The Athens Messenger Friday, December 1, 2017 Page B1

2017-2018
HIGH SCHOOL
HOOPS
PREVIEW Alexander • Athens • Eastern
Federal Hocking • Meigs • Miller
Nelsonville-York • Trimble • Southern • Vinton County
Page B2 Friday, December 1, 2017 The Athens Messenger

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2017-2018 HIGH SCHOOL

BOYS BASKETBALL
Alexander Spartans Athens Bulldogs Eastern Eagles
Coach Jim Kearns Coach Mickey Cozart Coach Jeremy Hill
Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time
Dec. 1 at Southeastern 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Gallia Academy 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at River Valley 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 5 FEDERAL HOCKING 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Bishop Watterson 6 p.m. Dec. 8 TRIMBLE 7:30 p.m.
YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL SPIRIT SHOP Dec. 8 at Wellston 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 WARREN 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Waterford 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 12 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 SOUTH GALLIA 7:30 p.m.
Plus TROPHIES, PLAQUES & ENGRAVING Dec. 15 ATHENS 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 MEIGS 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at Miller 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 19 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Alexander 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 GREEN 7:30 p.m.
ALL AMERICAN Dec. 22
Dec. 29
at Vinton County
OAK HILL
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Dec. 16
Dec. 19
at Logan
at Marietta
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Jan. 3
Jan. 5
NELSONVILLE-YORK
SOUTHERN
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
TROPHIES AND Jan. 5
Jan. 6
MEIGS
at Trimble
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Dec. 22
Dec. 29
NELSONVILLE-YORK
at Jackson
7:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
Jan. 9
Jan. 12
at Wahama
at Belpre
7:30 p.m.
7:15 p.m.
SPORTS Jan. 12
Jan. 13
WARREN
at Greenup County
7:30 p.m.
8 p.m.
Jan. 5
Jan. 6
at Wellston
LOGAN
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Jan. 13
Jan. 16
at Meigs
FEDERAL HOCKING
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
allamericantrophy@frontier.com Visit Us On Jan. 16 CROOKSVILLE 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 VINTON COUNTY 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Trimble 7:30 p.m.
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Jan. 26 at River Valley 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at Logan Elm 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 WATERFORD 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 27 at Waterford 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 MORGAN 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at South Gallia 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 30 MINFORD 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Meigs 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 MILLER 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 2 VINTON COUNTY 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at Vinton County 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 OVC 6 p.m.
Feb. 6 at Meigs 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at Nelsonville-York 7:15 p.m. Feb. 6 WAHAMA 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at Southern 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 13 at Jackson 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at River Valley 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 BELPRE 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 16 at Athens 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 ALEXANDER 7:30 p.m.

Federal Hocking Lancers Meigs Marauders Miller Falcons

Coach Kevin Dunigan Coach Ed Fry Coach Sean Bartley
Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time
Dec. 5 at Alexander 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at Jackson 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at Wellston 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 8 MILLER 6 p.m. Dec. 2 SOUTHERN 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Federal Hocking 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 12 at South Gallia 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at Gallia Academy 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 WATERFORD 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 15 SOUTHERN 6 p.m. Dec. 8 at Warren 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Wahama 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 19 at Waterford 6 p.m. Dec. 9 vs. Ironton at Rio Grande TBA Dec. 19 at Southern 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 22 at Belpre 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at Athens 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 EASTERN 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 30 BERNE UNION 2 p.m. Dec. 15 at River Valley 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23 at Crooksville 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 5 WAHAMA 6 p.m. Dec. 19 at Vinton County 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 NEW LEXINGTON 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 6 NELSONVILLE-YORK 5:30 p.m. Dec. 22 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m. Dec. 30 NELSONVILLE-YORK 6:15 p.m.
Jan. 9 TRIMBLE 6 p.m. Dec. 29 vs. Wood Co. Christian at MC 6:15 p.m. Jan. 5 at Trimble 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 10 at Amanda-Clearcreek 6 p.m. Dec. 30 vs. Marietta at MC 4:30 p.m. Jan. 9 BELPRE 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 12 at Athens 6 p.m. Jan. 5 at Alexander 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12 SOUTH GALLIA 7:15 p.m.
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Jan. 19 at Miller 6 p.m. Jan. 13 EASTERN 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 FEDERAL HOCKING 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 23 SOUTH GALLIA 6 p.m. Jan. 19 ATHENS 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 WAHAMA 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 26 at Southern 6 p.m. Jan. 23 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 27 at Wellston 6 p.m. Jan. 26 VINTON COUNTY 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 SOUTHERN 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 30 WATERFORD 6 p.m. Jan. 30 POINT PLEASANT 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at Eastern 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 2 BELPRE 6 p.m. Feb. 2 at Wellston 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Belpre 7:15 p.m.
Feb. 6 at Trimble 6 p.m. Feb. 6 ALEXANDER 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 TRIMBLE 7:15 p.m.
Feb. 9 at Wahama 6 p.m. Feb. 13 CHILLICOTHE 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at South Gallia 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 13 EASTERN 6 p.m. Feb. 16 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m.

Nelsonville-York Buckeyes Southern Tornadoes

Coach Jamie Justus Coach Jeff Caldwell
Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time

Follow The Fun. Dec. 2

Dec. 8
Dec. 12
Zane Trace Tip-off
VINTON COUNTY
ALEXANDER
5:15 p.m.
7:15 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2
Dec. 8
Dec. 9
at Meigs
SOUTH GALLIA
at River Valley
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Dec. 19 at Wellston 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Trimble 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 22 at Athens 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Federal Hocking 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 23 TRIMBLE 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 MILLER 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 29 SOUTHERN 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 WATERFORD 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 30 at Miller 6:15 p.m. Dec. 27 RAVENSWOOD 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Eastern 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m.
myfarmersbank Jan. 5
Jan. 6
RIVER VALLEY
at Federal Hocking
7:15 p.m.
7 p.m.
Jan. 5
Jan. 12
at Eastern
at Wahama
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 at Meigs 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 BELPRE 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 19 at Alexander 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at South Gallia 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 20 at Trimble 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23 TRIMBLE 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 23 MEIGS 7:15 p.m. Jan. 26 FEDERAL HOCKING 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 26 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at Miller 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 27 MILLER 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at Waterford 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 2 ATHENS 7:15 p.m. Feb. 3 POINT PLEASANT 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 6 at River Valley 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 EASTERN 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 at Vinton County 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at Belpre 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 10 AMANDA-CLEARCREEK 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 WAHAMA 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 13 at Logan 7:30 p.m.

Trimble Tomcats Vinton County Vikings

Follow ALL of
Coach Howie Caldwell Coach Matt Combs
Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time
Dec. 8 at Eastern 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Zane Trace Tip-Off 8:30 p.m.

your local teams Dec. 12

Dec. 15
SOUTHERN
BELPRE
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Dec. 8
Dec. 9
at Nelsonville-York
LOGAN
7 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Dec. 19 at Wahama 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at River Valley 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 23 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 30 CROOKSVILLE 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 MEIGS 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 5 MILLER 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 ALEXANDER 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 6 ALEXANDER 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27 at Maysville 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 9 at Federal Hocking 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 at Southeastern 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 WATERFORD 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 JACKSON 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 16 at South Gallia 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 at Athens 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 19 EASTERN 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13 MIAMI TRACE 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 20 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:30 p.m. Jan 16 ZANE TRACE 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 23 at Southern 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 26 at Belpre 7:15 p.m. Jan. 23 ATHENS 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 30 WAHAMA 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at Meigs 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 3 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 NEW HOPE CHRISTIAN 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 6 FEDERAL HOCKING 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at Alexander 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 at Miller 7:15 p.m. Feb. 6 CHILLICOTHE 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 13 SOUTH GALLIA 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 16 at Waterford 6 p.m. Feb. 10 at Logan 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 16 at Wellston 7:30 p.m.

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The Athens Messenger Friday, December 1, 2017 Page B3

ALEXANDER GIRLS ALEXANDER BOYS

Spartans looking Alexander will have youth

to reload movement in 2017-18
BY KEVIN WISEMAN
MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR
ALBANY — Alexander
coach Jim Kearns admits that
he isn’t sure what to expect
with the upcoming 2017-18
basketball season, but that
he likes the direction of his
program.
The Spartans will likely be
a young squad this season, as
eight sophomores fill out the
varsity roster.
It’s made the November
practice and scrimmage
season even more important
than in most seasons, as the
coaching staff tries to figure
out which 10th graders will
be ready to make an impact
on the varsity level.
“We went to scrimmages
with only one player with any
varsity experience to speak
of,” Kearns said. “We’ve been
pleased with the progress, but
until they get out there Friday
night at 7:30, they’re not go-
ing to know completely what
they’re in for until then. And
there will be some highs and
lows and ups and downs with
a team with this lack of expe-
MESSENGER PHOTO BY LOUISE FISH rience, I should say, but I’m
Alexander’s Rachel Richardson goes after the basketball pleased with the progress.”
The Spartans won’t be
during a game last season. Now a junior, Richardson will be
looked upon to run the point guard position this season. entirely a youth movement
however, as three seniors and
Alexander has won two juniors join the roster.
Two of the seniors — Luke
consecutive district crowns Kish and Ryan Davidson —
are the lone starters back
BY ANDY CRAWFORD sion title two years ago, the from last season’s tournament
MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR Spartans ran roughshod over game.
the league last season, going Kish, a 5-foot-8 inch guard,
ALBANY — New Alex- undefeated in TVC play (23- stepped up last season in
ander girls coach Jeff Grin- 4 overall) and claiming their clutch situations. He hit the
stead might know his way second consecutive Division game-winning shot in Al-
around a basketball court, but III district title. exander’s famous upset win
an interview room poses a Graduation losses have over Vinton County, as well
different challenge. made this season no sure as hitting a buzzer-beating
“I’m not really sure how thing, however. Perpetual 3-pointer to force overtime in
this is supposed to go,” he Player of the Year Leah Rich- a game against Jackson.
said, closing his office door. ardson now suits up for D-1 Kearns said Kish was a
“You’re not going to ask me Murray State, and Jala Mace, vocal leader in the summer,
to reveal any of our secrets, Alexis Mohler, and Lexi even though he was sidelined
are you?” Whitney departed as well. at the time with a knee injury.
Grinstead’s reticence is “That’s three starters and “He he hasn’t disappointed
understandable. For one a sixth man,” admitted Grin- since the season started,”
thing, this is his first varsity stead. “And we’re talking Kearns added. “We’ll lean on
gig, although he has been about subtracting that from a Luke a lot. He played mostly
coaching at various levels in lineup that went only six or the two (shooting guard) last
the Spartans’ program for seven deep to begin with.” year. We’ll be looking for
more than 10 years. Solving that arithmetic him to play the two and the
For another, he is inherit- remains the team’s highest
ing a team that comes into priority. And, it begins the
the 2017-18 season with a same way last season ended
sizable target squarely on its — with a Richardson run-
back.
Alexander’s Luke Kish, seen here last season against Vinton
County, will be one of the Spartans’ senior leaders for the “There will be times where
2017-18 basketball season.
one (point guard). He’ll play
multiple positions. He’s a kid players from last season’s
with a high motor, guards
well and understands our
system.”
Davidson was also instru-
mental in last season’s win
over Vinton County, scoring
23 points and flashing loads
of potential in the process.
The Spartans will certainly
lean on the 6-foot-2 forward
this season.
“We’re looking for more
consistency and Ryan has
shown much more maturity
this year already,” Kearns
said. “With that I think will and we can deal with it,” Ke- the same type of intensity
come the consistency because arns said. “He’s had the sur-
he certainly showed at times gery, rehab’s going well. We
last year he was as good as
anyone in our league. As a
senior, with the experience
he gained last year, we’re
expecting big things out of
Ryan.”
ATHENS BOYS
MESSENGER PHOTO BY LOUISE FISH
The Spartans did lose two
team for reasons other than
graduation. Michael Nor-
ris has been the point guard
the last two seasons, but the
all-Ohio soccer player is
focusing on indoor soccer
this winter.
Stone Markins-Irwin also
was a key player last year,
but suffered a labrum injury
that will end his junior season opening league play on Dec.
before it began.
“It was a disappointment
for us but we knew what we
had going in (to practices)
told the kids right up front,
this will not be an excuse for that we don’t change, that’s
us going forward. We know
what hand we’re dealt.”
Zach Scripp, a 5-9 senior
guard, will also be looked
upon to provide leadership for
the Spartans. Juniors Dylan
Mecum (6-foot forward)
and Kam Riley (5-11 guard)
should also see expanded
roles.
After that, sophomores
Caleb Terry (6-9 center),
J.K. Kearns (5-8 guard),
Luke Chapman (6-1 forward/
center), Tyler Price (6-foot
center), Matt Brown (6-foot
forward), Kaleb Easley (5-7
guard), Dalton Skinner (5-10
guard) and Trey Schaeller
(6-1 forward) round out the
varsity roster.
Terry and his near seven-
foot frame would figure to
see playing time. Kearns’
son, J.K., is a point guard
and Chapman would give the
Spartans another big body in
the post.
But coach Kearns didn’t
want to elaborate on any of
the young players just yet. He
said he’ll wait until he sees
what they can do on game
nights to talk more about
the young class that will be
the backbone of Alexander
basketball for the next three
seasons.
“They’ll earn their way
onto the floor,” Kearns said.
their name will show up in
the paper but I’m not going
to put a name on any of them
right now. There’s so many
of them. They understand
they’re going to play.”
Alexander was 11-12
overall last season, going 7-5
in the Tri-Valley Conference
Ohio Division. The Spartans
open their season on Friday
with a trip to Southeast-
ern. They will host Federal
Hocking on Tuesday before
8 at Wellston.
The Spartans will have
some new faces on the court
this season, but Kearns said
that comes in their man-
defense will be the same.
“There will be some things
that we’re going to play a
tough brand of defense on the
SEE ALEX ON PAGE B10

