2018-19 High School

Hoops Preview
Alexander Athens Eastern Federal Hocking
Meigs Miller Nelsonville-York
Southern Trimble Vinton County
Page B2 Friday, November 30, 2018 The Athens Messenger

2018-2019 HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL SCHEDULES

BOYS BASKETBALL
Alexander Spartans Athens Bulldogs Eastern Eagles
Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time
Nov. 30 SOUTHEASTERN 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 GALLIA ACADEMY 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 7 at Vinton County 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 Piketon Classic 6:15 p.m. Dec. 4 CHESAPEAKE 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 8 at Federal Hocking 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at River Valley 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at Southern 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 14 MEIGS 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 Big E Classic 2 p.m. Dec. 11 SOUTH GALLIA 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 15 WATERFORD 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 VINTON COUNTY 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 WATERFORD 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 18 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at Miller 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 21 at Athens 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 ALEXANDER 7:30 p.m. Jan. 4 FEDERAL HOCKING 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 28 at Minford 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at New Lexington 7:15 p.m. Jan. 8 at Ohio Valley Christian 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 4 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m. Jan. 4 at Meigs 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 TRIMBLE 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 11 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at Wahama 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 Beast of the Southeast TBA Jan. 11 at Warren 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 POINT PLEASANT 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 15 VINTON COUNTY 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at Lancaster 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 MILLER 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 18 at Meigs 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 22 at Warren 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at Vinton County 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 BELPRE 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 25 at River Valley 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 MARIETTA 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at Green 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 29 at Oak Hill 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 WAHAMA 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 1 ATHENS 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 WOOD COUNTY 3 p.m. Feb. 8 at Waterford 7:15 p.m.
Feb. 5 at Chillicothe 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at Alexander 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at Trimble 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 8 at Wellston 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 JACKSON 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 SOUTHERN 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 TRIMBLE 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 MEIGS 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 12 JACKSON 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at Wellston 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 15 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Logan 7:30 p.m.

Federal Hocking Lancers Meigs Marauders Miller Falcons

Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time
Dec. 1 at Morgan 5 p.m. Nov. 30 at Southern 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 FISHER CATHOLIC 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 7 at Trimble 6 p.m. Dec. 4 WARREN 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 NELSONVILLE-YORK 6:15 p.m.
Dec. 8 ALEXANDER 5 p.m. Dec. 7 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 BELPRE 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 11 SOUTHERN 6 p.m. Dec. 8 Oak Hill (at Rio Grande) 6 p.m. Dec. 14 at Waterford 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 14 at South Gallia 6 p.m. Dec. 11 at Marietta 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 WAHAMA 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 15 WELLSTON 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at Alexander 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 EASTERN 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 18 BELPRE 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at Vinton County 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 CROOKSVILLE 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 21 at Waterford 6 p.m. Dec. 21 GALLIA ACADEMY 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28 at Huntington 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 28 at Berne Union 6 p.m. Dec. 28 Morgan (at Marietta College) 2:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at Grove City Christian 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 4 at Eastern 6 p.m. Dec. 29 Whitehall-Yearling (at Marietta) 2 p.m. Jan. 8 at Trimble 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 8 WAHAMA 6 p.m. Jan. 4 ATHENS 7:30 p.m. Jan 11 SOUTHERN 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 15 MILLER 6 p.m. Jan. 8 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at Federal Hocking 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 18 EASTERN 6 p.m. Jan. 11 at River Valley 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 Route 40 Classic 11 a.m.
Jan. 22 at Wahama 6 p.m. Jan. 15 at Wellston 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 TRIMBLE 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 25 WATERFORD 6 p.m. Jan. 18 ALEXANDER 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at Eastern 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 29 at Southern 6 p.m. Jan. 25 VINTON COUNTY 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at Belpre 7:15 p.m.
Feb. 1 SOUTH GALLIA 6 p.m. Jan. 29 at Point Pleasant 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 WATERFORD 7:15 p.m.
Feb. 2 at Peebles 6 p.m. Feb. 2 at Chillicothe 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 FEDERAL HOCKING 7:15 p.m.
Feb. 5 at Miller 6 p.m. Feb. 5 MARIETTA 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at Wahama 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 8 at Belpre 6 p.m. Feb. 8 at Athens 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at Southern 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 12 FAIRFIELD CHRISTIAN 6 p.m. Feb. 12 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 SOUTH GALLIA 7:15 p.m.
Feb. 15 TRIMBLE 6 p.m. Feb. 15 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m.

Nelsonville-York Buckeyes Southern Tornadoes

Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time
Dec. 1 Zane Trace Tip-Off Classic 11:45 a.m. Nov. 30 MEIGS 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 4 at Southern 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 8 at Miller 6:15 p.m. Dec. 7 EASTERN 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 12 at Unioto 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Federal Hocking 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 14 at Wellston 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at Trimble 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 18 ATHENS 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 WAHAMA 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 21 VINTON COUNTY 7:30 p.m. Jan. 4 at Belpre 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 22 TRIMBLE 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 WATERFORD 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 29 at Amanda-Clearcreek 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at Miller 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 4 at River Valley 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 SOUTH GALLIA 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 5 at Tree of Life 3:30 p.m. Jan. 18 BELPRE 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 8 at Meigs 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at Waterford 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 11 ALEXANDER 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at Wahama 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 at New Hope Christian 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 FEDERAL HOCKING 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 18 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 19 at Trimble 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at Point Pleasant 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 25 at Athens 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 TRIMBLE 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 26 EASTERN 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 MILLER 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 1 at Vinton County 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Eastern 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 8 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 12 MEIGS 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 15 at Alexander 7:30 p.m.

Trimble Tomcats Vinton County Vikings

Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time
Dec. 14 at Wahama 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 Zane Trace Tip-Off 5 p.m.
Dec. 18 SOUTHERN 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 ALEXANDER 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 21 at South Gallia 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Athens 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 22 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 MEIGS 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 4 at Waterford 7:15 p.m. Dec. 21 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 5 FEDERAL HOCKING 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27 at Zane Trace 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 8 MILLER 7:30 p.m. Jan. 4 at Jackson 7:45 p.m.
Jan. 11 at Eastern 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 SOUTHEASTERN 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 Beast of the Southeast 12 p.m. Jan. 8 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 15 BELPRE 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at Wellston 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 18 WATERFORD 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at Alexander 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 19 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 ATHENS 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 22 at Miller 7:15 p.m. Jan. 22 at New Hope Christian 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 25 SOUTH GALLIA 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at Meigs 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 26 CROOKSVILLE 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 FAIRFIELD UNION 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 30 at Wellston 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 1 WAHAMA 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 WASHINGTON CH 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 5 at Belpre 7:15 p.m. Feb. 5 at Miami Trace 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 8 at Southern 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 KIPP COLUMBUS 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 at Alexander 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 LOGAN 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 12 EASTERN 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at River Valley 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 15 at Federal Hocking 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m.

NO JOB Your local hometown

HERO
Your local agent
is your neighbor –

TOO BIG OR SMALL! someone you can

trust and someone
who’s here for

McFadden Insurance
you when it
matters most.

55 W. Columbus St., Nelsonville, Ohio

Rob Locke, (740)753-1905 • (800)962-7553
Owner & Operator
(740)591-5554
5160 Washington Road, EMERGENCY
Albany, Ohio 45710 24/7 SERVICE!
Roblock945@gmail.com
The Athens Messenger Friday, November 30, 2018 Page B3

