”Romick said. “I am really pleased with our freshmen group.

There are some nice athletes in that class. Some of them might surprise some people.”

The freshman group includes: Avery Cramer, Austin Cramer, Brodie Longwell, Nick Karpacs-Brown, Jacob Winland, Kam Potts, Ian Wohnhas and Chase Sibert.

River’s schedule underwent just a minor change.

The Pilots are no longer playing Shenandoah nor Hi-

land.

They’re playing Crooksville in a holiday event at Marietta College and have a pair of games with St. John on the card.

The Pilots will make road trip to Columbus to take on Bishop Ready in February.

“We’re still playing Union Local, Martins Ferry and St. Clairsville along with all of the normal teams we play,” Romick said.

“It’s a good schedule for us because we go to the tournament drawing with a good sense of what we have because we’ve played a lot of Division III and a few Division II teams.”

Romick’s coaching staff includes Kris Pfalzgraf and Jordan Indermuhle.

sustained in soccer.

“Kassidy played last year, but she didn’t letter,” Agnew recalled. “However, she’s really improved her game this year.

“Olivia had a good summer and has carried that over to this winter,” Agnew added.

“Shae is a quick, stocky player who also has three-point range,” Agnew continued.

“Alexis is a really good shooter, but being freshmen, they have to adapt to the speed of the game and the things that we are trying to do. They’ve come a long way though. A long way.”

The roster is completed by freshmen Mylie Gardner (54), Annie Stroud (5-5), Kadaira Fordyce (5-5), Destiny Heatherington (5-10), Daishanay Easter (5-10), Sydney Miller (5-6) and Dekotah Namack (5-9), who is sidelined with an injury.

St. Clairsville plays the exact same schedule as last year.

Joining Agnew are varsity assistant Crystal Maxwell and junior varsity head coach Tom Sliva.

we’re running, we can get her in that a little bit.”

Sophomores in the mix include: Harley Nalley (G), Cheyenne Riley (G/F) and Makenna Phillips (G/F).

“Harley has really impressed me,” Jarrett said.

“She’s super fast and good defensively. I’m hoping if I can get her a little more confident running the ball she can be more of a point guard.”

Sophomores Trinity Abbott (G) and Kilieigh Darby (G), along with freshmen Jaycee Huffman (G/F) and Hannah Phillips (G). Jarrett said they still need some “seasoning.”

“We’ve been fairly consistent thus far, and I’m happy with that,” Jarrett said. “Our biggest thing is going to be our effort each night.

“If I can get them to give their very best effort each night, we’ll win. That’s been the biggest thing the last couple of years.

“We’ll play one really good half, it might be the first our second. We have to

learn to put four good quarters together.”

The aforementioned Trinity is gone from Beallsville’s regular-season slate.

Added to it are the likes of Shadyside, Cameron and Wheeling Central.

The Blue Devils are slat-

ed to visit East Wheeling for their season finale, which will provide a postseason atmosphere in a tournament tuneup.

“We really beefed up our schedule,” Jarrett said.

“I would love to win the OVAC, but my biggest goal

is to win a sectional game.

“I think we can even make some noise in the district, if we peak at the right time,” she said.

Jarrett is assisted by her dad, Terry, along with Alyssa Tolzda and Carrie Wilson.

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