Bulldogs are
After sharing the Tri-Val- SEE SPARTANS
ley Conference Ohio Divi- ON PAGE B10

deep and
ATHENS GIRLS
Matheny leading
Bulldogs into new season experienced
BY KEVIN WISEMAN the Bulldogs are 10-34 the
Coach Cozart returns for
MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR last two seasons.
Matheny will inherit a
second season leading program
Seth Matheny said the squad that returns almost BY KEVIN WISEMAN Saltzman, a 6-foot-2 senior,
math wasn’t working out for completely intact. The MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR will be looked upon to handle
the Athens girls basketball Bulldogs return 52 of the 56 the point guard duties this
team. points scored in last year’s The Athens Bulldogs relied season.
Athens High School has sectional tournament game heavily on Griffin Lutz the He is one of five seniors in
an enrollment of 304 girls to Gallia Academy. Lauren last four seasons. the program. Dalton Cozart,
according to latest OHSAA Abdella opted not to play this A four-year varsity player, a 5-foot-10 senior, is now
enrollment figures. But the season, as she accounted for most of the Bulldogs’ offense a three-year starter for the
Bulldogs have been unable the other four points. went though Lutz the last two Bulldogs.
to field a full JV team for the The Bulldogs’ leading seasons. A sharp-shooter since his
last few seasons. scorer from last year returns Now Lutz has graduated, sophomore season, Cozart
Matheny, a first-year girls’ in sophomore point guard and the returning Bulldogs will be one of the best shoot-
basketball coach at Athens, Laura Manderick. A regular will be tasked with collec- ers in the Tri-Valley Confer-
targeted changing that as a starter as a freshman, Mand- tively filling his shoes. ence Ohio Division, but his
goal. erick scored 353 points in her It’s a challenge second-year father and coach said he is
“This is the biggest school inaugural varsity season. coach Mickey Cozart is up ready to add to his game.
in the Ohio Division,” “She’s a good ball player to for. “Over the summer he’s de-
Matheny said. “That’s a big say the least,” Matheny said “It’s hard to replace a Grif- veloped into a little bit more
draw to it, the ability to build with a laugh. “She can handle fin, but we have a good point of a slasher,” Mickey Cozart
the program into something the ball pretty well. She can guard,” Cozart said. “Micah said. “We’ve been working on
it should be. To have around shoot the ball above average, Saltzman’s ready to lead our some different shot selec-
MESSENGER PHOTO BY LOUISE FISH
Athens’ Dalton Cozart looks to make a move against Alexan-
300 girls in enrollment and I but she puts in the work that team. We’re going to have tions from him. His pull up der. Cozart is a senior and a three-year starter for the Bulldogs.
think they finished the year you need to to be an excep- more of a balanced attack. jumper’s gotten better. He’s
with nine out for basketball tional ball player and be The scoring so far has been just a solid guy. He’s going since his freshman season is “Robert’s getting there,”
last year. That’s pretty disap- ready for that varsity spot.” pretty balanced. One guy to score. We’re trying to give Logan Maxfield (6-foot-1). Cozart added. “Man he’s got
pointing and I’m hoping to Emma Harter is a junior might do it one night, one guy him a little more variety this Maxfield is another versatile all the tools. He’s 6-3, 6-4.
turn that around.” who also was a starter as a might do it the other night. year, not just 3s or layups.” player who can do a little bit He can jump out of the gym.
So far, so good for freshman. Now in her third You might see four or five Another returning player is of everything for the ‘Dogs. He’s getting out of fotoball so
Matheny and the Bulldogs. season, Harter will be the guys in double figures. That’s 6-3 junior Justin Hynes. The “He’s playing well,” it’s taken him a little bit to get
Athens has a total of 15 Bulldogs’ leader on and off kind of what we want.” post player will be one of the Mickey Cozart said. “He’s into basketball mode, but the
girls out for basketball, and the court. The Bulldogs did graduate most important pieces to the a physical kid. Not afraid to last week or so he’s starting
will start the season playing “She’ll do anything that their all-Ohio player from last Bulldogs’ puzzle, providing throw his body around. He’s to come on.”
four-quarter junior varsity she can for the team,” Ma- year, but a deep unit returns grit and intelligence. shooting the ball pretty well A sophomore to look for
basketball games. theny said. “Doesn’t matter to a team with high expecta- “He’s one of the smartest and he rebounds.” is 6-foot-3 Isaiah Butcher,
Matheny hopes it’s the first if it’s going down on the post tions. kids on our team,” Mickey Two seniors who will also who will spell Hynes off the
step in turning around the because we have a mismatch, Not only does Athens bring Cozart said. “He basi- factor heavily into the rota- bench.
fortunes of the Bulldogs. or if it’s running point and back experience on the roster, cally runs our defense for us. tions are guard Treyce Albin “He’s learning what it takes
Athens went 82-16, won bringing the ball down the but Cozart enters his second You’ll hear him the entire (6-1) and forward Robert to play at the varsity level, the
four Tri-Valley Conference court. Anything that you ask season as head coach, giving game. He is barking back Dickelman (6-4). speed of the game,” Mickey
Ohio Division titles and two her to do.” him his first full offseason there. He’s telling guys where “Treyce’s speed is out- Cozart said. “We’re being
Division II Southeast District Harter averaged 7.6 points with the group. to be and letting them know standing,” Mickey Cozart patient with him. He’ll get it.
titles with current Ohio and 4 rebounds a game last “All of our guys know our what’s happening and behind said. “He doesn’t have to get He’s giving us good minutes
University guard Dominique season. system,” he said. “We weren’t them. He’s going to have a a jump on the ball to steal it. when he gets into the game,
Doseck in the lineup from starting from scratch. We great year.” He can be late where another but we needed someone to
2011-2015. SEE BULLDOGS were able to build on and add Another junior who has guy won’t make that play, he’s
Since Doseck’s graduation, ON PAGE B10 to what we did last year.” received varsity playing time just that fast. SEE ATHENS ON PAGE B10
Page B4 Friday, December 1, 2017 The Athens Messenger

NELSONVILLE-YORK BOYS NELSONVILLE-YORK GIRLS

Justus enters first year Addis returns for final

at Nelsonville-York year with Buckeyes
BY KEVIN WISEMAN and compete a little bit.” “Justin has excellent court BY KEVIN WISEMAN
MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR Perhaps easing the transi- vision,” Justus said. “He’s an MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR
tion is the fact that Mikey excellent passer. We’ve been
NELSONVILLE — The Seel and Evan Hamilton are kind of stressing to Justin, NELSONVILLE —
Nelsonville-York Buckeyes’ currently the lone football he’s one of the faster guys on Nelsonville-York faces some
football team is less than a players making the jump to the court. He’s very quick. question marks heading into
week away from completing the hardwood, on the varsity He’s got a nice basketball the 2017-18 girls’ basket-
the best season in 35 years, team at least. Senior Jonathan body, lot of length. We’re go- ball season. The Buckeyes
advancing to the state semifi- Richards — a receiver and ing to need him to play great graduated four starters from
nals in Division VI. defensive back in football defense for us as well.” last year’s 17-win team that
And while the football — was still contemplating Seel, a 6-1 sophomore, will won the program’s fourth
Buckeyes were earning play- whether or not he would play step into a full-time varsity sectional title in a row.
off victories in front of huge as of Wednesday. role for the first time. His However, the one return-
crowds over the last month, That means players like dedication to basketball can’t ing starter is one of the best
a group of basketball players seniors Ronnie Wend and be questioned, as he played pieces to build around in the
were quietly getting ready for Levi Wickmann and sopho- in a scrimmage last Saturday, entire Tri-Valley Conference
the season with a new head more Keegan Wilburn won’t just hours after the football Ohio Division.
coach. come out after being in the team’s loss to Kirtland. Senior point guard Jessie
That group now won’t program last season. Justus said Seel will take Addis leads the Buckeyes
waste any time in stepping When the Buckeyes do hit over point guard duties for into her final high school
into the spotlight. the court, junior Ethan Bo- N-Y. season on the hardwood.
Jamie Justus enters his first hyer will be a focal point. “He’s transitioning,” Justus Now a four-year starter,
season as the head coach of Bohyer came on last season said. “He played the two- Addis has started every game
the Buckeyes, replacing Jay as a sophomore, and Justus guard a lot (on junior varsity at the point the last three
Kline after his long run with had nothing but praise for the last season). Mikey’s going to seasons for the Buckeyes.
the program. 6-foot-3 post player. run the point for us this year. She’s already topped 1,000
“We’ve just been kind of “He’s just a worker,” Justus He got a lot of experience career points — she enters
going back to the fundamen- said. “Out of all the years I’ve there for us last summer run- the season with 1,025 points
tals with this group,” Justus coached, I haven’t coached ning the point guard. Mikey — and is already one of the
said. “We’ve been focusing a kid that works as hard as just continues to get bigger best basketball players in N-Y
on getting them in shape. he does. That’s one thing I and stronger.” history.
MESSENGER PHOTO BY LOUISE FISH
Lot of practices consisted of admire about him. Day in Junior Reece Robson, a “Obviously, it makes my Nelsonville-York’s Jessie Addis has already surpassed the
up-and-down the floor drills. and day out, I know what 5-10 forward, will also make job a lot easier when you 1,000 point mark in her career as she enters her senior season.
We’ve been working out in I’m going to get out of Ethan the move from JV to varsity have a point guard like that
the weight room three days Bohyer.” starter. who can control the tempo of full strength the rest of the inside with sophomore Haley
a week. The guys are buying The Buckeyes’ offense “Reece is very athletic the game,” head coach Bobby way. Hurd, a first-year varsity
into that.” relied on Aron Davis and and very quick for his size,” Cassady said. “Knows where Cassady said her develop- player.
Despite the long football Hunter Edwards the last two Justus said. “He rebounds to be at all times, puts players ment into her junior year will “Those two have done a
run, Justus and the Buckeyes seasons, with Bohyer step- well. He understands the in the right spots.” be one of the most important really good job in the scrim-
won’t alter their schedule. ping into the spotlight last game. He’s very smart. He’s The lightning-quick Addis factors of the Buckeyes’ mages so far of dominating
They will still open the season. Their only returning basketball savvy.” certainly gives Cassady and season. the rebounds,” Cassady said.
season on Saturday in the starter from last season’s Sophomore Austin Lax the Buckeyes something to “We return Mary and Jes- “Haley, I’ve been really
Zane Trace Tip-Off Classic, tournament game, Bohyer (6-0) is yet another new face build around. A three-sport sie from the core last year,” impressed with. She’s really
taking on Huntington at 5:15 will now shoulder most of the who will be counted upon for standout — Addis is also Cassady said. “Mary was our come a long way so far early
p.m. Nelsonville-York will offensive load. Justus’ Buckeyes. all-league in volleyball and leading scorer before she got this season. I just hope she
also keep a scheduled game “A lot of our offense is “He’s worked really hard a state qualifier in track and sick last year. Then she got continues that throughout the
with defending league champ going to go through him and this offseason in the weight field — basketball has always sick and she never really got rest of the season.”
Vinton County on Dec. 8. teams are going to key on room,” Justus said. “Has a been her top sport. The back in the groove of it last The battle for the final
“We were looking into it him,” Justus said. “So seeing nice offensive skill set. We’ve second-year head coach said year, unfortunately. Hope- starting spot will be between
and up until last Friday we how he responds to that is go- been working on his foot- Addis is the unquestioned fully she can stay healthy this sophomore guards Joscelyn
still didn’t know what our ing to be huge for us. He does work and his quickness but leader of the Bucks. year. She’s going to have a Heller and Grace Sinnot.
situation was going to be,” a lot of good things. He gets he’s going to do a lot of nice “The great thing about her really big year.” Heller split time between
Justus said. “Obviously, if our out and runs the floor. He’s things for us as a sophomore. is she’s one of the hardest Sidney Fick, a starter last JV and varsity last season.
football team had won we physical.” He played a lot of varsity over workers,” Cassady said. “You season, opted not to play her Cassady said both her and
would have had to push some Justin Perry, a 6-2 junior the summer.” can’t have one of your best senior season. The Buckeyes Sinnot will play a big role.
things back. I think with the guard, follows Bohyer as the Junior Travis Meeks (5-10) players not be one of the have two post players who “(Heller) and Grace Sinnot
guys that we have in there most experienced player on will also contribute, as will hardest workers. She is. Ev- are set to fill those shoes and are both in that same position
right now, I just want to get the roster after playing big freshman Ethan Gail (6-3). eryone knows her. There’s no join the starting lineup for the where we’re going to rely on
them out there. We’ve had to minutes as a sophomore. “He’s our lock-down hiding her. Everyone knows first time, on a regular basis them a lot of minutes,” Cas-
cancel a few scrimmages. I Justus said Perry will play they’re going to try and shut at least, this season. sady said. “One of them will
think we need to get out there a lot of shooting guard. SEE NY ON PAGE B10 her down. Her teammates are Junior post Kyla Hender- probably start, one of them
going to have to step up this son will return after coming will come off the bench.
season for her.” off the bench at times the We just need energy off the
Next up with the most ex- last two seasons. Henderson bench from one of them.
perience for the Buckeyes is started three games last Both of them will play a lot
TRIMBLE BOYS guard Mary Kate McCulloch.
Now a junior, McCulloch
season, giving N-Y another
option with some experience
of minutes.”
Senior guard Addison

Hixson prepared to lead

first got varsity experience as to build off of. Bowers, junior Tessa Kaaz
a freshman. “I have a lot of confidence and freshman Ashleigh
McCulloch was poised to in her,” Cassady said. “She’s Cantrell can also compete for
have a breakout season as a one of the hardest work- playing time.