ATHENS BOYS ATHENS GIRLS

Bulldogs have high Athens returns

expectations going into starting lineup for
new season final run together
Cozart enters his third season leading Athens
BY KEVIN WISEMAN
MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR
on the court for the ‘Dogs.
“He’s just an absolute
Penrod transfered out of
Athens to the Toledo area for Bulldogs enter season with experience
leader,” Cozart said. “He’s his junior season, but returns BY KEVIN WISEMAN up the backside rebounds. Athens this winter.
The Athens Bulldogs were more ready to go this year for his senior year. MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR She does a lot of good “She has really worked,”
one of the hottest teams in the then I’ve seen him. Usually “He’s a wrecking ball,” things for us.” Matheny said. “She had a
area by the time the 2017-18 takes him a little longer to get Cozart said. “He is a strong, The Athens girls’ basket- Mills will return for an- little bit of an injury last
regular season ended. rolling. He’s already rolling. strong kid. It is surprising ball team has experience. other season in the post for year and didn’t get to finish
With a veteran cast of He’s ready.” how high that kid can jump. The juniors and seniors Athens. the season, but she is really
juniors and seniors returning, Eli Chubb (6-4) is another He can go grab the rim with on the roster are essentially “She does a whole bunch worked her tail off in the
head coach Mickey Cozart senior that gives Athens both two hands. entering their third season of things that do not reflect gym and really improved.”
hopes the Bulldogs can pick height inside and a soft shoot- “He’s getting better. He’s playing together. Now it’s on the stat sheet,” Matheny Harper Bennett, Kesi
up where they left off. ing touch on the perimeter. had a lot to learn. He wasn’t time for the Bulldogs to said. “You need a tough Federspiel and Haylie Mills
Athens should be able to “Eli led our team in blocks around here last year, so he’s take the next step under basketball play, she’s go- are three freshmen that will
hit the ground running this last year,” Cozart said. “He having to learn the system, second-year coach Seth ing to be the one to make balance out the Bulldogs’
season with a roster featuring just gets himself in the right but he’s picking up pretty Matheny.
seven seniors, four juniors place at the right time. He’s quick.” The Bulldogs will have
and a sophomore. just absolutely been lighting Junior Brayden Markins some youth sprinkled in
“They came in really it up so far this year. He’s (6-2) will also factor in Ath- — they have three fresh- It’s been huge. Just that
ready to roll,” Cozart said. shooting it at a high level.” ens’ rotation. men who will see varsity
“It started in June. When you Senior Elijah Williams “Markins works as hard as
familiarity with everything
minutes — but the rest of
have a veteran club like that, (5-7) was new to the program any kid I’ve ever coached,” the roster is dotted with re- that we’re doing. Now when
you feel like you’re a little last year as a point guard. He Cozart said. “He’s never turning lettermen including
ahead of the game.” split time in the role last year not going to give you effort. all five returning starters. I make a call we have the
Athens returns 46 of its with Micah Saltzman, but When you see him at the end “We’re finally one of terminology down to where
60 points, including four now takes over the reigns full of the game he’s dripping. the older groups across the
starters, from its tournament time. There’s a reason. He’s a guy league,” Matheny said. “We everybody’s on the same
game against Vinton County. Cozart said that Williams that’s going to go out and finally don’t have all that
The Bulldogs were 12-10 a learned a lot last season, and he’s going to work.” inexperience that’s out on
page. That’s been a drastic
year ago, finishing second that experience will help Amid all the upperclass- the court all at the same difference for us.
in the Tri-Valley Conference him and the Bulldogs going men will be sophomore time.”
Ohio Division at 9-3. forward. Brayden Whiting (6-3). The team will also have
Athens won nine in a row “We really worked with Cozart expects him to be part the benefit of having a sec- Athens girls coach, Seth Matheny
to close the regular season him a lot,” Cozart said. “He of the Bulldogs’ plan. ond year under Matheny.
last year, and now Cozart en- had to come in last year and “He’s going to play every “It’s been huge,” he said.
ters his third season leading get a system that is pretty game,” Cozart said. “We like “Just that familiarity with
the program. complicated in a very short what he can do. He can shoot everything that we’re doing. it. Her help-side defense, veteran roster.
“What it’s really been able time. This really gave him the ball. He’s smart, extreme- Now when I make a call we rebounding is huge for us.” “They’re fundamentally
for us to do is add. So we time to mature and grow. We ly coachable kid. He doesn’t have the terminology down Junior guard Laura Man- sound basketball players,”
can add to what we do and expect good things out of bat an eye. Whatever we ask to where everybody’s on the derick has been the team’s Matheny said. “Between
make it a little better, where him.” him to do, he does. He’s go- same page. That’s been a leading scorer the last two those three they give us a
we might have not been able Junior Isaiah Butcher (6-4) ing to be an impact player.” drastic difference for us.” seasons. She averaged 15.7 little bit of depth that we
to get to that last year,” he came into his own as a sopho- The Bulldogs will open The Bulldogs have won points and 4.7 rebounds definitely didn’t have last
said of the experience going more and should continue to the season with a tough test, five games each of the last per game last season. She year.”
into the season. “It’s really grow this season. Butcher is hosting Gallia Academy three seasons, including enters the season with 712 The Bulldogs are off to
just adding to what we like another big body for the Bull- on Friday. A home game back-to-back 5-18 cam- career points. a 1-1 start to the season.
to do.” dogs who can also step out against the two-time defend- paigns. “She did a lot more than They opened with a 58-29
The Bulldogs will lean on and shoot from long distance. ing league champion Vinton The Bulldogs have three just score last year. She loss last Friday at Fairfield
each of their seniors, some of “He’s a game changer,” County Vikings looms on seniors that have all seen helped us when people are Union, but rebounded for a
which started seeing varsity Cozart said. “That big of a Dec. 14, and another home playing time since their pressing us,” Matheny said. 51-46 home win over New
minutes either during their kid, he can stretch the court. game comes against Alexan- freshman seasons in Emma “We ask her to do a whole Lexington on Monday.
freshmen or sophomore When you can shoot the ball der on Dec. 21. Harter, Kaylee Stewart and lot. Having her back, that’s Athens went 3-9 in the
seasons. like that, now their bigs have Athens will also play Wa- Lilly Mills. also a big benefit.” Tri-Valley Conference Ohio
Senior Logan Maxfield to come out and guard him verly (Dec. 1) and Chesapeake Harter, now a four-year Junior guard Mindi Division a year ago, tied for
(6-foot-1) is one of the some. Now he’s doing a lot (Dec. 8) early in the season. starter, will be the team’s Gregory is another player fifth with Wellston.
Bulldogs’ leaders. He can do of post work this year. he’s The Bulldogs should get a leader. who has been on varsity The league will once
a little bit of everything on finally buying in a little bit good idea where they standing “We’re in those younger since her freshman season. again be tough, providing
the basketball court, and has more into ‘I can score down heading into the holidays. player’s ears all the time, “Defensively, when Athens with challenges in
proven that over the previous there too.’ Butch will have a With so much experience, ‘look, watch what we’re she’s on she’s very tough,” order to climb higher in the
three seasons. good season.” expectations are high for the doing here. Watch what Matheny said. “Offensively standings. Matheny feels
“Logan helps us in just Athens has two senior for- Bulldogs. Cozart said the she does, how she car- we’re trying to get her to be like the Bulldogs have more
about every facet of the wards in Josh Mace (6-5) and goals are the same every year ries herself, on and off the a little more aggressive.” wins coming this season
game,” Cozart said. “He’s a Guage Penrod (6-0) that are though, and that health is a court,’” Matheny said of Sophomore guard though, as three experienced
physical kid. He’s trimmed new to varsity basketball but big factor. Athens has dealt Harter. “It’s nice to have Bella Tan made a splash on seniors make their last stand
down a ton this year. He’s in will give Athens more size on with a bevy of injuries the her around.” varsity a year ago and is in a Bulldog uniform.
the best shape that I’ve seeen the court. previous two seasons. Stewart led the team in another returning player for “As far as those up-
him in all four years. He Mace played heavy min- “We have to stay healthy. rebounding last season and the ‘Dogs. perclassmen that are out
really took the offseason and utes in JV last year, and Co- As long as we can stay has the capability to score. “Bella is definitely go- there, they want to go out
was very serious about it and zart expects him to surprise healthy, we’ll be alright. The “She’s a pretty skilled ing to be in the rotation,” on a good note,” he said. “It
you can tell. people this season. last two years we haven’t offensive player,” Matheny Matheny said. means a whole lot to them.
“Logan’s ready to go. He’s “They’re going to go been able to do that, but said. “We hope that shows Junior Emmarald Jean- Not that it didn’t last year
had some great scrimmages. ‘where did he come from?’ right now we’re healthy,” he as we get into the season. Francois primally played but your final ride means a
We look forward to what he That’s what they’re going said after the annual Shrine She’s another one that does JV ball last season, but will pretty good amount to those
shows this year.” to say,” Cozart said. “’Who Preview. “No sickness. No the grunt work. She cleans fill a role as a forward for girls.”
Senior Justin Hynes (6-5) is that kid?’ He’s strong. He lingering issues. We are as
leads Athens in the post. One has a good touch around the ready to play as we’ve been
of Athens’ smartest players, rim. He’s probably the most since I’ve taken over. Our
he usually helps direct traffic patient post player we have.” expectations are pretty high.”