Tomcats into new season

sophomore, but was sidelined ing players we’ve got and “It’s fun to watch those
after Christmas with an ill- she’s going to play a lot of
ness. Even though she came minutes.” SEE BUCKEYES
back to play, she was never Henderson will team up ON PAGE B10
BY KEVIN WISEMAN paid to him, scoring 36 points and Sawyer Koons are all
in a sectional final win over possibilities for more playing
TRIMBLE GIRLS
MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR
Belpre. time this season.
GLOUSTER — Howie “Tremendous work ethic,” Caldwell didn’t sugarcoat
Caldwell walked into a closet Caldwell said. “Doesn’t play

Tomcats lack depth,

what the Tomcats’ main
before a recent basketball football. Conditioning, he’s weakness could be when it
practice at White Gymna- led every suicide we’ve ever comes to height.
sium and pulled out a large had here since we’ve been “We are not very big at

but not experience

mop. He went up and down at Trimble. Every sprint he all,” he said. “In fact, we are
the court, cleaning it himself, has led. Tremendous work very, very small. Might be
before the Tomcats would ethic. Tremendous player. the smallest club I’ve ever
take the court. He’s worked very hard to coached.”
No detail goes unnoticed get where he’s at. He’s very Caldwell said making up
for Caldwell, as the veteran good.” for the lack of height can be BY KEVIN WISEMAN able to fully participate in When she brings the leader-
coach returns for another sea- The Tomcats lost Tyler done when it comes to boxing MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR practices. ship, we’re that much better.”
son on the bench at Trimble Slack and Ryan Richards to out on defense. Richards is hopeful that Spears is a spark plug for
High School. graduation, plus Alex Coff- “We have emphasized from GLOSUTER — The good Williams will be able to get the Tomcats, the player who
Trimble has posted a 60-15 man will miss the season day one, that we are going news for the Trimble Tomcats on the court once the games can bring the energy on both
record the last three seasons due to an injury suffered in to check out,” Caldwell said. is that only one player from start, as any minutes she can ends of the court.
under Caldwell, advancing football. “We told them the other day last season’s rotation was play will obviously be help- “She’s our motor,” Rich-
to the district tournament all That means Trimble will that the only way they would lost to graduation. Trimble ful. Williams gives the Tom- ards said. “She was last year.
three seasons. The Tomcats look even more to players come out of the game if is will return four starters as it cats an experience forward Her and Emily (Ward) kind
were 14-10 last season. like Max Hooper and Cam- they didn’t play defense and enters the 2017-18 season. when she can go. of fed off each other but she
The Tomcats should eron Kittle, who earned more they didn’t check out.” The bad news is that no ad- “Kym has been trying will be our energy player for
feature the same hard-nosed varsity minutes as last season The Tomcats will get an ditional troops were added to her butt off,” Richards said. sure.
defensive approach that one progressed. extra week to work on the the roster. “She’s working hard. Our “We’re going to move her
would expect from a Howie Hooper is a 5-foot-11 ju- practice court, as their season Trimble faces long odds trainer’s here every day. maybe over to the one (point
Caldwell-coached team. nior, while Kittle is a 5-foot-9 won’t tip off until Dec. 8 when it comes to depth When we’re practicing, she’ll guard),” he added. “Her and
“The players’ work ethic sophomore. at Eastern. Their first four as it enters the new girls’ let her jump in a couple Hardy’s going to rotate as the
has been tremendous so far Trimble also has juniors games are inside the Tri- basketball season. The things, but she’s on the side point and as the two (shoot-
and as long as players work Sam Ives (5-9) and Bryce Valley Conference Hocking Tomcats have a roster of with her doing rehab about ing guard). Hardy’s more of
hard, that’s all you can ask Richards (5-8) who will be Division. just seven players in grades every day. a scorer, Kaitlyn can maybe
for,” he said. featured on the varsity level Trimble will have its work nine through 12, including “The hope is she’s going to handle the ball a little bit bet-
The Tomcats have an for the first time. cut out if it wants to wrestle just one sophomore and no play. The big question is, how ter, so we’re going to move
unquestioned leader in senior Caldwell said the juniors the league title away from freshmen. much?” her to the point a little bit
Randy Hixson. The only practiced with the varsity last Waterford, but Caldwell said It’s presented some chal- If Williams does get on more.”
senior on the roster, Hixson season, even as members of putting in the hard work night lenges for third-year head the court, there is little doubt Senior Calen Campbell is
has been a 3-point specialist the JV team. He said that will in and night out is what is coach Joe Richards when it who will join her. another forward who will en-
during his Tomcats’ career. help them going into the new needed to be successful. comes to preparing for the Senior guards Sydney ter her third year playing on
“I learned a long time ago campaign. “If we do not play hard, season. Hardy and Kaitlyn Spears the varsity. She came off the
from coach (Carl) Wolfe, you “They understand what we’re not going to be very “With seven players, are both four-year varsity bench last season, but has the
go as far as your seniors are it’s like to practice on the good,” Caldwell said. “We there’s only so many drills players. potential to give the Tomcats
going to take you,” Caldwell varsity,” Caldwell said. “The may not be very tall, but that we can do,” he said. “We Hardy and Spears will another scoring option as
said. “Well, usually we say one thing, you can coach a lot we are very quick. In every can’t go live a lot. We do be interchangeable when it she moves into the starting
plural with seniors. This year of things, you can coach your game that we play, we hope three-on-three. I’ll jump in. comes to running the point lineup.
we’re just going to say one offense, you can coach your that we play harder than the My brother (assistant coach guard position, or being the “We need her to be big this
senior. Randy has been up on defense, but you can’t teach other club does. There will Jason Richards) will jump shooting guard. year,” Richards said. “She
the varsity for four years, got experience. They learned that probably be some games that in to go four-on-four, but Hardy has generally ran really came on at the end of
in some games as a fresh- experience from last year.” we don’t do that and we’ll it’s hard to get live looks on the offense during her time last year. I don’t think we
man, started as a sophomore, Trimble will rely on young be in trouble. But we want to game situations. So I think with the Tomcats. beat Southern at the end of
started as a junior. He’s going players as well, as Kittle is run out on the floor and we that’s the biggest thing.” “We expect a lot from Syd- the year without the way she
to be our bona fide leader.” one of eight sophomores on want to make sure that we Adding to the conundrum ney,” Richards said. “She’s played.”
Opposing defenses will the varsity roster. Brayden do as well as we can possibly is the fact that senior Kym going to be one of our main Campbell, Williams,
certainly key on Hixson this Weber, Conner Wright, Jer- can. Rebounding is the key. Williams has dealt with an offensive players. She has
season. He still came through emiah Brown, Landon Wisor, You can’t run if you can’t injury during the month of to put the ball in the basket SEE TOMCATS
last year with that attention Kyle Kennedy, Zach Guffy rebound.” November. She hasn’t been for us, no doubt about that. ON PAGE B10
The Athens Messenger Friday, December 1, 2017 Page B5

VINTON COUNTY BOYS FEDERAL HOCKING BOYS

Vikings to Lancers strive for improvement

utilize new style BY KEVIN WISEMAN
MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR
team camp. That was a huge
learning experience for us.”
all be counted on as ninth
graders.
vember has been spent with a
new coaching staff learning

in Combs’ 18th
STEWART — The Federal
Hocking Lancers have no-
where to go but up.
The Lancers will be an en- Smith just completed a sea- how to best mesh the new
tirely different looking team son as the Lancers’ starting faces. Few pieces remain
this season, as senior Branden quarterback, so he’s already from last season.
Gould is the only returning familiar with varsity action. “It’s a learning process and

season
BY DANIEL JOSEPH
FOR THE MESSENGER
McARTHUR — Com-
ing off the program’s most
successful season in school
history, the Vikings basketball
team is preparing and adjust-
ing to suit the style of this
year’s players.
Coach Matt Combs has
seen his fair share of players
go through the Vinton County
basketball system in his time
with the Vikings, including
2017 graduates Tristan Bartoe
and Derick Jones. Both players
started for Vinton County last
season and left their mark on
the program.
“It’s never easy when you
lose good players but over the
course of my 18 years here it
has happened,” Combs said.
“We just have to turn the page.
The difficult thing is trying to
replace production and learn-
ing how to play a style that fits
your current personnel.”
With the losses of Bartoe,
Jones and fellow seniors An-
tonio Mendes, Caleb Mont-
gomery, Kurt Vickers and
Seth Bledsoe, the Vikings will
look to play a different style
of basketball to maximize the
strengths of this year’s team.
The biggest difference in style
is going from predominantly
playing four guards all the
time to only two or three.
“We are going to shoot a lot
of perimeter shots and we like
to play fast but we’re bigger
than we have been in a long
time,” Combs said. “I don’t
know if the tempo or way we
play will change much, we just
need to utilize those big guys.”
Seniors Bryce Damron (6-8)
and Cameron Hamon (6-6)
along with junior Eli Griffith
(6-4) will get a bulk of the
workload in the paint this
season. Team leader Naylan
Yates could be relied on down
low too.
Vinton County returns
eight players from last year’s
campaign, most notably Yates
and Jake Speakman who
played major roles last season.
They, as well as Damron and
Griffith, will be relied upon
heavily this season as they
have the most Varsity experi-
ence.
“I think the key is going
SEE VC ON PAGE B10
While they haven’t had a
chance to get on the court
for a real game yet, first-year
head coach Kevin Dunigan
likes the early signs for the
2017-18 Lancers boys’ basket-
ball team.
“We have team goals that
we want to hit, but we only
have one way to go but up,”
Dunigan said. “Last year you
don’t win a game and there
were games where it’s over in
the first quarter. My expecta-
tions are to just play better
than they did last year and
learn and not turn the ball
over and play hard. So far on
defense, we’ve really played
well.”
The Lancers are coming
off an 0-23 campaign where
all of their games were de-
cided by double figures. Du-
nigan, a Logan High School
graduate, said the numbers
are up and participation was
high in the summer.
“We have a lot of kids out,”
said Dunigan, as the Lancers
will field a freshmen squad.
“What I was told the biggest
numbers we’ve had here in a
few years. We had great num-
bers in open gym. We went to
team camp (in the summer)
and had 15 guys go with us to
player with experience.
The 6-foot point guard will
lead the group into the new
season.
“I’ve already had the
conversation with him, that
he’s the guy that we’re going
to count on because he’s a
senior,” Dunigan said. “He’s
going to be our point guard.
He’s got to take care of the
basketball. He’s got to be
the guy to bring the kids
together.”
Michael Johns, another
6-foot senior, will also be
looked upon to provide lead-
ership.
“He has really come
around and really bought into
what we’re tyring to do and I
can count on him a lot,” Du-
nigan said. “I feel good with
him on the floor because he’s
just that kind of kid.”
Federal Hocking also has
seniors Gabe Fuller (6-3) and
Terrance Lucas (6-1) who
can provide playing time and
leadership.
The Lancers will also
feature some youth, as three
freshmen will play varsity
minutes.
Hunter Smith (6-foot),
Nathaniel Massie (6-3) and
Collin Jarvis (6-foot) will
FEDERAL HOCKING GIRLS
Dunigan is high on
Massie’s potential.
“He’s 6-3, can shoot it, can
rebound well,” he said. “He
runs the floor well. He’s done
some things in open gym that
I’ve not seen a freshman play
with that kind of maturity
with some of the decision
making that he does.”
Said Dunigan on Jarvis,
“Collin probably needs a
little more confidence espe-
cially at the varsity level. He
just needs to know that he
can play at this level, and I
think it’s starting to come.”
Sophomore Brad Russell,
standing 6-foot-4, will be the
Lancers’ featured post player.
“Can play really well
around the rim at times,”
Dunigan said.
A new face for the Lancers
will be junior Josh Rice (6-3),
who moved into the district.
“He can play inside or out,
shoots the ball well,” Duni-
gan said. “Great addition to
us. Physical kid. Does things
well.”
Junior Garret Holsinger
(5-9) and sophomores Tyler
Wilson (5-11) and Landen
Kissner (6-5) round out the
varsity roster.
So far, the month of No-
we’re learning a new system,”
Dunigan said. “We’re all
learning how each other
clicks with one another and
finding the right chemistry
to go with the right kids.
They’re learning my stuff and
I’m learning about them.”
The Lancers will open the
season on Tuesday at Alexan-
der, then return home on Dec.
8 against Miller.
Dunigan said the season
will be about playing hard,
and taking steps in the right
direction.
“This year, I just want to
get better, grow as a pro-
gram,” Dunigan said. “Hope-
fully get some wins. I’m not
under the delusion that we’re
going to win the regional or
anything like that. We expect
we’re going to be better at
the end of the season than
we were at the beginning of
the season and we’ll go from
there. We want this program
to get turned around and
heading in the right direction
and I think we have the kids
here to do that. The parents
have been great. We have a
good staff. Our middle school
program is run by former var-
sity coaches. So we have all
the intangibles in place.”

Federal Hocking looks to build

off of winning season
BY ANDY CRAWFORD from last season, when it fin- ing last season adequately but you don’t see it very
MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR ished 13-11 overall and 8-8 handling the point. often.
in the Tri-Valley Conference “She’s a natural shooter,” “I’m just looking for one
STEWART — Federal Hocking Division. Tolson explained. “But, it’s or two of them to step up
Hocking’s freshman class Any chance it has rests tough to get your own shot and to give us another scor-
has the potential to be the with this year’s seniors, when you’re the one setting ing threat. We lost quite a bit
best the program has seen Audrey Blake, Hannah Dun- up the offense. I think she’s of offense from last season.”
in a long time, but it still fee and Brittanie Jackson. going to enjoy playing out on To compensate, Federal
managed to surprise coach All three have the mental the wing.” Hocking will focus on its
Jeremy Tolson. advantage of having grown That means someone has man-to-man defense and its
“They’re further along up with Tolson, who — like to take over for Blake at the transition game. Every team
than I thought,” said Tolson. them — is entering his top, but Tolson believes he wants to turn its defense into
“There’s always an adjust- fourth year with the team. has that position covered easy baskets on offense, of
ment period when you move “I’m not the easiest coach with his daughter, freshman course, but given the Lanc-
up to varsity, but it’s even to play for,” he admitted. “I Paige Tolson, and, well, he ers’ team speed and their
bigger when you’re a fresh- have high standards, and I should know better than relative lack of a creative
man. The game is faster, and ask a lot of them. I ride them anyone, right? scorer in the half-court, the
the girls are stronger. But, pretty hard in practice. But, Keeping the freshman need to do so becomes even
this group is coming along they’ve been great leaders. family theme going, Kylie more imperative.
well. They make mistakes, They’ve shown the fresh- Tabler will join Dunfee and “This is the fastest team
but they certainly don’t play men, by example, what is Blake on the perimeter, and I’ve had,” Tolson said. “Now,
like freshmen. expected of them.” 6-1 frosh Emma Beha — that doesn’t mean we’re
“I’d say we’re well ahead Jackson provides what who, Tolson says, “is long going to press all the time.
of the curve, so far.” Tolson calls “the tough and can really move” — There are some teams you
PHOTO BY LOUISE FISH, THE ATHENS MESSENGER They had better be. The muscle” in the post, and slides into the paint along- can’t try that on, and we’ll
Naylan Yates is seen in this file photo putting up a 3-pointer Lancers lost six seniors Dunfee is the leading scorer side Jackson, as do sopho- look at the match-up first.
in front of Meadowbrook’s Parker Black in a regional semi- from a year ago, includ- among the Lancers’ return- more Tamika Mayle and But, my hope is that our
final game last season. Yates, now a senior, will be one of the ing do-everything shooting ees, having averaged 8.5 freshman Sarah Clarke. defensive identity is to be
team’s leaders this year. guard and career 1,000-point points a game. However, she Perhaps Tolson’s most aggressive, whether we’re
scorer Destiny Tabler. Tabler has proved capable doing daunting task is in tempering pressing or not. I think we
averaged well over 17 points- more, catching fire late and his new players’ expectations have the mental makeup to
per-game in 2016-17, and upping that output to nearly for themselves. After all, be that kind of team.
VINTON COUNTY GIRLS classmate Kaylli McPherson 13 per during the team’s
added another 9 points-plus final 10 games.
they seldom lost during their
time at the junior high level.
“We’re still very young,
but we’re growing, we’re
from the post. Tolson sounds most excit- “It’s very rare that a fresh- learning, and I think we

Vikings will rely

That’s a lot to make up ed about Blake, who settles man comes into the TVC have a great chance to be
for if Federal Hocking is to into her more natural posi- and dominates right off the competitive with most every
match or exceed its record tion of 2-guard after spend- bat,” he said. “It can happen, team that we play.”

on experience
this season
BY DANIEL JOSEPH
FOR THE MESSENGER
McARTHUR — Led by
three seniors and a plethora
of varsity experience, the
Vinton County Lady Vikings
hope to build on their sum-
mer and fall workouts and
compete for a Tri-Valley
Conference Ohio Division
championship.
“We had a very good sum-
mer with a dedicated group
of girls who bought into ev-
erything,” said Lady Vikings
head coach Rod Bentley.
Last season, the Lady
Vikings went .500 in the
regular season and 7-5 in
conference play before fall-
ing in the sectional semifinal
to Fairfield Union. Vinton
County returns four starters
from last year’s squad and
most of their bench is back
as well.
“We have some very expe-
rienced players returning and
our (fifth starter) fits in well,”
Bentley said. “Everybody is
back and it should be a pretty
good year for us.”
Cassie Bentley, Darian
Radabaugh and Erin Jones
return to the starting lineup
after receiving all-league
honors a season ago. Sopho-
more Josie Ousley is also
returning to the lineup for the
Lady Vikings after com-
ing on to the scene in 2016.
Freshman Morgan Bentley,
Cassie’s sister, is the lone
addition to the Lady Vikings
starting lineup.
Vinton County’s bench
provides a lot of veteran post
players, including juniors
Lexi Erickson, Kendall Fee
and Isabelle Lambert. Sopho-
more Emily Jones will see
playing time off the bench
for the Lady Vikes as well
as Rianna Fee and Abrianna
McManis.
Leading the way for Vin-
ton County last season was
Cassie Bentley who remains
PHOTO BY BRYAN WALTERS/GALLIPOLIS DAILY TRIBUNE
SEE VIKINGS South Gallia’s Amaya Howell (center) gets the ball knocked away by Federal Hocking’s Kaylli McPherson (20) and Audrey Blake
ON PAGE B10 (4) in a contest last season.
Page B6 Friday, December 1, 2017 The Athens Messenger

GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEX HAWLEY/THE DAILY SENTINEL

PHOTO COURTESY OF DOWNARD PHOTOGRAPHY MESSENGER PHOTO BY KEVIN WISEMAN

PHOTO BY ALEX HAWLEY/THE DAILY SENTINEL

MESSENGER PHOTO BY KEVIN WISEMAN

PHOTO COURTESY OF MILLER HIGH SCHOOL

MESSENGER PHOTO BY TYLER BUCHANAN

BY ALEX HAWLEY/THE DAILY SENTINEL

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIMBLE HIGH SCHOOL

GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL ROSTERS

Alexander Spartans Athens Bulldogs Eastern Eagles Federal Hocking Lancers Meigs Marauders
Coach Jeff Grinstead Coach Seth Matheny Coach Jacob Parker Coach Jeremy Tolson Coach Jarrod Kasun
No Name Yr Pos No Name Yr No Name Yr Ht Pos No Name Yr No Name Yr Ht Pos
2 Jadyn Mace Fr G 0 Lilly Mills jr 0 Cass Casto Fr 5-6 G-F 4 Audrey Blake Sr 14 Jacynda Glover Jr 5-4 G
3 Margo Roof Jr. G 3 Bella Tan Fr 2 Jess Parker Jr 5-3 G 5 Carol Lucas So 20 Alyssa Smith Jr 5-1 G
5 McKena Rice Jr. F 4 Emma Harter Jr 4 Ashton Guthrie Fr 5-6 G 10 Brianna Baker Fr 22 Taylor Swartz Jr 5-4 F
10 Sydney Bolin Jr. G 14 Laura Manderick So 10 Sydney Sanders Fr 5-6 G 12 Alicia Gould Fr 23 Marissa Noble Jr 5-9 G
11 Abby Howard Sr. G/F 23 Mindi Gregory So 12 Madison Williams Sr 5-9 G 20 Ashlynn Jarvis So 24 Madison Fields Jr 5-4 G
12 Emma Brooks Fr G 24 Emmy Beck-Aden Sr 14 Kaitlyn Hawk Sr 5-8 G 22 Brittanie Jackson Sr 30 Kassidy Betzing Jr 5-7 G
14 Makaela Trout Jr. G 25 Emmarald Francois So 20 Olivia Barber Fr 5-9 F 23 Kylie Tabler Fr 32 Madison Hendricks Sr 5-2 G
15 Rachel Richardson Jr. G 32 Kaylee Stewart Jr 22 Kennadi Rockhold Fr 5-5 G 24 Hannah Dunfee Sr 33 Becca Pullins Jr 5-5 G
20 Mallory Rankin So. G 22 McKenzie Long Fr 5-6 G-F 30 Courtney Allen Fr 40 Devin Humphreys Sr 5-7 F
22 Liz Haning Sr. G 24 Alyson Bailey Jr 5-4 G 32 Paige Tolson Fr 52 Kylee Blanks Jr 5-10 F
23 Taylor Meadows So G/F 30 Whitney Durst Fr 5-7 F 34 Tamika Mayle So
24 Erin Scurlock Fr F/C 32 Kelsey Casto Jr 5-7 F 40 Isis Mayle Jr
30 Kristen Taylor Sr. C 34 Jasmine Brewer Fr 5-1 G 42 Jordan Knapp So
32 Brooke Casto Fr G 40 Maddie Nutter So 5-1 F 45 Emma Beha Fr
33 Karsyn Raines Fr F 50 Elizabeth Collins Sr. 6-2 C

Miller Falcons Nelsonville-York Buckeyes Southern Tornadoes Trimble Tomcats Vinton County Vikings
Coach Bryan Dorsey Coach Bobby Cassady Coach David Kight Coach Joe Richards Coach Rod Bentley
No Name Ht Yr No Name Pos Yr No Name Yr Ht Pos No Name Pos Yr No Name Ht Yr
2 Askya McFann 5-5 So 1 Ashleigh Cantrell F Fr 1 Phoenix Cleland So 5-6 G 1 Kaitlyn Spears G Sr 0 Darian Radabaugh 5-7 Sr
3 Josie Crabtree 6-0 Fr 2 Addison Bowers G Sr 3 Baylee Wolfe So 5-6 G 4 Calen Campbell F Sr 3 Emily Jones 5-3 So
5 Ashley Spencer 5-7 So 3 Jessie Addis G Sr 10 Jaiden Roberts Sr 5-2 G 5 Sydney Hardy G Sr 4 Erin Jones 5-8 Sr
10 Brooklyn Wilson 5-6 Jr 10 Joscelyn Heller G So 12 Paige VanMeter Sr 5-6 F 11 Skylar Moore G Jr 10Abrianna McManis 5-9 So
14 Lacey Alexander 5-3 Sr 11 Kyla Henderson F Jr 13 Josie Cundiff Sr 5-5 G 32 Kym Williams F Sr 11 Josie Ousley 5-1 So
15 Olivia Houk 6-0 Sr 15 Grace Sinnott G So 20 Caelin Seth Fr 5-5 G 33 Sidney Moore F/C Jr 12 Cassie Bentley 6-0 Sr
23Sophie Compston 5-9 So 21Mary Kate McCulloch G Jr 22 Lauren Lavender Sr 5-6 G 44 Breanna Brammer F/C So 20 Belle Lambert 5-7 Jr
24 Chloe Nine 5-5 Sr 24 Tessa Kaaz F Jr 23 Shelbi Dailey Sr 5-10 F 21 Morgan Bentley 5-9 Fr
25 Alaina Boyden 5-6 Fr 34 Haley Hurd C So 24 Bailee Floyd Sr 5-5 G 23 Rianna Fee 5-6 Jr
33 Haille Joseph 6-1 So 30 Shelby Cleland So 5-7 F 24 Lexi Erickson 5-7 Jr
32 Jordan Hardwick Fr 5-7 G 25 Kendall Fee 5-9 Jr

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The Athens Messenger Friday, December 1, 2017 Page B7

BOYS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

MESSENGER PHOTO BY KEVIN WISEMAN

PHOTO BY ALEX HAWLEY/THE DAILY SENTINEL

MESSENGER PHOTO BY KEVIN WISEMAN

BY ALEX HAWLEY/THE DAILY SENTINEL

PHOTO COURTESY OF MILLER HIGH SCHOOL
MESSENGER PHOTO BY KEVIN WISEMAN

MESSENGER PHOTO BY KEVIN WISEMAN MESSENGER PHOTO BY KEVIN WISEMAN

PHOTO BY ALEX HAWLEY/THE DAILY SENTINEL MESSENGER PHOTO BY KEVIN WISEMAN

BOYS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL ROSTERS

High school boys’ basketball Athens Bulldogs Eastern Eagles Federal Hocking Lancers Meigs Marauders
Alexander Spartans Coach Mickey Cozart Coach Jeremy Hill Coach Kevin Dunigan Coach Ed Fry
Coach Jim Kearns No Name Ht Yr No Name Yr Ht Pos No Name Ht Yr No Name Yr Ht Pos
No Name Pos Ht Yr 1 Micah Saltzman 6-2 Sr 4 Dylan Creath Jr 5-6 G 1 Tyler Wilson 5-11 So 1 Christian Mattox Sr 6-1 G
3 J.K. Kearns G 5-8 So 2 Austin Koska 6-2 Sr 10 Sharp Facemyer Jr 5-5 G 2 Garret Holsinger 5-9 Jr 3 Weston Baer So 6-2 G
5 Ryan Davidson F 6-2 Sr 3 Elijah Williams 5-10 Jr 12 Blaise Facemyer Jr 5-10 F 3 Nathaniel Massie 6-3 Fr 4 Cole Betzing Jr 5-10 G
10 Luke Kish G 5-8 Sr 4 Eli Chubb 6-3 Jr 14 Colton Reynolds So 5-11 G 4 Hunter Smith 6-0 Fr 10 Nick Lilly Jr 5-10 G
11 Zach Scripp G 5-9 Sr 5 Robert Dickelman 6-4 Sr 20 Ryan Dill So 5-9 G 12 Gabe Fuller 6-3 Sr 12 Wesley Smith Jr 5-7 G
12 Trey Schaller F 6-1 So 10 Henry Gerig 6-1 Jr 22 Isaiah Fish Jr 6-0 G-F 20 Landen Kissner 6-5 So 14 Jake Roush Jr 5-9 G
13 Kaleb Easley G 5-7 So 14 Treyce Albin 6-1 Sr 24 Mason Dishong So 6-0 F 22 Collin Jarvis 6-0 Fr 15 Zach Bartrum Jr 6-0 G
14 Matt Brown F 6-0 So 15 Brayden Markins 6-0 So 30 Garrett Barringer So 6-5 F 23 Josh Rice 6-3:Jr 20 Bobby Musser So 6-6 C
15 Dalton Skinner G 5-10 So 20 Dalton Cozart 5-10 Sr 32 Derrick Metheney So 5-9 G 24 Michael Johns 6-0 Sr 23 Austin Mahr So 6-1 F
20 Dylan Mecum F 6-0 Jr 25 Logan Maxfield 6-1 Jr 42 Kaleb Hill Sr 6-4 C 30 Branden Gould 6-0 Sr 24 Cooper Darst Jr 6-2 F
23 Tyler Rice C 6-0 So 30 Blake Stover 5-10 Jr 32 Terrance Lucas 6-1 Sr 32 Wyatt Hoover Fr 6-0 F
24 Kam Riley G 5-11 Jr 32 Justin Hynes 6-3 Jr 34 Brad Russell 6-4 So
31 Luke Chapman F/C 6-1 So 33 Isaiah Butcher 6-3 So
35 Caleb Terry C 6-9 So 34 Nathan Whitehead 6-2 Sr
40 Josh Mace 6-3 Jr