MESSENGER FILE PHOTO BY LOUISE FISH FILE PHOTO BY ALEX HAWLEY OF THE GALLIPOLIS DAILY TRIBUNE
Athens’ Logan Maxfield goes up for a shot against Alexander last year. Maxfield is one of a Athens’ Emma Harter goes up for a shot during a game at Gallia Academy last season. Harter is
group of experienced Bulldog basketball players. a four-year starter for the experienced Bulldogs.
Page B4
ALEXANDER BOYS
Spartans are heavy on Richardson back for
upperclassmen in 2018-19 one more go around
BY KEVIN WISEMAN
MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR
ALBANY — A year ago,
Alexander head coach Jim
Kearns admitted that he
wasn’t sure what to expect
going into the season. The
Spartans were a young team
that would rely on a bevy of
sophomores to round out the
varsity roster.
A year later, those players
are now juniors with a year of
varsity basketball under their
belts.
And while Kearns isn’t
about to make any grand
predictions about what could
be possible this season, the
Spartans are certainly a
veteran squad going into the
2018-19 hoops season.
“We’ve got a lot of experi-
ence,” Kearns said. “A lot of
kids earned varsity experi-
ence and got some experience
in some close games, some
tough games last year. So
that bodes well for us. We
got a lot of guys competing
for spots early in the season.
We always end up being eight
or nine deep, but right now
we have 12 kids in all of our
practices and all of them are
competing.”
The Spartans have a
varsity roster consisting of 13
players, with 10 being juniors
and three seniors.
Alexander is coming off a
13-11 season and graduates
just two seniors in Luke Kish
and Ryan Davidson.
The rest of the gang is
back, led by seniors Dylan
Mecum, Stone Markins-Irwin
and Kam Riley.
Mecum was a do-ev-
erything player last year,
excelling on both ends of the
court.
“He’s around the ball a
lot,” Kearns said. “Either
end of the floor, he stepped
up late last year and started
becoming a defensive stop-
per for us. Earlier in his
career, the defensive end, the
discipline wasn’t quite there.
As he locked in and started
buying into our system, we
look for him to be a defensive
stopper.”
Markins-Irwin started his
junior season with an injury
before coming back late in
the season. The 6-foot-3
forward gets the opportunity
to start his senior season
healthy, giving the Spartans a
big body on the court.
“He got himself back in
basketball shape,” Kearns
Alexander’s Dylan Mecum goes up for a shot during a district tournament game in the Convoca-
tion Center last season. Mecum leads an experienced group of Spartans into the new season.
said. “Dropped some weight.
He likes to play. Didn’t miss
any of our stuff. Ball han-
dling’s gotten better. Pretty
versatile. He can play the four
or the three and even at times
we had him playing the five-
man last year.”
Riley is another returning
starter, and was a 3-point
specialist a season ago.
“He had the best offseason
out of any one of our kids,”
Kearns said. “Just has really
worked hard and is a leader
on this team. I think Kam’s
going to have a big year.”
The rest of the varsity
lineup will be made up of
juniors. Caleb Terry, a 6-foot-
10 center, received the most
varsity starts a year ago from
that group.
The tallest player in the
league, Terry can be a match-
up problem night in and night
out for the opposition.
“We keep working with
him and he’s moving for-
ward,” Kearns said. “He’ll
certainly be a factor in what
we have on both ends of the
floor.”
Junior point guard JK
Kearns, the coach’s son, came
off the bench last season but
should assume the starting
role this season.
Similar to his father, JK
Kearns is a tireless worker
who is dedicated to basket-
ball. He gives the Spartans
another coach on the court.
“He puts a lot of time
in between when the final
buzzer rings in March until
the following September,”
Jim Kearns said. “He’s had a
good offseason, worked hard.
The experience he gained last
year will be invaluable.”
Matt Brown and Tyler
Rice also got experience as
sophomores.
“Matt can play multiple
positions and Tyler has a high
motor,” Jim Kearns said.
“He’s always looking to get
every rebound. Every shot
that goes up, he’s after it.”
Forward Luke Chapman
could see an increased role.
Jim Kearns said that Chap-
man is a leader.
“He’s just a core guy that
everyone will bond around,”
he said.
The Spartans will look to
some of their juniors to take
on varsity minutes for the
first time. Trey Schaller and
Kaleb Easley will battle for a
spot in the rotation.
“Schaller has made some
nice jumps,” Jim Kearns said.
MESSENGER FILE PHOTO BY LOUISE FISH
Friday, November 30, 2018
“He’s got in the weight room.
It’s really paid off for him.
He’s more physical. He’s a
good athlete.”
Dalton Skinner, one of the
Spartans’ sophomores from
a year ago, starts the season
with an injury. Jim Kearns
said Easley can help fill that
void.
“Dalton Skinner hurt his
knee. He’s out until sometime
mid, maybe late January,”
Jim Kearns said. “So Kaleb
Easley will come in, he’s
playing the one- and the two-
spot for us. The kid’s a tough
kid and he’s a competitor and
has had a nice preseason for
us so far.”
Colby Carson and Lucas
Markins will also round
out the varsity roster for the
Spartans.
Alexander will once again
be challenged with a tough
schedule. Its non-league op-
ponents include Southeastern,
Waterford, Minford, Waverly,
Warren, Oak Hill, Chilli-
cothe, Trimble and Jackson.
“We definitely have one of
the toughest schedules that
an Alexander team has had
that I can remember in recent
history,” Jim Kearns said.
“Any of the experience these
kids have, they’re going to
need because it’s going to be
a tough season.”
The Spartans were in con-
tention to potentially win the
Tri-Valley Conference Ohio
Division last year before
ultimately finishing in third
place at 8-4.
Alexander will be among
the most experienced basket-
ball teams in the league, but
Kearns knows that won’t guar-
antee the team anything once it
steps out onto the court.
“This league’s a tough
league,” Jim Kearns said.
“Meigs has got some youth
that’s coming in along with
two of the better players in
the league back. Nelsonville
can be as good as anyone.
Athens is probably surely
picked to win it. Vinton
County, (head coach) Matt
(Combs), he’s going to have
a good team. They may say
he’ll be down, but he’ll have
a good team. We go on the
road to Minford, to Oak Hill,
to Warren, to Chillicothe and
play Waverly in Chesapeake.
You throw those non-league
games in with our league
schedule, there’s just not too
many nights you can look
and say ‘we’ll put a ‘W’ on
the board tonight.’”
The Athens Messenger
ALEXANDER GIRLS
with Spartans
BY KEVIN WISEMAN Grinstead is poised to lead slide over to help more. Mal-
MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR the offense up and down the lory is going to get opportu-
court. nities like that.”
ALBANY — Everywhere “She’s done that since she The Spartans have a lot of
the Alexander Spartans go was in third grade,” said Jeff experience to lean on, but a
this season, every opposing Grinstead, Marlee’s father. second freshman in forward
team is sure to recognize a “She’s never played any other Kara Meeks is also expected
familiar name. position so she’s used to it. to challenge for a starting
The Spartans will once She can handle the ball, she spot.
again go into a season with can see the court real well. “Kara’s going to play a
a Richardson sister leading She’s fast, can shoot. lot,” Jeff Grinstead said.
the way. “It’s going to allow Rachel “She’s had some good scrim-
Rachel Richardson is a to be off at the two-guard mages in the post. She’s
senior guard for the Spartans position to where we can get strong.”
and has one more season in open shots for her.” “I think they’ll be sur-
Albany before completing her It’s certainly a season of prised with a couple of these
stellar season. high expectations for the younger kids coming in, how
Richardson is a four-year Spartans, who were 17-7 it will help things for the
starter, just like her older sis- last season and return four older girls.”
ter Leah. It’s the sixth season starters. Seniors Sydnie Bolin and
in a row Alexander has had at One of those starters is Makaela Trout also return
least one of them in the start- senior McKena Rice, now a with varsity experience after
ing lineup. three-year starter. last season and will again get
“Just her name says it all,” Rice has thrived the last plenty of varsity minutes.
Alexander coach Jeff Grin- two seasons and particularly “They’re both super-intel-
stead said. “Everywhere you blossomed when her role ligent kids,” Jeff Grinstead
go, people say, ‘You’re about increased as a junior. She had said. “They know the game.
done with these Richardsons 26 points in Alexander’s 50- They’re basketball junkies.
aren’t you?’ Rachel, she puts 42 tournament loss to Min- (Trout) is the valedictorian,
her heart and soul into play- ford, making six 3-pointers. (Bolin) is the salutatorian. So
ing basketball.” “One thing that’s going to imagine me with that, they
Richardson recently signed be tough on teams is guard- already know way more than
with Kentucky Wesleyan ing us this year,” Jeff Grin- I do. Both of them are going
College, an NCAA Division stead said. “Kena has worked to come into games.”
II school. She will once again hard on developing an outside Senior Jaide Allison, junior
reunite there with her sister game which you didn’t really Taylor Meadows and sopho-
Leah. see that until later in the year mores Brooke Casto and Erin
But before she goes to play last year.” Scurlock give Grinstead what
college ball, she will look Rice has been slowed in he believes are 12 players
to add to her resume that the preseason due to an ankle who can contribute varsity
already has seen her eclipse a injury but should be ready to minutes when called upon.
thousand career points. run once the season starts. “We’ve got 12 that we’re
“She can outwork any kid “We like to run,” Jeff going to be able to play and
from any school, anywhere,” Grinstead said. “I think we’ll I’ll be honest with you, I
Grinstead said. “I just put my be even faster this year than think that’s an advantage,”
money on her every time. I we were last year. She can get he said. “I can play all 12 of
suppose every coach has a a rebound and an outlet and them for different situations.”
kid he would say the same still be on the other end of The Spartans were two-
thing about, but I love her to the floor before most people. time defending Tri-Valley
death. She’s a workhorse, That’s her game, she loves to Conference Ohio Division
that’s for sure.” run.” champions before Vinton
Richardson has recov- Sophomore guard Jadyn County won the crown out-
ered from a hip injury that Mace also returns after start- right a season ago.
forced her to miss all of the ing as a freshman. Jeff Grin- Alexander figures to battle
Spartans’ summer basket- stead praised Mace as being the Vikings once again for
ball activities. It forced one of the smartest players on league supremacy. The first
the rest of the team to play the court. meeting comes on Dec. 6.
without her, and Grinstead “She knows the game,” he While most pundits will
said it was a positive for all said. “If somebody’s in the point to the matchups featur-
involved. wrong spot, Jayden’s like ‘hey ing the Vikings and Spartans,
“She got her rest and she this is where you’re supposed Grinstead said the TVC-Ohio
got to see, ‘hey, I have some to be.’ Jadyn is gritty. That’s is as strong as he’s seen it in
pretty good teammates out one of the things that I love last 10 to 12 years.
here. I don’t have to do it all. about Jadyn.” “Vinton, us, Nelsonville-
The kids realized through Junior guard Mallory York and Meigs and Wellston
the summer, we just can’t Rankin is Alexander’s fourth and Athens could surprise
rely on Rachel to do it all. It returning starter. A defensive some teams,” he said. “The
was good for all of us and I lockdown player, Jeff Grin- TVC-Ohio is going to be
think it was really good for stead said Rankin can help tough this year. We’ve set
Rachel.” the Spartans in many aspects. goals like every team does, of
Richardson’s work load “She’s fast, can jump, good course that’s one of our goals,
will change this season. A hands,” Jeff Grinstead said. to win that. we obviously
year after running the point “What I would like to see want to go a lot further in
guard position, Richardson Mallory get better at is her the tournament then we did
will move back to shooing shot because she tends to be last year. If we stay healthy
guard, where she played as a the one who can thrive off and get this family more
freshman and sophomore. of these other girls because and more of a family, I think
She’ll be able to do so they get the best defnders and we can do special stuff this
because freshman Marlee they’re going to double team, year.”
FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF KENT SANBORN
Alexander’s Rachel Richardson enters her senior season with the Spartans. Already a thou-
sand-point scorer, Richardson is a four-year starter.
The Athens Messenger
NELSONVILLE-YORK BOYS
Justus returns for second Buckeyes look for
season on N-Y bench another strong season
BY KEVIN WISEMAN
MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR
NELSONVILLE — Nel-
sonville-York head basketball
coach Jamie Justus took a
step back in the offseason
when looking at his first sea-
son on the Buckeyes’ bench.
Justus and his coaching
staff decided they wanted to
restructure practice to make
sure they were getting the
most out of their time on the
court.
“I think our big evalua-
tion was to make the changes
we want to make, it starts in
practice, our mentality and
how we approach practice,”
Justus said. “The guys are
working hard. They’re get-
ting after it. The energy is
high right now. The morale
is high. We’re pretty excited
right now.”
Justus returns to Nelson-
ville-York for his second
season leading the program.
There were some high
points for Justus and the
Buckeyes a year ago. They
had a dramatic overtime
win over eventual Tri-Valley
Conference Ohio Division
champion Vinton County
to start the season. Another
thrilling home December win
came against the eventual
TVC-Hocking champion
Trimble Tomcats.
But the Buckeyes weren’t
able to sustain that positive
momentum throughout the
season. They lost their final
13 games in a row, and 15 of
their final 16 to finish 5-18.
Many of the losses were
decided in the fourth quarter.
Justus hopes the new ap-
proach to the season will help
make the difference in some
of the tight games, especially
inside the TVC-Ohio.
“We let three, four, five
games just slip through our
fingers last year at the end
of the game,” Justus said.
“Maintaining our focus and
attention to detail in crunch
time, under two minutes to
go, maintaining that fo-
cus — a lot of that starts in
practice.”
Nelsonville-York will
return some familiar faces.
Its lone all-league player,
Brayden Allen, transferred
out of the district in the sum-
mer but six players return
from N-Y’s tournament game.
Senior forward Ethan
Bohyer (6-foot-3) is set to
lead the way. Now a three-
year starter, Bohyer has the
potential to lead the Buckeyes
into the new season.
Justus said he has taken on
more of a leadership role.
“We’ve really been preach-
ing with Ethan to be a good
leader for these young guys,”
Justus said. “I’ve seen it in
practice this year so far. He’s
been taking some of the
young guys off to the side.
He’s been very hands on with
them and teaching them.
If they’re struggling with a
drill, he’s really stepped up in
terms of being a leader.”
Nelsonville-York senior Ethan Bohyer (33) is the team’s leading returning scorer from last season.
Bohyer showed off his
potential with 33 points and
23 rebounds in the win over
the Vikings.
“He’s going to do a lot of
things for us,” Justus said.
“He’s one of our hardest
workers. He can go get the
basketball, so when a shot
goes up, we’re preaching to
him to clean the boards. He
has a good outside shot. He’s
big inside. He has some nice
post moves.”
Senior Justin Perry (6-2)
also returns to the lineup, but
will take over the point guard
duties.
“Last year we had him at
the shooting guard,” Justus
said. “This year I think as a
staff we evaluated, we have
to have the ball in Justin’s
hands. He has excellent court
vision. He’s one of the faster
guys on the court.”
Junior Mikey Seel (6-1)
will move to shooting guard
after handling the point guard
responsibilities a season ago.
“Mikey is one of our better
shooters so we have to do a
better job of running him off
screens,” Justus said.
Justus said that Seel has
put on 30 pounds since last
season, and that the guard
can also be used in the post.
“He’s a big kid. He’s physi-
cal,” Justus said. “But we’ve
got to do a better job of get-
ting him open looks. I think
he’s more comfortable at the
two-guard. There’s going to
be times where we ask him to
handle the basketball and he’s
going to step up because he
has that full year of running
varsity point guard.”
One of the Buckeyes most
dependable players is senior
forward Reece Robson (6-0).
Justus noted that he was the
only Buckeye to start all 23
games last year.
“He’s very polished of-
fensively inside,” Justus said.
“He’s got great post moves.
Little undersized but when
we asked him to guard the
other opposing teams biggest
guy night in and night out
and he does everthing we ask
of him.”
Justus said that Robson can
be looked upon to score more
this season in the post.
“He’s very quick,” Justus
added. “Has excellent
footwork. He’s worked his
butt off this offseason with
coach (Casey) Cox and coach
(Joe) Higgins working on
post moves and footwork and
agilities. We’ve got to get
Reece the ball. We’ve got to
get him some looks.”
The Buckeyes also hope
to have junior guard Keegan
Wilburn (5-10) back during
the season. He broke a bone
in his foot during the last
football game of the season.
When Wilburn returns, he
will give N-Y another athlete
out on the court.
“We can post him up with
his ability,” Justus said. “The
kid can jump out of the gym.
He’s strong. He’s quick. We’re
going to put him on some
MESSENGER FILE PHOTO BY LOUISE FISH
Friday, November 30, 2018
of the other team’s bigger
guys. We need to get him out
in transition, let him do his
thing, because when we get
him out in transition, he’s an
athlete. He’s fast. He can get
to the hole.”
Senior guard Chris Beyette
(5-10) also returns with
varsity experience after start-
ing a number of games as a
junior.
“He flies around,” Justus
said. “He can hit the outside
shot. He understands how to
create space with his body.
He’s going to compete for a
lot of minutes this year.”
A new face is senior guard
Bryce Richards (6-0), who
previously played at Trimble.
Richards was a key mem-
ber of the Tomcats’ league
and sectional championship
team last year and will step
in to a big role for N-Y.
“Bryce brings a lot of
toughenss to the team,” Jus-
tus said. “He’s a leader. He’s
very vocal. In the first couple
of scrimmages he’s accepted
that leadership role for us.
He’s just a grinder and he’s
one of the grittiest kids I’ve
ever coached.”
Junior forward Evan
Hamilton (6-0) also gives the
Buckeyes size on the court.
“He’s big,” Justus said.
“He’s physical. He works
hard. He’s an excellent
defender. He communicates
well on defense and he bangs
around inside. From 15 feet
in he has a nice skill set.”
Freshman guard Drew
Carter (5-10) and sophomore
guard Ethan Gail (6-2) also
give the Buckeyes some
youth.
“Ethan had an excellent
summer and got some experi-
ence so we’re looking for
Ethan to help run the point,”
Justus said. “He’s a very good
shooter as well.”
Senior forward Adam
Newman (6-0) will also
battle for varsity minutes for
the Buckeyes this season.
“He’s our best pick-and-roll
guy,” Justus said. “He clears
out space. So when he’s on
the floor we want to uitlize
that. His minutes are going to
be crucual minutes.”
Junior Austin Thrapp (5-
11) transferred from Logan
and is eligible to play in the
first 11 games of the season.
The Buckeyes will have
some familiar faces return-
ing to the court and a coach
in his second year in the
program. Justus hopes the
familiarity helps lead to more
victories in the close games
that are surely coming.
Justus also hopes the play-
ers can have a little fun along
the way.
“You have to have fun
playing basketball,” he said.
“I think with the group we’ve
got this year from what I’ve
seen so far, this group has
fun being around each other.
We’ve got a special group
of kids. They’re fun to be
around. They’re working
hard.”
Page B5
NELSONVILLE-YORK GIRLS
N-Y will replace graduated Addis with experienced core
BY KEVIN WISEMAN on that end of the court. else she does that makes her
MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR “She needs to set the tone game fun to coach.
because a lot of times she’s “Grace does everything
NELSONVILLE — The going to be guarding the that doesn’t show up in the
Nelsonville-York Buckeyes point, so she’s the person up stat sheet and that’s what
have had one constant over front,” Cassady said. “Similar makes her so valuable,” he
the last four seasons in point to what Jessie did last year, said. “She doesn’t care about
guard Jessie Addis. setting that tone with the the stats either. She does
A starter from her first defensive intensity.” everything that’s good for the
game as a freshman, Addis is Juniors Haley Hurd and team.”
the program’s all-time lead- Joscelyn Heller are also Sophomore Ashleigh
ing scorer with 1,532 points. returning starters for the Cantrell played a lot of var-
The reigning Tri-Valley Buckeyes. sity minutes a season ago and
Conference Ohio Division Hurd will handle the post will also fill a key role again
Most Valuable Player, Addis duties on both ends of the this season.
averaged 22.0 points per court. “Ashleigh is another one
game last season and helped “She’s also viewed as a like Grace where she does
N-Y to 70 wins over the last leader by her peers,” Cassady everything that’s not in the
four seasons. said. “She led us in rebound- stat sheet,” Cassady said. “I
Addis has graduated and ing. A lot of times we will could easily start her as well,
moved on, but the Buckeyes depend on her for scoring she’s in that mix. I really like
feel like they have enough as well. We’ve got her in a the way she controls her body
returning to still be a factor position where hopefully she and plays the game. She’s an-
in the TVC-Ohio. can do multiple things of- other one that’s so unselfish
“Obviously her scoring and fensively.” and a really good teammate.”
her playmaking ability, but Heller is one of the Senior Tessa Kaaz will
also she was always guarding Buckeyes’ captains with be looked upon to give the
the best offensive player for McCulloch and can provide Buckeyes some scoring
the other team,” Nelsonville- Nelsonville-York with scoring punch off the bench.
York coach Bobby Cassady from the wing. “I’m happy for Tessa
said. “So that’s another place “When she is on her game because she’s been very dedi-
we’ve got to fill as well. I offensively, we’re a complete- cated for us,” Cassady said.
think the girls are ready for ly different team,” Cassady “She’s definitely going to get
the challenge. I think you’ll said. “Hopefully we can get an opportunity.”
see good things out of them more consistent play out of Senior Sidney McClelland
this year. I’m excited for the her and out of our 22 games, also joins the Buckeyes’ ros-
season to start.” I wouldn’t be surprised if she ter, playing for the first time
Cassady enters his third leads us in scoring in half since her freshman season.
season as the Buckeyes’ head of those. She’s that type of “She is trying to catch up
coach. He’s gone 32-15 the player that can really have a to the rest of them,” Cassady
last two seasons, including big game at any given mo- said. “She, like the rest of the
15-8 a year ago. ment.” girls, is a great person and
Addis was the only senior The Buckeyes will also I’m lucky to be their coach.”
on the Buckeyes’ varsity look to a freshman to step Brittlyn Call, Madison
roster last year, but the group into the starting lineup in Booth and Emily McWil-
also loses Kyla Henderson. Mackenzie Hurd. She played liams rounds out the rest of
The forward opted not to play on the boys’ team as an the varsity roster.
her senior year. eighth grader last year, and “They will primarily
Even with those losses, the now will make the jump be playing JV to begin the
Buckeyes still return three straight to varsity basketball. season but each of them are
starters and the first two “She’s talented,” Cassady potentially one injury or a
players off the bench from said. “She’s athletic. You can foul-trouble situation away
last year’s tournament game. tell that the game hasn’t quite from seeing varsity minutes,”
For the Buckeyes in 2018- slowed down for her yet and Cassady said.
19, it all starts with senior it’s been a little bit of an ad- The Buckeyes are just
point guard Mary-Kate Mc- justment with the competition three years removed from
Culloch. she’s faced already this sum- sharing the Tri-Valley Con-
Now a three-year starter mer and in these scrimmages. ference Ohio Division title
and four-year varsity player, I think we’re going to see her with Alexander and Vinton
McCullouch will move from progress a lot as the season County. The Buckeyes expect
shooting guard to point guard. goes on.” to compete, but Cassady
“She’s our leader,” Cassady Junior Grace Sinnott was knows the group will have to
said. “She’s our unanimous a regular on the varsity last work hard to once again have
team captain. She’s going to year and will also likely be- a successful season.
fill that point guard position gin the season in the starting “I look at our schedule and
that Jessie left open. I’m hop- lineup. I don’t think there’s a game
ing she gets more looks, gets Sinnott made a game-tying that we can’t win,” he said.
more aggressive this year and shot to force overtime in the “That being said I’m not sure
more consistent offensively.” tournament last year against there’s a game that we can’t
McCulloch has always Crooksville. She has shown lose. We have to play as hard
been stellar defensively, and the ability to hit big shots, but and as good as we can every
will likely lead the Buckeyes Cassady said it’s everything game to give us a chance.”
MESSENGER FILE PHOTO BY LOUISE FISH
Nelsonville-York senior Mary-Kate McCulloch (right) will lead the Buckeyes into the 2018-19
basketball season.
Page B6 Friday, November 30, 2018 The Athens Messenger