Miller Falcons Nelsonville-York Buckeyes Southern Tornadoes Trimble Tomcats Vinton County Vikings
Coach Sean Bartley Coach Jamie Justus Coach Jeff Caldwell Coach Howie Caldwell Coach Matt Combs
No Name Ht Pos Yr No Name Ht Yr No Name Yr Ht Pos No Name Ht Yr No Name Yr Pos
1 Caron Starlin 5-11 G Sr 1 Travis Meeks 5-10 Jr 0 Dylan Smith Sr 6-0 G 3 Brayden Weber 5-7 So 2 Shawn McCarty Sr 5-11
3 Alec Eveland 5-11 G Sr 2 Chris Beyette 5-8 Jr 2 Jason Counts Sr 5-10 F 4 Bryce Richards 5-8 Jr 3 Ricky Body Jr 5-9
4 Blayton Cox 5-5 G Fr 3 Hayden Dunn 5-11 Sr 4 Weston Thorla Jr 6-3 G 5 Conner Wright 5-7 So 4 Jake Speakman Sr 6-0
5 Levi VanBibber 6-0 F/C Sr 4 Mikey Seel 6-1 So 10 Austin Baker Jr 6-2 F 10 Randy Hixson 5-9 Sr 5 Gavin Arbaugh So 6-0
11 Michael Spencer 5-11 F Sr 5 Ethan Gail 6-3 Fr 12 Billy Harmon Jr 6-0 G 11 Jeremiah Brown 5-10 So 10 Nevan Yates Jr 5-11
22 Drew Starlin 5-8 G So 10 Evan Hamilton 6-0 So 14 Trey McNickle So 6-0 G 12 Max Hooper 5-11 Jr 11 Noah Waddell Sr 5-11
23 Colby Bartley 5-8 G So 11 Austin Lax 6-0 So 20 Larry Dunn Sr 6-0 G 13 Landon Wisor 5-8 So 12 Will Arthur So 5-10
32 Collin Pargeon 6-4 C Sr 14 Justin Perry 6-2 Jr 22 Coltin Parker So 5-11 G 14 Kyle Kennedy 5-8 So 14 Bailey Bartoe Sr 6-0
33 Andrew Doughty 6-0 F Sr 22 Adam Newman 6-0 Jr 24 Jensen Anderson Jr 6-0 G 15 Cameron Kittle 5-9 So 20 Cameron Hamon Sr 6-6
34Seattle Compston 6-2 F/C Sr 23 Brayden Allen 6-3 Jr 30 Alex VanMeter Jr 6-0 F 20 Zach Gufffey 6-0 So 23 Trafford Dunn Jr 6-0
24 Jonathan Richards 6-3 Sr 32Brayden Cunningham Jr 6-5 C 22 Sam Ives 5-9 Jr 24 Eli Griffith Jr 6-4
32 Reece Robson 5-10 Jr 34Austin Vancooney So 6-3 C 23 Alex Coffman 5-9 Jr 32 Lance Montgomery Fr 5-10
33 Ethan Bohyer 6-3 Jr 40 Sawyer Koons 5-9 So 44 Naylan Yates Sr 6-3
50 Isaac McWilliams 6-0 Jr 55 Bryce Damron Sr 6-8

Your Local Athens Staff!

223 Columbus Road

800.652.2328 | www.atomiccu.com
Page B8 Friday, December 1, 2017 The Athens Messenger

MILLER GIRLS MILLER BOYS

Miller girls look for Compston, Starlin will

continued improvement power the Falcons
BY ANDY CRAWFORD a 6’1” center, and Spencer, will see serious minutes, as BY ANDY CRAWFORD
MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR the team’s shooting guard, well. MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR
both displayed flashes of Dorsey seemed particularly
HEMLOCK — For a dominance followed by excited about Crabtree. “She’s CORNING — One look
Tri-Valley Conference girls’ periods of disappearance last extremely blessed, athleti- at Miller’s boys’ basketball
basketball program on the season — typical of freshmen cally. She’s got it all. roster yields a lot of familiar
rise, look no further than the — but will be counted on to “It’s a good mix of classes, names.
Miller Falcons. be much more consistent this but our seniors and sopho- But, coach Sean Bartley
Stuck in an endless string time around. mores will provide our core,” is quick to assure everyone
of losing seasons as recently “They’d better be our he went on. “This is as deep that it only seems as though
as two years ago — Miller leading scorers, or we’re in as we’ve been here in a while, his players have been to-
finished 4-18 in 2015-16 trouble,” Dorsey chuckled. so we’re going to try to take gether longer than the Rolling
and hadn’t won more than Lining up opposite Joseph full advantage of that.” Stones.
six games in a campaign for in the post is senior Olivia That means Alexander “Yeah, I guess we’ve got
more than a decade — the Hauk, another 6-footer who pounding the ball into Joseph quite a bit of experience,”
team made a quantum leap brings an ability to move and Hauk on offense, setting Bartley admitted. “We have
last year, finishing with an outside and to hit the mid- up the inside-out game with two seniors who each have
11-13 mark (7-9 in the TVC- range jumper, take a defender Spencer, Rine, and the rest of a chance to finish with over
Hocking). off the dribble, and to run the Falcons’ snipers along the 1,000 career points in the
With a nice mix of seniors the floor. She joins a pair of perimeter, plus a healthy dose same season. That doesn’t
and underclassmen return- classmates, slashing point of pressure on defense. happen very often.”
ing, the encore could be even guard Lacey Alexander and “Rebounding and creating Those two players are
better. hard-nosed defensive special- turnovers are going to be the Seattle Compston and Carson
BY CASEY SARGEL/TRIBUNE REPORTER
The Falcons have size, ist Chloe Rine, to give the two areas that we’ll excel,” Starlin. Bartley was unable Miller’s Carson Starlin races down the court during the Falcons
something that definitely can- Falcons a formidable starting said Dorsey. “And we won’t to remember exact figures game against Nelsonville-York.
not be discounted in Division five. need to do a lot of fancy, off the top of his head, but he
IV. They have an experienced “We’re talented enough to designed full-court pressure estimates that Compston en- that helps us the most is his It will all start with
senior back to run the point. put points up,” said Dorsey. defenses to do it, either. It’ll ters the season having scored ability to get out and to run Compston and Starlin, the
They sport a lineup that can “It’s definitely not going to be be just good, old-fashioned, around 715 points, while the floor,” said Bartley. “That elder.
go 10 players deep. a ‘it’s-my-turn-to-shoot’ type hard man-to-man. Starlin sits at 690 or so. really gives our offense an- Compston is listed at 6-2
It can be a long way to put of situation. They’re all good “I’ve found that if you do Both do far more than just other dimension.” but plays bigger. Over his four
promise into practice, but shooters, so we’re emphasiz- the basic stuff right, you can put the ball in the basket. Sophomores Colby Bartley varsity seasons, he has added
new coach Bryan Dorsey ing taking things in the flow make up for a lot, and there’s They are the unquestioned and Drew Starlin and fresh- a variety of post moves and is
senses a team on the cusp. of the offense, depending on not much need to do anything leaders of a senior class that man Blayton Cox complete now extremely mobile for his
“This is a talented group, what it is that the other team else.” dominates the lineup. Of the Miller’s arsenal. The younger size. Starlin is a flashy ball-
with lots of varsity experi- is giving us. While Waterford and East- team’s 10-deep rotation, seven Starlin plays with an uncanny handler, good shooter, and
ence,” he said. “What I “If we’re not getting good ern have claimed the league’s will be taking the floor for nose for the ball, but it’s the — perhaps most importantly
like most is that they’re not shots, that’s on me and the top two spots for eight years the final time for the Falcons. younger Bartley that made a — an underrated help-side
just athletes, but they’re coaches.” running, the TVC-Hocking’s Those include forward name for himself last season defender.
basketball players. Several Junior small forward coveted third spot — not to Andrew Doughty and guards by scoring the Falcons’ first “Carson’s also a great
of them have begun playing Brooklyn Wilson will be first mention a potential sectional Michael Spencer and Levi 10 points in their district leader,” said Bartley. “He
AAU ball, so they’re play- off the bench, while sopho- title — has always been up Vanbibber, all of whom will semifinal loss to Portsmouth doesn’t get enough credit for
ing basketball year-round more guards Askya McFann for grabs. Last year, it be- come off the bench, as well as Clay. that. If he has one weak-
now, and it’s starting to and Sophie Compston will longed to Belpre. starters Collin Pargeon in the “He had a great game in ness, it’s that he’s almost too
show.” back up Miller’s first-string Might it finally be the middle and Alec Eveland on the sectional final, too,” said unselfish. I’d like to see him
Two of those players are shooters and Alexander, Falcons’ turn? the outside. his coach. “He seems to show become more aggressive and
sophomores Hallie Joseph respectively. Freshmen Josie “We have the athletes to Pargeon uses his 6-4 frame up and play his best in the big to look to score more.”
and Ashley Spencer. Joseph, Crabtree and Alaina Boyden pull it off,” said Dorsey. to be an effective space- games.” Another thing that the
eater and rebounding force There may be a lot more Falcons do well is crash the
inside, in much the same way big games in store for Miller boards. To a man, they are
Compston did in his younger this season. The team’s 10-6 all excellent rebounders, even
MEIGS GIRLS days. Eveland, meanwhile,
is a natural athlete at the
record in the Tri-Valley
Conference Hocking, and its
the guards. Of course, that
exposes transition defense as
2-guard who serves as the

Meigs girls enter season

11 wins overall, were its best a potential weakness.
perfect foil for Starlin at the in over a decade, and with so “I think we need to keep
point. little lost and with so many getting better on all aspects
“He can create off the seniors, coach Bartley knows of our defense, not just that

with high expectations

dribble and has a nice mid- better than anyone that the
range jumper, but the thing time to move is now. SEE MILLER ON PAGE B10

BY ANDY CRAWFORD
MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR
be junior Kassidy Betzing.
Not a point guard in the
Blanks — who have made
the jump from junior varsity
MEIGS BOYS
traditional sense, Betzing into the mix, and Meigs has

Marauders aim to
ROCK SPRINGS — Four is more of a slasher and a plethora of options.
burning questions as the creator than a distribu- “We’re guard-heavy
Tri-Valley Conference Ohio tor. Nonetheless, she’s the and not very big,” Kasun

continue winning ways

Division girls’ basketball best ball-handler that the admitted. “That’s why our
season approaches: Marauders have, so more transition game is going to
One: how much will two- often than not, she’ll start at be so important. Given our
time defending champion the top. size, we need to get out of

Alexander be affected by
the loss of three of its start-
ers?
Two: Can Nelsonville-
York replace graduation
losses?
Three: just how good are
Vinton County’s freshmen?
And, finally: Is Meigs
ready to take the next step?
The pieces are certainly
in place for the Marauders.
After finishing 13-11 (8-4
TVC) a season ago, they
return almost every vital
weapon in their arsenal, as
well as adding a key trans-
fer athlete to the usual list
of junior varsity reinforce-
ments.
This title tilt has a chance
to be fun.
“We can go 10-deep,”
said coach Jarrod Kasun.
“And we’d better be able
to do that, because of the
way we play. We’re an up-
tempo team, man-to-man
defense is our calling card,
and we’re going to look to
transition from defense to
offense at every opportu-
nity.”
Leading the charge will
Meigs’ Kassidy
Betzing (30) is
shown as at-
tempts a steal
versus Jackson’s
Rebekah Green,
during the Divi-
sion II sectional
tournament
game between
the Lady Maraud-
ers and Ironladies
on Wednesday,
February 15.
Green scored 22
points to lead
Jackson while
Betzing scored
20 points to lead
Meigs, as the
Lady Marauders
rallied to win
44-42.
PHOTO BY SCOTT
JONES
But, when the situation
calls for it, Maddie Fields
can step in and take over,
as well.
“Kassidy is one of the
most athletic kids I’ve ever
seen,” said Kasun. “One
thing that gets overlooked
with her is her lateral quick-
ness. It’s unbelievable.
“And Maddie has kind
of built her reputation as a
defender, but she’s become
a much better ball-handler,”
he said. “We have two girls
who can both handle the
basketball, and that’s a
luxury a lot of teams don’t
have.”
The rest of Kasun’s lineup
looks a lot like Betzing and
Fields in both stature and
speed. Seniors Devin Hum-
phreys and Taylor Schwartz
join junior sharpshooters
Marissa Noble, Madison
Hendricks and Becca Pul-
lins, who transferred in
from Eastern, to form the
league’s most-experienced
7-man rotation.
Add yet another trio of
juniors — Alyssa Smith,
Jacynda Glover and Kylee
running half-court sets. Our
main thing is going to be
trying to get as many good,
uncontested shots as we
possibly can.”
And on defense, expect
the Marauders to stress
pressure, just not necessar-
ily the full-court kind.
“We might pick up
full-court every once in a
while,” Kasun said. “But,
it’s going to be more in-
your-face man-to-man, with
some trapping in the half-
court thrown in. What we
want, more than anything
else, is to cause the other
team to be uncomfortable,
and I think we’re athletic
enough that we can do that
without having to press all
the time.”
But if his team is to break
away from the four-horse
TVC-Ohio pack, Kasun
knows that his team must
hold its own on the boards.
And, while the Marauders
may be undersized when
compared to their league
SEE MARAUDERS
ON PAGE B10
under Fry
BY ANDY CRAWFORD best among the Marauders’ into a three-quarters mock
MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR returning players. press.
His partners in the back- Expect more of the same.
ROCK SPRINGS — court will be junior Zach “Those wrinkles make a
When a power outage at Bartrum, who returns to huge difference,” he said.
Meigs High School knocked run the point, and sopho- “And given our speed, it’s
out the lights at a recent more Weston Baer, who going to be difficult on a one
boys’ basketball practice, earned a reputation last or two-day turnaround for
Marauders coach Ed Fry year as a streaky shooter your second team in practice
took it in stride. and aggressive defender off to simulate what we do.
“Just write that we shot the bench. “Our defense is no secret,
the lights out!” he joked. “All three can shoot,” said but I hope to still have a sur-
Fry is known for his wry Fry. “Having three threats prise or two for people.”
sense of humor, and he’s like that along the perimeter One big benefit of the
going to need it early in makes us tough to guard. 1-3-1 is that it limits a team’s
2017-18. Less than a month When they’re all healthy tendency to foul, and in the
into the new season, the and working well together, case of Meigs, the numbers
Marauders have already had I think it’s one of the best certainly bear it out. The
to deal with injuries to key guard trios in southeast Marauders shot 101 more
players, as well as sicknesses Ohio.” free throws than their oppo-
that have swept through the It had better be, because nents in 2015-16. Last year,
lineup and scheduling issues Meigs will be breaking in an the gap grew to 115.
that have cost valuable prac- almost-totally set of big men, “Our goal this year is to
tice time. which will likely be spear- hit +130,” said Fry. “That’s
All while they are trying headed by 6-6 sophomore intentional. The team that
to replace three starters from Bobby Musser at center. makes the most foul shots
their 14-9 team (9-3 Tri- “The way he’s growing, is usually going to win a bas-
Valley Conference) from a he might be 6-7 by tomor- ketball game, and we have
season ago. row,” Fry chuckled. “He’s a really good foul shooting
“We lost some really good very agile for his size, and team. We have to find ways
players, and some really he has good hands. His work to get to the [foul] line.
great kids,” Fry said. “They ethic on the floor and in the “This is my fourth year
were resilient, and this weight room is tremendous. here, and our players knew
group’s going to have to be It makes me very excited for the system pretty darned
the same way. We’ve faced a the future.” well on the first day of prac-
lot of adversity right off the Junior Cooper Darst, tice,” he said. “We’ve been
bat.” sophomore Austin Mahr, able to get a lot of things
One of the biggest gut and freshman Wyatt Hoover done.”
punches that Meigs had to complete the frontline, while When the lights work,
endure took place, ironically, juniors Cole Betzing, Nick that is.
during the first football Lilly, Jake Roush and Wesley “This team is still a work
game, when its lone senior, Smith will all provide depth in progress,” Fry concluded.
Christian Mattox, went down at the wings. “We might have a slow start,
with a torn ACL. “Our whole lineup will see because of all of our injuries.
Mattox, entering his third minutes,” Fry promised. We also play a really tough
season as the team’s starter Of course, no discussion non-conference schedule, but
at shooting guard, opted out of the Marauders would be I believe that iron sharpens
of surgery, and Fry said that complete without mentioning iron.
he has been amazed at how Fry’s signature 1-3-1 zone “We just have to be
well the knee has held up defense. Like a mad scien- patient. I’m confident that
since. tist, Fry continues to tinker when we get everyone back
Mattox’s continued good with the scheme, adding new and start firing on all cylin-
health is crucial, because elements, as he did last year ders, we’re going to have a
his 13.9 points-per-game by occasionally bringing it pretty good team. We’ll be
last season is easily the out further and turning it right there.”
The Athens Messenger Friday, December 1, 2017 Page B9

EASTERN GIRLS EASTERN BOYS

Parker returns Eagles hope to stay in hunt

for second BY ANDY CRAWFORD
MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR
“Our guys had a great off-season,
too,” said Hill. “We put in a lot of work
in the weight room and got stronger
returning point guard, junior Sharp
Facemyer, to get the ball inside to its
big men. Facemyer will be joined on the

season on
TUPPERS PLAINS — With above-
average height, experience at the point,
and a deep core of shooters on the
perimeter, Eastern boys’ coach Jeremy
physically. But, I think our improvement perimeter by a quartet of sophomores
is really going to show in how we shoot — Ryan Dill, Mason Dishong, Derrick
the basketball.” Matheney and Colton Reynolds — and

Eagles’ bench
BY ANDY CRAWFORD
MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR
TUPPERS PLAINS —
Eastern girls’ basketball
coach Jacob Parker has fi-
nally found his comfort zone.
Taking over for legendary
coach John Burdette, Parker
spent last season looking like
a man who had won a million
dollars but was terrified he
was going to blow it all. Fast
forward 12 months, and he
now looks like he’s ready to
use it to make his next mil-
lion.
“You’ve hit the head of the
nail,” he said, laughing. “I
was a young guy coming in
from the boys’ junior varsity
mentions a rotation of six,
because that’s the founda-
tion from which this year’s
Eastern edition will be built.
Seniors Liz Collins, Kate
Hawk, and Madison Wil-
liams will team with juniors
Jess Parker, Alyson Bailey
and Kelsey Casto to give the
Eagles a well-balanced and
experienced lineup.
Collins is the Eagles’ only
true post player, but she
moves so well for her size that
she is a match-up nightmare
for opposing defenses.
“Her game really makes
things open up for our
guards,” Parker said.
Point guard Parker might
be the biggest beneficiary of
Eastern will need to shoot well to junior Dylan Creath.
Hill knows he has the right ingredients overcome the loss of four-year starter “Dylan missed last year with a broken
to stay in the hunt in the Tri-Valley Con- Jett Facemyer and his 20-point-per-game collarbone,” explained Hill. “He’s a real
ference Hocking. average. blue-collar type of kid. Having him
“We’re a program that’s moving in “For us, it’s going to start inside,” healthy makes up for a big piece we
the right direction,” Hill said. “We’ve Hill said. “We have a very strong post were missing last year.
increased our win total every year I’ve game, with Kaleb Hill lining up on one “And as far as our sophomores go,
been here, and last year we reached the
side and Garrett Barringer on the other. it’s going to give us a lot more depth on
.500 mark in league play. There aren’t a whole lot of D-4 teams in the outside than we had last year. All of
“I’d like to see us move well above this area that can match up with that.” them can really shoot the basketball.
.500 this season,” he said. “The league Hill, a 6’5” senior, is the more pol- “But, as a team, one of the things that
is going to be a whole lot better top-to- ished of the two, with Hill calling him a we need to work on is creating opportu-
bottom — Waterford and Belpre are “complete total package,” but Barringer, nities for ourselves to score,” he added.
always strong, Miller brings everyone the 6’4” sophomore, wowed the Eagle “We have the ability, but we’re not yet
back, even Federal Hocking will be a lot coaching staff by maturing both physi- consistent.”
better — but I think we have the ability cally and mentally in the off-season. Hill said that he’s keeping a close
and the personnel to be a competitive Add junior transfer Isaiah Fish and eye on the status of Blaise Facemyer.
ball team.” his versatility into the mix, and Eastern The junior swingman missed all of last
The Eagles overcame a sluggish start has three players who can post people to season with a football injury, and history
in 2016-17 to finish 11-14 overall and the the wall.
aforementioned 8-8 in league play. More importantly, it also has its SEE EAGLES ON PAGE B10
SOUTHERN BOYS

Caldwell back for 10th season

program, and I was a little
awe-struck at the opportunity
I had been given with this
kind of established program. I
was in unsure waters, just try-
ing to build relationships with
the players.
“This time around, the girls
know what to expect from me,
and I haven’t been afraid to
up the intensity.”
The Eagles’ first order of
business is to replace Laura
Pullins. The three-sport
phenom was the last remnant
of the 2014 state champion-
ship team, and Parker admits
the transition has been more
difficult emotionally than
physically.
“She was such a big-time
player, a real leader,” he said.
“Without realizing it, we fell
victim to the mentality that
anytime we needed a shot, we
just found Laura.
“It’s been a challenge to
find our own identities —
who can score, who can
create off the dribble. But,
I think it’s going to help us
eventually. If we have six girls
each scoring 10, there’s no
need for a girl who can score
30,” said Parker.
It’s no accident that Parker
Collins’ game. The third-year
starter is often the smallest
girl on the floor but makes
up for it with quickness, grit
and hustle. Bailey, the team’s
best defender, and Casto, BY ANDY CRAWFORD in the TVC-Hocking. so expect Southern to spread they also displayed flashes
its second-best ball-handler MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR Six of those pieces gradu- the floor so that each player of their high basketball I.Q.,
behind Parker, join her on the ated, however, and thus the has enough room to create as they sniffed out several
RACINE — By now, upcoming challenge is clear. off the dribble. of Vinton County’s set plays
perimeter.
boys basketball teams in Their chances this year Caldwell’s team should and created turnovers.
Coach Parker calls Hawk
the Tri-Valley Conference rest squarely in the hands of also be deep, with junior On the other hand, the
“our silent leader,” but he
know what to expect from 5’11” senior Dylan Smith, Weston Thorla and sopho- Vikings made the most of
remains convinced that the
the Southern Tornadoes, who returns to run the point more Trey McNickle likely their size advantage and
team’s wild card is Williams,
and 2017-18 won’t be any and is the team’s lone four- to be first off the bench, and shredded Southern’s interior
who is coming off consecu-
different. year varsity returnee. Smith senior Larry Dunn, juniors defense, especially that of its
tive injury-plagued campaigns
“We want to play up-tem- doesn’t wow you with his Brayden Cunningham and second unit.
but who enters this season
po but smart,” said long-time flashy moves, but he knows Billy Harmon, and sopho- Vinton County does that
completely healthy.
coach Jeff Caldwell. “We’re when to drive and when to mores Coltin Parker and to a lot of teams, of course,
“She just wants to play,”
pretty inexperienced and distribute, and he always Austin VanCooney not too but as nothing much seems to
said Parker. “She works so
relatively small, so we’re go- chooses to make the easiest far behind. escape Caldwell’s notice, he
hard, but her luck has been
ing to need to be scrappy.” play possible. “I’d like to think we have filed it away going forward.
so bad.
Short, smart and scrappy Joining Smith in the kids who can shoot, too,” “We’re going to have to
“Sitting out hurt so much
have been three of the call- tentative starting lineup are said Caldwell. “Not neces- continue to work all season
has had one big benefit,
ing cards of Caldwell’s teams 5-11senior Jason Counts and sarily from long-range, but on our rebounding, especial-
though,” he went on. “She has
for more than a decade. Very juniors Jensen Anderson we have several who have a ly on protecting the weak-
become a real student of the
seldom blessed with height, (5-9), Austin Baker (6-1) and nice touch with their mid- side,” Caldwell admitted.
game. Her basketball I.Q. is
the Tornadoes nonetheless Alex VanMeter (5-11). range jumpers.” “That’s really the only area
through the roof.”
have consistently found other All four have soft hands On defense, the Tornadoes where our lack of size can
One big difference from
ways to win. and above-average ball- employ a swarming, col- become an issue.
last year is the make-up of the
With a lineup largely handling skills, and each can lapsing everyone-to-the-ball “We also need to commu-
Eagles’ second unit, which
consisting of interchangeable post up when necessary. In type mentality that augments nicate better than we’ve been
will be comprised of as many
— yet senior-heavy — parts, fact, it’s an offense in which their depth and masks their
as eight freshmen.
Southern finished 11-12 the post players can play on relative lack of size. At the SEE SOUTHERN
“When you go from one
overall last season, and 9-7 the perimeter and vice versa, recent boys’ TVC preview, ON PAGE B10
SEE EASTERN

Southeastern Ohio’s BEST Basketball Coverage

ON PAGE B10

SOUTHERN GIRLS

Kight takes
over Tornadoes
program
BY ANDY CRAWFORD team’s most consistent scoring
MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR threat from the outside. Paige
VanMeter and Lauren Laven-