Boys Basketball rosters

Alexander Spartans
Coach Jim Kearns
No Name Ht Yr
2 Lucas Markins 6-1 Jr
3 JK Kearns 5-10 Jr
5 Kaleb Easley 5-9 Jr
11 Trey Schaller 6-3 Jr
12 Dalton Skinner 5-11 Jr
13 Colby Carsey 5-10 Jr
14 Matt Brown 6-0 Jr
20 Stone Markins-Irwin 6-3 Sr
22 Dylan Mecum 6-1 Sr
23 Tyler Rice 6-0 Jr
24 Kam Riley 5-11 Sr
32 Luke Chapman 6-1 Jr
35 Caleb Terry 6-10 Jr
Athens Bulldogs
Coach Mickey Cozart
No Name Ht Yr
1 Blake Stover 6-0 Sr
2 Eli Chubb 6-4 Sr
3 Elijah Williams 5-7 Sr
4 Brayden Markins 6-2 Jr
5 Reece Wallace 6-0 Jr
10 Guage Penrod 6-0 Sr
20 Andrew Stephens 5-10 Jr
25 Logan Maxfield 6-1 Sr
30 Brayden Whiting 6-3 So
32 Justin Hynes 6-3 Sr
33 Isaiah Butcher 6-4 Jr
40 Josh Mace 6-5 Sr
Eastern Eagles
Coach David Kight
No. Name Yr Ht Pos
4 Dylan Creath Sr. 5-6 G
10 Sharp Facemyer Sr. 5-5 G
12 Blaise Facemyer Sr. 5-8 G
14 Colton Reynolds Jr. 6-0 G
20 Ryan Dill Jr. 6-0 F
22 Derrick Metheney Jr. 5-11 G
24 Mason Dishong Jr. 6-2 C
30 Garrett Barringer Jr. 6-5 F
32 Isaiah Fish Sr. 5-11 G
34 Evin Bauer Sr. 6-1 C
40 Noah Browning Sr. 6-1 C
Federal Hocking Lancers
Coach Jonathan Thompson
No Name Ht Yr
1 Austin Tabler 5-7 Fr
2 Lane Smith 5-10 Fr
3 Mason Jackson 5-7 Fr
4 Hunter Smith 5-9 So
10 Brandon Bond 5-10 Jr
15 Ethan McCune 5-8 Fr
20 Wes Carpenter 5-10 So
22 Terrell Mayle 5-10 Jr
23 Collin Jarvis 5-10 So
25 Elijah Lucas 6-2 So
33 Ian Miller 6-3 Jr
34 Brad Russell 6-4 Jr
42 Dylan Schwarzel 5-8 Jr
50 Mitch Clem 6-1 Sr
Meigs Marauders
Coach Jeremy Hill
No. Name Yr Ht Pos
4 Cole Betzing Sr. 5-11 G
10 Coulter Cleland Fr. 6-0 G
12 Ty Bartrum Fr. 6-0 G
14 Zach Bartrum Sr. 6-0 G
20 Weston Baer Jr. 6-2 G
22 Nick Lilly Sr. 5-11 G
24 Cooper Darst Sr. 6-0 F
32 Wyatt Hoover So. 6-2 C
34 Morgan Roberts Fr. 6-2 F
40 Austin Mahr Jr. 6-0 F
42 Bobby Musser Jr. 6-5 C

Miller Falcons Nelsonville-York Buckeyes Southern Tornadoes Vinton County Vikings

Coach Sean Bartley
No Name Ht Yr
1 Kylan McClain 5-11 Fr
3 Blayton Cox 5-8 So
4 Tre McCoy 5-9 Fr
5 Hunter Wellspring 5-11 So
8 Quinlan McCabe 5-6 Fr
11 Steven Wilson 6-1 Jr
15 Clay Brown 5-10 So
22 Drew Starlin 5-9 Jr
23 Colby Bartley 5-9 Jr
32 Hunter Jewett 6-0 Sr
34 Wyatt Vollmer 5-11 Sr
Coach Jamie Justus
No Name Ht Pos Yr
1 Drew Carter 5-10 G Fr
2 Chris Beyette 5-10 G Sr
3 Keegan Wilburn 5-10 G Jr
4 Bryce Richards 6-0 G Sr
5 Ethan Gail 6-2 G So
10 Austin Thrapp 5-11 G Jr
11 Joseph Tome 6-3 So F
13 Jared Clemons 6-1 F Sr
14 Justin Perry 6-2 PG Sr
22 Evan Hamilton 6-0 F Jr
23 Mikey Seel 6-1 G Jr
24 Adam Newman 6-0 F Sr
32 Reece Robson 6-0 F Sr
33 Ethan Bohyer 6-3 F Sr
50 Jon Phillips 6-2 C Sr
Coach Jeff Caldwell
No. Name Yr Ht Pos
0 Cole Steele Jr. 6-0 G
4 Weston Thorla Sr. 6-2 G
10 Dristan Lamm Jr. 5-8 G
12 Gage Barrett Jr. 5-11 F
14 Trey McNickle Jr. 6-0 G
20 Austin Baker Sr. 6-2 F
22 Coltin Parker Jr. 5-9 G
24 Jensen Anderson Sr. 5-9 G
30 Austin VanCooney Jr. 6-0 C
32 Brayden Cunningham Sr. 6-6 C
34 Mark Eblin Jr. 6-3 C
40 John Ginther Jr. 6-0 F
Coach Matt Combs
No Name Ht Yr
2 Will Arthur 5-10 Jr
3 Ricky Body 5-9 Sr
4 Austin Hitte 5-9 Sr
5 Gavin Arbaugh 6-0 Jr
10 Randall Matteson 5-10 So
11 Lance Montgomery 5-11 So
12 Brock Hamon 5-10 So
14 Kollin Johnson 5-10 So
20 Esiason Herrold 6-1 So
21 Ash Abele 6-1 Jr
22 Eli Radabaugh 5-8 Fr
23 Trafford Dunn 6-0 Sr
24 Eli Griffith 6-4 Sr
44 Aaron Stevens 5-9 Jr