RACINE — Perhaps no
basketball team in the entire
Tri-Valley Conference has
been hurt more by graduation
over the past few seasons than
the Southern girls.
Two years ago, the Torna-
does went 12-4 in the league
and won a sectional title with
a senior-leaden lineup. Then,
in 2017, faced with the task
of replacing four starters,
Southern still scratched its
way above .500, finishing
12-11 overall and 8-8 in the
TVC-Hocking.
But, once again, the team
lost three starters and a fourth
key contributor, leaving
first-year coach David Kight
scrambling to find some
depth.
Kight, a long-time boys’
coach who has put in time at
Jackson, Western and Meigs,
remains optimistic, however.
“It’s a nice corps of kids,”
he said. “All of them have
a good attitude and a real
willingness to learn. Together,
we’re developing a nice work
ethic.”
The Tornadoes’ strength
will be its guards, where most
of its varsity minutes from a
season ago return. Point guard
Jaiden Roberts is the lynchpin
and the team’s only natural
ball-handler. The two-year
starter is also lightning-quick
defensively and brings leader-
ship and boundless energy
every time she steps on the
court.
Joining Roberts in the
backcourt is Josie Cundiff, the
AND
der occupy the wings.
Vanmeter provides the
defense, especially in the post,
while Lavender’s strength is
creating off the dribble.
Both are effective rebound-
ers for their respective sizes,
as is primary post player
Shelbi Dailey, who is still raw
offensively but is a nimble
shot-blocker and can run the
floor. However, Southern must
still wrestle with the fact that
it will be far shorter along
the front line than most every
team it will face.
“It’s a big deal, but it’s not
insurmountable,” said Kight of Join 97 WATH and Power 105 as they bring you ALL the
his team’s vertical challenge.
“Most of the boys’ teams I’ve
coached over the years didn’t
Local High School Basketball Action and the Ohio Bobcat Insider!
have a whole lot of size, either.
“I’ve found that if you can The J&K Contracting
Athens Bulldog
Sports Fan
play man-to-man defense the
right way — help-side, with a
lot of intensity and movement Basketball
— you can make up for a lack
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The Tornadoes’ other
shortcoming is its relative 970WATH and 97.1 FM
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games go to wxtq.com/sports.
lack of experience beyond the
first group. Virtually all of the
girls who will be coming off
the bench played exclusively
junior varsity in 2016-17, and
WXTQ Athens County Game of the WEEK Listen for the
even Kight admits that a lot of Wendy’s Player
his pre-season practice time of the Game
has been devoted to “players
still trying to figure each other
out.”
Sophomores Phoenix
Cleland and Baylee Wolfe are
the two varsity returnees and
SEE TORNADOES ALEXANDER SPARTANS FEDERAL HOCKING LANCERS TRIMBLE TOMCATS NELSONVILLE-YORK BUCKEYES ATHENS BULLDOGS
ON PAGE B10
Page B10 Friday, December 1, 2017 The Athens Messenger
balanced but a lot of good indi- the time it takes for any team good at. Those are the funda- speed, and do it. Girls will,
VC vidual talent graduated from tornadoes to adjust to a new coach, mental things that we’ve been too, but first they’ll want to
Continued from page B5 the league last year,” Combs Continued from page B9 especially one who is “cross- working on. know why you’re asking them
to be finding who will fill said. “What every team re- will likely be the first ones off ing over” from boys’ teams “One difference [between to do it. It’s just a different
roles beyond those four guys,” turns, though, is a lot of depth. the bench, but expect senior to girls’. the genders] that I have way of teaching.
Combs said. “We have to have I think most teams feel like Bailee Floyd, sophomore “I don’t do anything noticed is in how I have to “They’ll get it,” Kight
some guys who can step up off they’ll have some depth which Shelby Cleland, and freshmen conventionally,” Kight said, explain things,” he added. promised. “We have a chance
the bench or as a fifth starter, usually makes for a competi- Jordan Hardwick and Caelin declining to elaborate. “But, “Girls are much more analyti- to improve, and improve a lot.
but we’re still trying to figure tive league.” Seth to see a heavy dose of there are particulars that cal. If you tell a boy athlete to I’m very excited for the future,
that part of it out.” The TVC-Ohio title was minutes as well. I want any team, whether run through a wall, he’s going to see how we’re playing in
Nevan Yates, a junior, may Combs’ 10th since he began And, let’s not forget about they’re boys or girls, to be to put his head down, run top January and February.”
fit into that role. Several play- coaching the Vikings. The
ers with JV team experience team won its third district
will make the jump to varsity championship under his tenure
this year, including seniors and reached the regional finals our numbers were going to be “Our defense is still devel-
Shawn McCarty, Noah Wad- for the first time. In all, the Southern Eagles pretty high — we were look- oping, but I’m pleased with
dell and Bailey Bartoe, juniors Vikings went 24-3 last year. Continued from page B9 Continued from page B9 ing at a full deck of freshmen what we’ve been able to do
Trafford Dunn and Ricky Combs knows that expecta- doing. We can’t afford for repeated itself this fall. Doc- on our junior varsity team — so far,” he said. “Man-to-man
Body, and sophomores Gavin tions are always high heading anyone to get themselves out tors have given conflicting and then some injuries have will remain our focus, but
Arbaugh and Will Arthur. into each season. of position,” he added. opinions on his labrum; hit.” we’re going to try to add a
Lance Montgomery rounds out “I hope that (fans) expect the The bottom line is that should it be torn, Facemyer If Facemeyer and others few more things as the season
the roster as the team’s only kids to play really hard, play the Tornadoes will be one will be forced to sit out again. can’t go, their absence will be goes along.”
freshman player. unselfish and do it together,” of the youngest teams in “The bug bit us again,” most keenly felt on defense, The Eagles’ hope, of
The Tri-Valley Conference Combs said. “You always hope the TVC, but they’ve done Hill sighed. “Here we were, where Hill is still planning to course, is that “as the season
is loaded with talent again this for results that are favorable it with mirrors before, and thinking that it was all start- extend more pressure to more goes along” turns out as well
season and Vinton County, but first and foremost we want their havoc-wreaking style ing to come together and that places on the court. as it did for them last season.
who won the conference to see those things done. We should make them more
championship last season, is feel like if we do things the competitive than they look
right in the thick of things. right way, the results will take on paper.
“Like usual, it’s very care of themselves.” “I will say this,” you first have to force with us.”
Caldwell concluded. “To Marauders missed shots. Our defense So, what’s the bottom
a man, our players have Continued from page B8 is going to do that. And, line for Meigs? Kasun
shown a tremendous work rivals, he doesn’t see that as we’ve got girls that can get sounded positive, yet cau-
they play to their potential. ethic so far. They want to a debilitating weakness. to the ball; they really have tious.
Vikings “I think we’re a solid learn and to get better, and “We have to stress a nose for it. “We look good on paper,”
Continued from page B5 group who can play with they aren’t afraid to get rebounding, to really focus “Once we do all of those he said. “But, as we all
a vital part to the Lady Vi- anyone but our conference after each other in practice. on it, but we know that,” he things, I don’t think that know, sometimes things
kings success. She averaged is very tough,” Bentley said. Coaching this group has said. “We also know that the other teams’ bigs are don’t always work out that
a double-double with points “It’s going to be a very, very been a lot of fun.” in order to create rebounds, going to be able to keep up way.”
and rebounds last year and competitive group of girls
will look to continue that going at it this year.”
level of play through her As for what to expect of
senior season. Vinton County this season, do,” he continued. “We have phasis has been on control-
“(Cassie) brings consistent Coach Bentley noted that Eastern concepts around here that ling all aspects of the game, Miller
rebounding and versatility he wants to play up-tempo. Continued from page B9 are quaint but golden. The game management, if you Continued from page B8
to the table because she’s With the shooters the Lady level to the next — in this first is: we hang our hat on will,” he said. “From a prac- one,” Bartley said. “We’re
able to play all five spots,” Vikings have, they can case, from junior high to defense. If you don’t play tical standpoint, for example, pretty solid offensively, but
Bentley said. “We have some spread the floor and find high school — there’s always defense, then you don’t play.” we tend to settle too much. we could always play with
really good players coming the open girl in each set a steep learning curve, espe- As Eastern prepares to de- I’d like to see us learn to give more movement away from
back, but Morgan is going to to dominate offensively. If cially when it comes to speed fend its 21-4 record (14-2 in up the good shot in order to the ball, and we need to do a
be a great fit for us. Typically they’re able to also crash the and strength,” Parker said. the Tri-Valley Conference), get the great shot. We need better job of finishing, espe-
as a freshman you’re a little boards with strong inside “But, they’re good athletes, not to mention its latest dis- to learn to see the whole cially near the basket.
weak, but she is not. Emily play, Vinton County could and they’ve started to adjust trict title, Parker is focused picture. “What I like about this
Jones is a shooter and adds a be headed for a very suc- and become attuned to the on instilling some wisdom “Our girls have that capa- group is that, top to bottom,
lot to our already really good cessful season. system. on the macro level. bility. By tournament time, they are very unselfish. They
group of girls.” “The most exciting thing “It’s no secret what we “One of our points of em- we should be ready.” truly enjoy playing together.”
The TVC-Ohio is always about the Lady Vikes is our
competitive and that’s the depth and scoring,” the coach
case again this season with continued. “Each night we
Alexander and Meigs paving can have a different girl who on the season. knock down eight, nine out
the way. The Lady Vikings can score for us and our team bulldogs “She’s working on her Tomcats of 10 every time so we need
can be in the hunt for a con- chemistry has really proved Continued from page B3 shot also, working on drib- Continued from page B4 her to score for us.”
ference championship, too, if good for us.” “She’s been working a bling the ball a little better,” Hardy and Spears are all Sidney Moore saw playing
lot on her shot,” Matheny Matheny said. “But she seniors with multiple years time last season, but will see
said. “She can shoot the ball competes and gets after it of varsity experience. Rich- her role off the bench expand
also.” defensively, which is what ards would like to have more this season. Richards said
to translate it.” Junior Kaylee Stewart is we want to do.” depth, but he does have a she is a dream to coach.
Spartans Grinstead seems settled another returning player for Freshman guard Bella Tan strong senior class to work “She comes to practice, she
Continued from page B3 on two other starters, senior the Bulldogs. She led the will also see varsity minutes. with. never back talks, she never
ning the show. Kristen Taylor, who will join team in rebounding last sea- “She competes every night “I have four seniors, I need complains,” he said. “If you
Junior Rachel Richardson Rice inside, and freshman son with nine a game, also we’re in the gym, and tries all four of them to lead by have seven of Sidney Moore
slides into the point guard Jadyn Mace, who will spot contributing 7.2 points and to do everything that she can example more than anything you would never have an
position vacated by her sister. up from the wing. 1.7 assists a game. Stewart right,” Matheny said. else,” Richards said. issue as a coach because she
And while she has built a “Kristen is unbelievably can play the role of a guard Junior Emmy Beck-Aden Sophomore Breanna listens, she doesn’t talk back,
well-deserved reputation as strong,” he said. “She’s been or a forward. and sophomore Emmarald Brammer is the youngest she does all the little things.”
the best-shooting two-guard moved inside and outside “She’s going to do a little Francois will also be count- player on the team, but she The Tomcats are 21-27
in the area, the change is the last couple of years, but bit of everything for us,” ed upon for the Bulldogs this doesn’t lack experience. She the last two seasons under
likely to put her ball-han- we’ve already told her that Matheny said. “She can season. made a name for herself as a Richards. He knows his
dling and distribution skills we want her to own the paint handle the ball and bring it The Bulldogs are off to freshman a year ago, starting players will be asked to log
further under the microscope this season, to get every down the court, but she’ll an 0-2 start after losses to every game and giving the a lot of minutes all season
than they’ve ever been. rebound. also be the one who muscles Ironton (65-42) and Miller Tomcats a post presence. while avoiding foul trouble,
“We’re going to put a “And Jadyn is just ex- and plays down and gets you (46-34). Athens will look for “She does work hard,” but he still expects the group
lot on her,” Grinstead said. tremely smart and mature for a rebound when you need its first win when it hosts Richards said. “She’s going to compete for wins the best
“She’s a great kid and a hard her age. She’s a good shooter it. She’s going to do a little Point Pleasant on Saturday to be good for us. What we they can.
worker, but she’s been used and a tough defender, and bit of everything. She’s got at 2 p.m. do inside is going to kind of “We have seven players
to getting open shots as a looks extremely comfortable a good shot. Just trying to The Bulldogs have im- sway on her. She has to be and we need to be a tight,
two [guard], and playing the at the two-spot,” he said. capitalize on all that.” proved its numbers in the our leading rebounder.” close-knit group in order
point is an entirely different The team’s fifth position Lilly Mills is the fourth program, now they hope Rounding out the roster for us to succeed,” he said.
animal. We’ve scrimmaged on the floor will likely be returning starter for the the victories follow. Athens are juniors Sidney Moore “If our seven, if all seven of
Unioto and Zanesville so far, filled by a platoon system of Bulldogs. The junior will is now a veteran club with and Skylar Moore. them bring it on game nights,
and both just hounded her. senior Abby Howard, juniors handle the post duties again returning starters nearly Skylar Moore suffered we’ll play our butts off and
“We came out of both scrim- Sydnie Bolin and Makaela for Athens. across the lineup. a serious knee injury as a we’ll see what happens.
mages recognizing that, as Trout, and sophomores “She’s another one that “Having everybody freshman, but has now fully “What I’m looking at, at
coaches, we have to figure out a Taylor Meadows and Mallory will get you those tough understand what I’m asking recovered from the injury the end of the day, probably
way to get her more shots.” Rankin. plays, the ones that don’t them to do, as far as setting according to Richards. I’m going to write ‘seven
The Spartans’ other return- Grinstead said that the necessarily show up on the a level of effort,” said Ma- “She’s our shooter,” he strong, play hard every day’
ing starter is McKena Rice. Spartans will have to be able stat sheet, but she’s our best theny when asked about the said. “We need her to put the on the board before we go
The junior power forward to go deeper into their bench help defender,” Matheny keys to the season. “That’s ball in the basket. When she out there and if they do that,
is the team’s best defender, than last year, simply to play said. “Does really well really important because you gets on that machine, she’ll I’ll be happy.”
its best pound-for-pound the way he wants to play. rebounding the ball. Brings already have those leaders in
rebounder, and, according to “We’re going to expend the physicality to the game place. It shows, we’re able to
Grinstead, she also best epit- a lot of energy,” he said. for us.” have a full roster of JV this
omizes the team’s strengths “We’re not going to settle. I The Bulldogs will year. They see those girls last three years, winning
and its weaknesses. want us to be a team that is look to sophomore Mindi working hard. Buckeyes three sectional titles, one
“Kena’s a go-getter,” he great at a couple of things, Gregory to fill the role left “With the numbers up a Continued from page B4 Tri-Valley Conference Ohio
said. “She flies all over the but good at a lot of things. by Abdella and jump into little bit, they can actually girls compete in practice Division title and finishing as
place. Sometimes, on a de- “We’re not going to waste the starting lineup. Gregory look at those guys and look because every day someone a district runner-up after her
fensive rebound, when we’ve any time getting around to it, received playing time as a to them for advice to help shows me something,” Cas- freshman season.
just made the outlet [pass], either. That’s the way we’ve freshman, scoring 58 points out in situations.” sady said. “I’ve told them, Cassady said those expec-
she’s already on the other been running our prac- barring injury or foul trouble, tations haven’t changed.
end of the floor. She just tices — boom, boom, boom. they’re going to have to be “I think we all definitely
needs to learn how to finish Teams are going to see what ready to play.” want to keep that sectional ti-
better, and that’s hard to do we’re doing right away. Brayden Markins (6-0). The Buckeyes will be lean- tle streak alive, and hopefully
when you’re always going They’re just going to have to Athens Cozart said he wants to ing on some new faces this advance further than that,” he
90-miles-an-hour. try to stop it.” Continued from page B3 go 10 players deep in his season, with one of the most said. “That’s definitely one of
“That’s been our big- In the end, Grinstead man- be able to come in and give rotation, pushing the pace familiar faces in the area in my personal goals. I would
gest frustration with all of aged to avoid giving away Justin a blow.” whenever possible. The Addis leading the way. like to win more tournament
the girls so far,” Grinstead any state secrets, but he did Juniors Eric Chubb (6-3) Bulldogs certainly have the Nelsonville-York might games. We obviously want to
continued. “When we slow let his guard down briefly for and and Henry Gerig (6-1) experience, and they’ll get have some new players in key win league. Not to sound like
things down in practice — a moment of levity. could also see playing time. tested right out of the gate. roles, but it hasn’t changed every other coach right now
things like coming to a jump “Our season-long emphasis Elijah Williams, a 5-10 Athens travels to Gallia expectations. The Buckeyes but I’m focused on that first
stop and giving a ball fake is going to be on creating junior, transferred into the Academy on Friday, where are 55-18 with Addis the (game).”
before the drive — we do confusion,” he said. “We district in the fall and gives it will face 6-foot-11 Zach
them correctly. Then, we get hope it will eventually be Athens another athlete to Loveday. The sophomore
caught up in the speed of a theirs, but right now, it’s work with. has already been offered
game situation and we forget ours.” “He wasn’t here during scholarship offers from Ohio Newman, Brayden Allen and
the summer, so he’s playing State, Purdue and Xavier. NY Isaac McWilliams could also
a lot of catch-up,” Mickey The Bulldogs then travel Continued from page B4 factor into the rotation.
Cozart said. “He’s a point to Bishop Watterson on defender,” Justus said of The Buckeyes finished 10-
do think we have a team that guard. He’s raw. He literally Saturday. It will be the first Meeks. “We are looking for 13 a season ago, but will have
Alex shoots the ball fairly well,” has played one year of orga- steps in improving on last him to set the tone defen- new faces on the court and
Continued from page B3 he added. “Got some team nized school basketball. So season’s 14-10 record. sively.” leading the way on the bench
floor,” Kearns said. “These speed and some kids that can everything that he’s played “We’ve said from the Added Justus about Gail, as they enter a new era of
kids are going to have to be get up and down the floor. In up to this point has been beginning, it’s going to take “He got a lot of varsity Nelsonville-York basketball.
asked to do things that they the scrimmages, we’re look- travel ball and from I was toughness,” Mickey Cozart experience over the summer. “We’ve been blessed with
haven’t been asked to do at ing to push the ball, get out told the high school that he said. “We have to play great Ethan’s a lengthy kid. Tall. a fantastic group of kids,”
the lower levels in terms of in transition. That could be a just came from didn’t even defense. We have to rebound Has some height. He’ll take Justus said. “As a first-year
absorbing scouting reports, little bit of change from what have sports. He’s learning.” the basketball, and take care his lumps as a freshman, but coach I couldn’t ask for a bet-
playing defense for 32 min- we’ve been the last few years Seniors Austin Koska of the ball. If we do those on the offensive end he’s a ter group of kids. Day in and
utes, and putting the im- where we really just value (6-2) and Nathan Whitehead things — and the first one is good offensive weapon for day out they come in here
portance on each and every each shot and each defensive (6-2) are also part of the being tough — if we can do us.” and work for us. Attitudes
possession. possession. We’ll see how roster, with junior Blake those things, we’re going to Senior Hayden Dunn and have been great and the ef-
“With that being said, we that all plays out.” Stover (5-10) and sophomore be fine.” juniors Chris Beyette, Adam fort’s there.”
The Athens Messenger Friday, December 1, 2017 Page B11