Messenger photo by Kevin Wiseman Photo courtesy of Trisha Smathers

Photo by Alex Hawley/OVP Sports Messenger photo by Kevin Wiseman

Photo by Alex Hawley/OVP Sports Photo courtesy of Miller High School

messenger photo by paul boggs

Messenger photo by Kevin Wiseman Photo by Alex Hawley/OVP Sports
The Athens Messenger Friday, November 30, 2018
girls Basketball rosters
Alexander Spartans
Coach Jeff Grinstead
No Name Yr
2 Jadyn Mace So
5 McKena Rice Sr
10 Sydnie Bolin Sr
12 Brooke Casto So
14 Makaela Trout Sr
15 Rachel Richardson Sr
20 Mallory Rankin Jr
22 Jaide Allison Sr
23 Taylor Meadows Jr
24 Erin Scurlock So
30 Kara Meeks Fr
32 Marlee Grinstead Fr
Miller Falcons
Coach Bryan Dorsey
No Name
2 Aksya McFann
3 Autumn McFann
5 Ashley Spencer
10 Brooklyn Wilson
14 Jace Agresti
15 Lexie Shiplett
23 Sophia Compston
24 Alaina Boyden
25 Josie Perani
32 Emma Joseph
33 Josie Crabtree
34 Haillie Joseph
Messenger photo by Kevin Wiseman
Messenger photo by Kevin Wiseman
Athens Bulldogs
Coach Seth Matheny
No Name Pos Ht Yr
0 Lilly Mills C 5-8 Sr
3 Bella Tan G 5-4 So
4 Emma Harter F 5-10 Sr
12 Haylie Mills C 5-9 Fr
14 Laura Manderick G 5-8 Jr
20 Harper Bennett G 5-8 Fr
23 Mindi Gregory G 5-5 Jr
24 Kesi Federspiel G 5-2 Fr
25 Emmarald Jean-Francois C 5-10 Jr
32 Kaylee Stewart F 5-6 Sr
Nelsonville-York Buckeyes
Coach Bobby Cassady
No Name Pos Yr
1 Ashliegh Cantrell F So
10 Joscelyn Heller G Jr
15 Grace Sinnott G Jr
21 Mary-Kate McCulloch G Sr
23 Mackenzie Hurd G Fr
24 Tessa Kaaz F Sr
32 Sidney McClelland F Sr
34 Haley Hurd F Jr
Messenger photo by Kevin Wiseman
Photo courtesy of Trimble High School
Eastern Eagles
Coach Jacob Parker
No Name Yr Ht Pos
0 Kassandra Casto So. 5-4 F
2 Jess Parker Sr. 5-2 G
4 Ashton Guthrie So. 5-6 G
20 Olivia Barber So. 5-10 F
22 Kennadi Rockhold So. 5-6 G
24 Alyson Bailey Sr. 5-3 G
30 Sydney Sanders So. 5-6 G
32 Kelsey Casto Sr. 5-6 F
34 Tessa Rockhold So. 5-8 F
40 Whitney Durst So. 5-7 F
Southern Tornadoes
Coach Alan Crisp
No. Name Yr Ht Pos
1 Phoenix Cleland Jr. 5-6 G
3 Taylor Hardwick Jr. 5-5 G
10 Jordan Hardwick So. 5-8 F
11 Jackie Dailey Sr. 5-8 F
12 Kayla Evans Fr. 5-6 G
13 Kelly Shaver Fr. 5-4 G
20 Cierra Whitesell Jr. 5-6 F
22 Jaiden Proffit Fr. 5-7 F
23 Shelby Cleland Jr. 5-7 F
24 Brooke Crisp Fr. 5-2 G
30 Ella Cooper Fr. 5-7 G
32 Lily Allen Fr. 5-7 F
40 Caelin Seth So. 5-5 F
Photo courtesy of Trisha Smathers
Photo by Alex Hawley/OVP Sports
Federal Hocking Lancers
Coach Jeremy Tolson
No Name Yr
2 Makayla Walker Fr
5 Brennah Jarvis Fr
10 Brianna Baker So
11 Alexis Smith Fr
20 Ashlynn Jarvis Jr
23 Kylie Tabler So
30 Courtney Clark Jr
32 Paige Tolson So
33 Hannah Rose Fr
34 Tamika Mayle Jr
45 Emma Beha So
Trimble Tomcats
Coach Joe Richards
No Name Yr
4 Skyla Moody Fr
5 Ashlynn Hardy Fr
10 Laiken Imler Fr
11 Skylar Moore Sr
14 Riley Campbell Fr
20 Brianna Osborne Fr
20 Emily Young Fr
22 Sophia Ives Fr
32 Jane Six Fr
42 Laura York Sr
44 Leora Coffman Fr
Page B7
Meigs Marauders
Coach Jarrod Kasun
No. Name Yr Ht Pos
10 Bre Lilly So. 5-1 G
14 Kylee Robinson So. 5-7 F
20 Alyssa Smith Sr. 5-1 G
21 Mara Hall Fr. 5-8 G
22 Taylor Swartz Sr. 5-3 F
23 Marissa Noble Sr. 5-8 G
24 Madison Fields Sr. 5-3 G
25 Olivia Haggy So. 5-5 G
30 Kassidy Betzing Sr. 5-7 G
31 Meredith Cremeans Fr. 5-8 G
32 Mallory Hawley Fr. 5-9 G
33 Becca Pullins Sr. 5-5 G
34 Mycah Farley Fr. 5-2 G
41 Alexis O’Brien Fr. 5-2 G
42 Kylee Blanks Sr. 5-10 F
54 Jerrica Smith So. 5-4 F
Vinton County Vikings
Coach Rod Bentley
No Name Yr
00 Liz Lambert So
2 Jazmynn Sharp Sr
3 Emily Jones Jr
4 Myriah Davis So
5 Lydia Nichols So
10 Abriana McManis Jr
11 Josie Ousley Jr
12 Tegan Bartoe Fr
20 Belle Lambert Sr
21 Morgan Bentley So
22 Lydia Lenegar So
23 Lacie Williams Fr
25 Kendall Fee Sr
32 Cameron Zinn Fr
33 Rylee Ousley Fr
Photo by Alex Hawley/OVP Sports
Photo courtesy of Miller High School
Photo by Alex Hawley/OVP Sports
messenger photo by paul boggs
Page B8 Friday, November 30, 2018 The Athens Messenger