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BASKETBALL SCHEDULES
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Alexander Spartans Athens Bulldogs Eastern Eagles
Coach Jeff Grinstead Coach Seth Matheny Coach Jacob Parker
Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time
Nov. 27 MARIETTA 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24 IRONTON 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at Warren 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 29 FEDERAL HOCKING 7 p.m. Nov. 27 at Miller 7:15 p.m. Dec. 4 SOUTH GALLIA 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 7
Dec. 11
VINTON COUNTY
at River Valley
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2
Dec. 7
POINT PLEASANT
MEIGS
2:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Dec. 7
Dec. 11
at Trimble
at Jackson
7 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Good luck to all the teams!
Dec. 18
Dec. 21
MEIGS
at Wellston
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Dec. 11
Dec. 14
at Vinton County
at Nelsonville-York
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Dec. 14
Dec. 16
MILLER
at Belpre
7:15 p.m.
12 p.m.
From first date to prom we have you covered!
Dec. 23 PAINT VALLEY 5 p.m. Dec. 16 at Logan 1:15 p.m. Dec. 18 WAHAMA 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 27 at Marietta 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at Federal Hocking 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Circleville 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at Jackson 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23 at Notre Dame 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 4 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23 at Gallia Academy 6:30 p.m. Jan. 4 SOUTHERN 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 8 JACKSON 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28 MORGAN 7:30 p.m. Jan. 6 at Oak Hill 2:30 p.m.
Jan 11
Jan. 15
at Athens
WARREN
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Jan. 2
Jan. 4
at Federal Hocking
at Wellston
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Jan. 11
Jan. 15
at Waterford
MEIGS
7:15 p.m.
7:15 p.m.
HYACINTH BEAN FLORIST
Jan. 18
Jan. 22
RIVER VALLEY
at Vinton County
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Jan. 11
Jan. 18
ALEXANDER
VINTON COUNTY
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Jan. 18
Jan. 20
at South Gallia
TRIMBLE
7:30 p.m.
1:15 p.m.
540 WEST UNION STREET (740) 594-9302
Jan. 24 at Southeastern 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at Meigs 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 PARKERSBURG 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 29 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 BELPRE 7:15 p.m.
Feb. 1 at Meigs 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Trimble 1 p.m. Jan. 27 at Miller 1:30 p.m.
Feb. 5 ATHENS 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 MARIETTA 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at Wahama 7:15 p.m.
Feb. 8 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at River Valley 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 FEDERAL HOCKING 7:15 p.m.
Feb. 10 at Lynchburg-Clay 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at Alexander 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at Southern 7:15 p.m.
Feb. 8 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 WATERFORD 7:15 p.m.

Federal Hocking Lancers Meigs Marauders Miller Falcons

Coach Jeremy Tolson Coach Jarrod Kasun Coach Bryan Dorsey
Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time
Nov. 27
Dec. 4
at Alexander
at Waterford
6 p.m.
6 p.m.
Nov. 30
Dec. 4
at Southern
at Warren
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Nov. 27
Nov. 30
ATHENS
at Fisher Catholic
7:15 p.m.
7:30 p.m. Good luck to all the schools!
Dec. 7 WAHAMA 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at Athens 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 SOUTHERN 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 11 at South Gallia 6 p.m. Dec. 11 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at South Gallia 7:30 p.m. Team work wins the game!
Dec. 14 BELPRE 6 p.m. Dec. 14 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 BELPRE 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 16
Dec. 18
SOUTHERN
at Trimble
6 p.m.
6 p.m.
Dec. 18
Dec. 21
at Alexander
VINTON COUNTY
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Dec. 14
Dec. 16
at Eastern
WAHAMA
7:15 p.m.
1:30 p.m. C&E
Dec. 21 EASTERN 6 p.m. Dec. 23vs. Minford at Alexander 1:30 p.m. Dec. 18 WATERFORD 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 2 ATHENS 6 p.m. Dec. 29 vs. Shaw at MC 4:30 p.m. Dec. 23 at Crooksville 4 p.m. Two Locations
Jan. 4 at Miller 6 p.m. Dec. 30 vs. Marietta at MC 11:15 a.m. Jan. 4 FEDERAL HOCKING 7:15 p.m. 70 N. Plains Rd. #119, The Plains
Jan. 6 NELSONVILLE-YORK 2 p.m. Jan. 4 at Jackson 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at Trimble 7 p.m. 740-797-2582
470 Richland Ave. Athens Crystal Jones Agency
Jan. 13 St. Joseph 1 p.m. Jan. 11 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 Route 40 Classic 6 p.m.
740-593-7705 740-698-9300
Jan. 14 at West Muskingum 1:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at Eastern 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at Southern 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 15 at New Lexington 6 p.m. Jan. 18 at Wellston 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 SOUTH GALLIA 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 18 WATERFORD 6 p.m. Jan. 20 WAYNE 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at Belpre 7 p.m.
Jan. 20 at Wahama 6 p.m. Jan. 22 ATHENS 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at Wahama 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 22 SOUTH GALLIA 6 p.m. Jan. 25 at River Valley 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27 EASTERN 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 25 at Southern 6 p.m. Jan. 29 at Vinton County 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at Waterford 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 27 at Belpre 6 p.m. Feb. 1 ALEXANDER 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 BERNE UNION 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 29 TRIMBLE 6 p.m. Feb. 5 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at Wellston 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 1 at Eastern 6 p.m. Feb. 8 WARREN 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at Federal Hocking 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 5 MILLER 6 p.m. Feb. 8 TRIMBLE 7:15 p.m.

Nelsonville-York Buckeyes Southern Tornadoes

Coach Bobby Cassady Coach David Kight
Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time
Nov. 28 WARREN 7:15 p.m. Nov. 30 MEIGS 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2 at Zane Trace 3:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Miller 7:30 p.m. Good Luck
Dec. 7 at Wellston 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 WATERFORD 7:30 p.m. To All Area Teams!
Dec. 9 at Trimble 12:30 p.m. Dec. 11 TRIMBLE 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 12 at Lancaster 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Wahama 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 14 ATHENS 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at Federal Hocking 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 18 VINTON COUNTY 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 SOUTH GALLIA 7:30 p.m.
“If you don’t shop Remy’s, you’re paying too much!”
Dec. 21 at River Valley 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28 at East 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 23
Dec. 28
at Spartan Holiday Showcase
at Wheelersburg
3:15 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Jan. 4
Jan. 6
at Eastern
at Clay
7:30 p.m.
1 p.m.
740-596-4024
www.remysmobilehomes.com
Dec. 30 FAIRFIELD UNION 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m.
Located 7 Miles West of McArthur On U.S. 50
Jan. 4 at Alexander 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 BELPRE 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 6 at Federal Hocking 3:30 p.m. Jan. 18 MILLER 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 11 MEIGS 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at Waterford 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 20 Tri-State Hoops Throwdown 12 p.m. Jan. 22 at Trimble 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 22 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 FEDERAL HOCKING 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 25 at Athens 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27 WAHAMA 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 27 McCLAIN 12:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at Williamstown 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 29 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at South Gallia 7:30 p.m.
Feb 1 at Vinton County 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 EASTERN 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 5 at Meigs 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at Belpre 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 8 ALEXANDER 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 SYMMES VALLEY 7:30 p.m.

Trimble Tomcats Vinton County Vikings

Date
Coach Joe Richards
Opponent Time Date
Coach Rod Bentley
Opponent Time Follow ALL of
your local teams
Nov. 30 at Wellston 6:30 p.m. Nov. 25 WESTFALL 7 p.m.
Dec. 4 at Belpre 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Paint Valley 1:15 p.m.
Dec. 7 EASTERN 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at Alexander 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 9 NELSONVILLE-YORK 12:30 p.m. Dec. 11 ATHENS 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 11 at Southern 6 p.m. Dec. 14 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 18 FEDERAL HOCKING 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 21 at Wahama 7 p.m. Dec. 21 at Meigs 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 30 CROOKSVILLE 5 p.m. Dec. 27 PHILO 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 4 at South Gallia 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28 SOUTH WEBSTER 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 6 WATERFORD 12 p.m. Dec. 30 at Jeff Sheets Holiday Classic 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 11 MILLER 7 p.m. Jan. 4 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 18 BELPRE 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at Jackson 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 20 at Eastern 1:15 p.m. Jan. 13 at Unioto 1:30 p.m
Jan. 22 SOUTHERN 7 p.m. Jan. 15 at Crooksville 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 24 at Crooksville 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at Athens 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 25 at Waterford 7:15 p.m. Jan. 22 ALEXANDER 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 27 ATHENS 1 p.m. Jan. 25 at Wellston 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 29 at Federal Hocking 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 MEIGS:7:30 p.m.
Feb. 1 WAHAMA 7 p.m. Feb. 1 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 5 SOUTH GALLIA 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at River Valley 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 8 at Miller 7:15 p.m.

R. Craig Mathews, D.D.S. Same Day

530 W Union Street, Crowns Available
Athens, Ohio 45701 Implant Dentist
(740) 592-1483 Same Day Esthetic
(800) 923-7329 Veneers
Page B12 Friday, December 1, 2017 The Athens Messenger

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