FEDERAL HOCKING BOYS FEDERAL HOCKING GIRLS

Thompson gets his Lancers look to continue

moving forward
shot with Lancers
BY KEVIN WISEMAN
MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR
STEWART — If you’ve
followed Federal Hocking
basketball the last decade then
chances are you’ve seen Jona-
than Thompson on the sideline.
Thompson, a 2005 Federal
Hocking graduate, has spent
time serving as a coach at some
level in both the girls’ and
boys’ basketball programs.
“I’ve spent five years as
basically a varsity assistant and
JV coach, then the rest of the
time’s been mainly at the junior
high level at both boys and
girls,” Thompson said. “I’ve
been in the school system, this
is year 14 for me.”
Thompson will take center
stage for the first time this win-
ter, as he takes over the Lancers
boys’ basketball program. It
will be his first time being a
head varsity coach.
Thompson said it’s a posi-
tion he’s wanted before. The
school hired him after deciding
not to retain last year’s head
coach Kevin Dunigan.
“I tried to get the varsity po-
sition a couple times and didn’t
get it,” Thompson said. “This
year, it kind of sparked my
interest. The program’s been
down the last couple years and
I know (girls’ varsity) coach
(Jeremy) Tolson and I talked
about it a lot. We talked about it
over the summer, taking it over
and seeing if we could make a
change. See if we could change
the culture of the program in
basketball.”
Tolson, in his fifth year
leading the girls program, and
Thompson will help each other
all season. Tolson will serve as
Thompson’s varsity assistant
and Thompson will be on the
bench as Tolson’s assistant.
Together, the duo will try to
continue to rebuild the Lancers’
program. They are two years
removed from an 0-23 season
in which they lost every game
by double figures.
The Lancers were much
more competitive last season
under Dunigan, ultimately
finishing 2-21.
Federal Hocking will play
this season without Nathaniel
Massie, an all-league selection
and the team’s leading scorer
as a freshman. He opted not to
play.
The Lancers’ roster features
one senior, five juniors, five
sophomores and four freshmen.
MESSENGER FILE PHOTO BY LOUISE FISH
Federal Hocking’s Brad Russell (34) attempts to block a shot
against Eastern last year. Russell returns for the Lancers, who
are led by first-year coach Jonathan Thompson.
Mitch Clem is the team’s
senior and a new addition to
the roster from last season.
Standing 6-foot-1, he gives the
Lancers some bulk inside.
“He’s very agile on his feet
for as big as he is,” Thompson
said. “He’s going to help us
as far as a physical presence
inside in the post.”
Junior Brad Russell is one of
the Lancers’ returning starters.
A 6-foot-4 forward, he gives
Thompson a skilled big man in
the post.
“He spent a lot of time with
us individually working on his
post moves,” Thompson said.
“His work ethic, in my opinion,
has gone up more than prob-
ably most. Everything that we
did, open gyms, camp anything
that we did over the sum-
mer, he never missed a day of
conditioning. He really pushed
himself. He’s going to be one
of our captains this season.”
Sophomore Hunter Smith
was one of the Lancers’ top
scorers as a freshman. He’ll
rotate between point guard and
shooting guard in Thompson’s
offense.
“He does a good job of
trying to push the kids along,”
Thompson said. “All around,
I’m very comfortable with
him. I think he’s a hard-nosed
player.”
Sophomore Collin Jarvis —
another player who saw varsity
minutes as a freshman — will
handle most of the point guard
duties for the Lancers. Thomp-
son said Jarvis is one of the
team leaders off the court.
“He’s stepped up a lot since I
first met him,” Thompson said.
“From day one to now he’s
become more of a vocal leader.
He pushed people in practice.
Doesn’t miss anything. Con-
stantly wants to stay after and
work. It’s hard to dislike that
kind of a player.”
Sophomore Elijah Lucas is
another young player the Lanc-
ers will lean on.
“He’s grown up a lot since
last year,” Thompson said.
“He’s been a very pleasant
surprise. He’s bought into the
system quite a bit too. Could
potentially be a leader in the
next few years.”
Juniors Ian Miller, Terrell
Mayle, Brandon Bond and
Dylan Schwarzel as well as
sophomore Wes Carpenter will
also join the mix.
Lane Smith, Ethan McCune,
Mason Jackson and Austin
Tabler are freshmen on the
Lancers’ roster.
Federal Hocking opens the
season with a trip to Morgan
on Saturday. It will get a week
off before hosting Alexander
on Dec. 8. The league opener
comes Dec. 11 at home against
Southern, giving the Lancers
more time to prepare for the
Tri-Valley Conference Hocking
Division grind.
Federal Hocking was 2-14
in the TVC-Hocking a season
ago. It was still progress last
year for the Lancers, and now
a new coaching staff hopes to
continue pushing forward.
Thompson knows the Lanc-
ers have a winning tradition in
basketball. It will take work to
get Federal Hocking back to
the top of the league standings,
but he’s excited to start the
process.
“It’s very important to
me,” Thompson said. “Since
I was growing up I feel like
our school has had a winning
tradition at the basketball
level and I’d love to get it
back to where it was. It’s
going to take time. This is
more of a building year then
anything. Hopefully we can
do a little bit and change
it. We have the kids here.
They’re hard-nosed and
ready. They’re buying into
what we’re teaching.”
Federal Hocking has increased win total last two seasons
BY KEVIN WISEMAN
MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR
STEWART — Federal
Hocking’s girls’ basketball
program has steadily got-
ten better under head coach
Jeremy Tolson.
Entering his fifth season,
Tolson and the Lancers hope
to continue their upward trend.
“We have gotten better the
last few years,” Tolson said. “I
think we’ve built what I like
to call ‘gamers.’”
Federal Hocking was
just 5-18 two years ago, but
improved to 13-11 in 2017. It
was the program’s first win-
ning record since 2009.
The Lancers took another
step forward last season, going
15-8. Their 13-3 mark in the
Tri-Valley Conference Hock-
ing Division was good for an
outright second-place finish.
Federal Hocking won its
second Division IV sectional
championship in a row.
Federal Hocking was young
a season ago — three fresh-
men and a sophomore started
its tournament game against
Peebles. The Lancers will still
be heavy on sophomores, but
those 10th graders have the
experience of a varsity season
under their belt.
The Lancers do lose three
key seniors from last year’s
team in Hannah Dunfee, Au-
drey Blake and Brittnie Jack-
son, three players who were
instrumental to the program’s
turnaround.
“We always leaned on
them. We relied upon Hannah
for scoring an awful lot,”
Tolson said.
Leading the way this year
will be sophomore point guard
Paige Tolson, the coach’s
daughter.
She was an all-league
and all-district selection as a
freshman, and according to
Jeremy Tolson has improved
her game.
“Her ball handling’s gotten
better,” Jeremy Tolson said.
“Believe it or not she’s gotten
faster. She was quick last year,
she’s really quick now. She’s
the spark plug. She keeps
them going.”
Sophomore’s Emma Beha
and Kylie Tabler are also
returning starters who will
be looked upon to handle an
increased load.
Beha, standing at 6-foot-1,
gives the Lancers length both
PHOTO BY ALEX HAWLEY OF THE
GALLIPOLIS DAILY TRIBUNE
Federal Hocking’s Paige Tol-
son goes up for a layup during
a tournament game last year
against South Gallia. Tolson
returns as a sophomore to run
point for the Lancers.
on the perimeter and on the
block.
“She’s very long,” Jeremy
Tolson said. “She reads the
back of the defense really
well.”
Tabler is a 3-point shooter
who took advantage of her
playing time a season ago.
“Kylie’s a shooter,” Jeremy
Tolson said. “She’s a scorer. I
really feel like she’s going to
get going. She had four 3s the
first game against Maysville.
“They’re going to be pretty
much all of our scoring,”
Tolson said of the three sopho-
mores. “To say that we’re
relying on them is a under-
statement. They are the three
leaders of the team.”
Federal Hocking did
receive a blow during the
preseason when junior Tamika
Mayle, another returning
starter, injured her knee in the
TVC preview against Vinton
County.
While the extent of her
injury wasn’t known yet, Jer-
emy Tolson feared that Mayle
would miss the entire season.
“That’s going to hurt us all
year,” Tolson said.
Stepping into Mayle’s posi-
tion will be freshman Hannah
Rose. Tolson said that while
Mayle’s injury was tough to
deal with, Rose has stepped
up so far.
“With that injury believe it
or not the one girl that I didn’t
look to get much time has
really worked her butt off and
she’s played very hard,” Tol-
son said of Rose. “She started
as a freshman the first two
games. She plays very hard.
She’s going to learn.”
Tolson is high on a fresh-
man class that includes Rose,
Makayla Walker, Brennah
Jarvis and Alexis Smith. It
will be another season where
the Lancers will be able to
insert young players into the
lineup.
The Lancers don’t have any
seniors on the roster, leaving
juniors Ashlynn Jarvis and
Courtney Clark to lead the
way with the injured Mayle in
terms of seniority.
“The up and coming
freshman class is going to be
very important to what we’re
doing. Not only that but the
two juniors, we’re looking for
leadership to continue to push
the kids,” Jeremy Tolson said.
Ashlynn Jarvis received
varsity minutes a season ago
and will assume a starting role
this year.
“She’s been very impres-
sive on defense and she’s
extremely coachable,” Jeremy
Tolson said.
Sophomore Brianna Baker
has returned from an ACL in-
jury and will also play plenty
of minutes, starting the season
coming off the bench for the
Lancers.
“She’s back this year,”
Jeremy Tolson said. “She’s
getting minutes. I feel like
she’ll eventually take over that
fifth spot for us.”
The Lancers started the
season 0-2 with losses to
Maysville and Alexander, two
teams that are expected to
field strong teams in Division
II and III, respectively.
Federal Hocking has a
tough non-league schedule,
also playing Athens, Canton
Central Catholic, Nelsonville-
York and Peebles.
The Lancers are low on
numbers, but Tolson said the
11 that he has are working
hard as they continue to try
and elevate the program.
“They all play really hard
which if you can get that out
of them you can really start
to build something off of it,”
Jeremy Tolson said. “The nice
part about this group is they’re
going to come together and
hopefully the freshmen take
on that mentality of the sopho-
mores and juniors.
“I can’t stress enough that
I have 11 kids that want to be
in the gym every single night
and it’s very fun to have kids
coming in, working hard.”

TRIMBLE GIRLS

Tomcats welcome in new freshman class

Trimble’s roster features nine freshmen Trimble Tomcats Boys
easier. We know there’s go-
ing to be bumps, but we’re
not going to go in the locker
BY KEVIN WISEMAN “Just to be able to make this is high school basket- room after a game and say
a practice plan and be able ball now. This ain’t junior we lost this because we’re
Due to Trimble’s football run to the
MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR
to stick by it,” Richards high basketball anymore.’ young and we have fresh-
GLOUSTER — It’s the
simple things in life that
said, still excited to talk
about practice. “I made a lot
It’s a lot faster. Each scrim-
mage we’ve gotten a lot
state championship game, the Tomcats’ men. We’re not using that as
an excuse.”
make Trimble girls’ bas- of practice plans last year, better.” boys basketball preview will appear in a The Tomcats were tested
ketball coach Joe Richards but it was for six or seven The Tomcats’ unques- early in the season, with
happy these days. players then we would get tioned leader this season later edition of The Athens Messenger. their first games com-
When discussing prepa- to practice and, well these will be Moore, the only ing against TVC-Ohio foe
rations for the upcoming two aren’t practicing so now holdover from last year’s and out through her,” Rich- basketball,” Richards said of Wellston and four-time de-
2018-19 basketball season, it’s down to four. It’s fun team. ards said. Ives. “She’s going to be one fending regional champion
Richards’ eyes light up to come to practice and go Moore broke into the Riley Campbell is also of the first bench players. Waterford. The Tomcats will
when he talks about prac- through a regular practice, starting lineup as a freshman likely join the starting Same thing with Ashlynn also have non-league games
tice. drills I haven’t been able to but suffered a serious knee lineup for the Tomcats. Hardy and Leora Coffman. against Nelsonville-York,
“Everyday, I’ve been able do for two years.” injury that took a while to “She’s going to contrib- They’re going to have to New Lexington, Westfall
to run five-on-five,” Rich- While some teams might rehab from. She then had to ute,” Richards said. “Still to contribute. and Fort Frye.
ards said. “Haven’t been talk about being young endure a junior season that be debated where she’s go- “We’re really excited,” The upcoming season is
able to do that the last two going into a season, it’s left her essentially having to ing to be. She can play the he added. “Through the an important one for the
years unless I bring a couple possible no team in the state play every second of every three-guard position. She’s a scrimmages you can see the Tomcats. The group of
buddies in.” of Ohio will have as much game. hustler.” progress. We’re getting bet- freshmen have a chance to
Richards and the Tomcats youth as the Tomcats. Richards said he wants Emily Young and Brianna ter every day.” lead the program over the
are ready to turn the page Trimble’s program is Moore to be able to go out Osborne will also be at the York is also new to the next four years. Richards
after a difficult year that bolstered by the addition of on a high note. top of the Tomcats’ rotation. program as a senior. She can thinks Trimble can have suc-
saw the program have to nine freshmen. Two seniors “She’s been fantastic so “We need Emily Young to help out in the post once she cess despite relying almost
cancel its season only nine in Skylar Moore and Laura far,” Richards said. “She’s score for us. We’re going to gets back on the court. entirely on ninth graders.
games in due to a lack of York join the ninth graders. going to be our leader on the ask for her to contribute,” “If we can get her 100 “Yes, we’re going to start
players. York starts the season floor. I’m looking forward Richards said. percent healthy I think she four freshmen and we might
Trimble struggled all year with an injury, meaning the to sending her out hopefully “Osborne can play any will be helpful, banging have five freshmen on the
to field at least five players Tomcats will be guaranteed on a good note. We really of the five positions,” he bodies inside because she’d floor at times, but if we
for games. The final straw to start at least four fresh- want to do well for her.” added. “Most likely the be a post player,” Richards can play up to our poten-
came on Jan. 11 when the men every game. Moore will be joined on three and the four. We need said. “But she hasn’t prac- tial I think we can battle
Tomcats finished a game The crop of ninth grad- the court by four freshmen her to score. Her and Emily ticed in about two weeks night in and night out and
against Miller with only ers dominated junior high at all times. Laiken Imler have to help out with the because of the injury.” be competitive,” he said.
three players due to injuries. basketball circles in the will handle the point guard scoring, and Jane in the post Richards knows the Tom- “And that’s what we’re
Trimble only played nine Tri-Valley Conference the duties for the Tomcats. and Laiken running the team cats are in a better position looking for. I told the girls,
games, losing eight of them. last two seasons and now “We’re expecting big as the point guard, we’re than they were in a season we’re not going to put that
Richards, entering his get their chance to step right things from her,” Richards going to ask them all to ago. The focus will be on we have to have 12 wins
fourth season, hopes the into varsity basketball. said. “Last year and even contribute.” getting better as opposed to for this to be a success or
Tomcats have weathered the “It’s a whole different this year at the age she’s at, Sophia Ives, Ashlynn trying to survive week to 10 wins or 14 wins, but if
storm and have better days ballgame,” Richards said. the way she gets up down Hardy, Leora Coffman and week with a thin roster. we play up to our potential
ahead. “They’re finding that out. the floor is huge.” Skyla Moody round out the “We’re enjoying ourselves and we keep geting better
Trimble still won’t field a Our first scrimmage was at Fellow freshman Jane group of freshmen, with a lot,” Richards said. “They throughout the year, I think
JV team, but has 11 players River a couple weeks ago. It Six will give the Tomcats a Moody being in her first come to practice everyday we’re going to be a pretty
in the program after starting took them about four or five presence in the post. year playing basketball. and they want to learn. So tough out day in and day
last season with just seven. trips down the court, ‘hey “We’re hoping to run in “She nows the game of that makes our job a little out.”
The Athens Messenger Friday, November 30, 2018 Page B9

MILLER BOYS MILLER GIRLS VINTON COUNTY BOYS

Falcons Falcons look to Vikings have

retooling roster build off last new faces
for new season season’s success ready to
BY ANDY CRAWFORD with one starting along-
MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR side Willison and the other
becoming the team’s sixth
HEMLOCK — With a man.
lineup littered with un- The trio will likely give
derclassmen, Miller coach
up inches in every contest.
Sean Bartley intends to
Coach Bartley said he
BY ANDY CRAWFORD
MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR
HEMLOCK — Miller
girls basketball coach Bryan
Dorsey is on a mission to
make sure his team doesn’t
defend title
some tough post-entry
passes, including lobs over
the top, a favorite of Jo-
seph’s. What isn’t clear yet is
which players will step in to
BY KEVIN WISEMAN lead the way. The 6-foot-4
fill the vacancies left by the
forward made big plays dur-
team’s pair of 2018 gradu-
MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR

treat the upcoming boys’ become just another one-hit ing the Vikings’ run to a dis-
hopes that the versatility of ates, Lacey Alexander and
basketball season as the wonder. McARTHUR — Matt trict title in 2017. He dealt
swingmen Wyatt Vollmer, a Chloe Rine.
beginning of a two-year The Falcons caught light- Combs and the Vinton with a late-season injury last
senior, and sophomore Clay Alexander was a three-
odyssey. ning in a bottle at the end County Vikings have been season that hampered his
Brown will help compen- year starter at the point,
Who can blame him? Af- sate for Miller’s lack of of last season, entering the the gold standard in the junior year.
and Rine was the Falcons’
ter winning sectional titles height inside. He may also sectional tournament with Tri-Valley Conference Ohio The Vikings will have
go-to defensive stopper. Both
in back-to-back seasons a nondescript 12-9 record Division for more than a players battling for start-
try to augment his standard also played with a conta-
for the first time in school and No. 6 seed before taking decade. ing positions during the
man-to-man defensive phi- gious energy, and while the
history, Bartley bid adieu favored Belpre behind the The Vikings have won the early part of the season.
losophy with an extended departed duo’s absence is not
to seven seniors, including 2-3 zone, a press, or vari- woodshed and then Glen- last three TVC-Ohio titles Junior Gavin Arbaugh (6-0)
insignificant, Dorsey doesn’t
two (Seattle Compston and ous traps, all designed to wood to the limit in the outright. They have won 10 received some varsity min-
think it’s insurmountable,
Carson Starlin) who each district semifinals. TVC-Ohio titles since 2004 utes later in the season and
try to keep opponents from either.
scored over 1,000 career It was Miller’s first sec- — all with Combs leading should jump into a starting
pounding the ball inside. “There’s bound to be some
points, and another (Alec tional championship in 12 the way. role.
“And, of course, it means drop-off, especially early,”
Eveland) who finished with we’re going to have to years, and it gave a fleeting Combs earned his 300th Sophomore Lance
he said. “But, I think we can
more than 700. glimpse of the program’s career coaching win last Montgomery (5-11), senior
rebound like crazy,” he make up for it by improving
Mitigating those losses potential. The challenge for year during a dramatic Ricky Body (5-9) and junior
added. in other areas.”
will not be easy, and it the Falcons now is to live up overtime win at Alexander, Will Arthur (5-10) will be
That’s it; the eight play- One is rebounding,
won’t be done quickly, but ers that will form the core to that potential and to take a game that went a long way depended upon this season
where Joseph’s extra year of
it remains priority #1. the next step. towards the Vikings claim- for the Vikings.
of the Falcons’ rotation, experience and Compston’s
“Honestly, we’re so “It was a great learning ing another crown. Senior Austin Hitte (5-9),
which will be young, small, increase in stature should
young that we’ve spent experience,” Dorsey said, Combs will enter his 20th junior Ash Abele (6-1) and
and thin on the bench. But, pay dividends. Team shoot-
most of our practice time referring to the district berth. season as a head coach, and senior Trafford Dunn (6-0)
it is also comprised of good ing accuracy should be
just trying to teach our kids athletes who, according to “None of our girls had ever his 19th with the Vikings. will also see significant
better, too, with the addi-
how to be fundamentally played at Jackson before, in He has 306 career wins roles this year for Vinton
Bartley, have encouraged tion of senior Josie Perani
sound,” admits Bartley. that atmosphere, and under including 298 at Vinton County.
him with their willingness and freshmen Jace Agresti,
“On defense, that means that kind of pressure. It was County. He’s led the Vikings The Vikings also have
to learn. Emma Joseph and Lexie
applying good man-to-man fun to watch them respond. to eight sectional titles and junior Aaron Stevens (5-9)
“They’re persistent,” he Shiplett added to the mix.
principles like playing I like to think we learned a three district titles. available, as well as sopho-
said. “They’ll keep working “I tell these girls all the
the mid-line and giving little something about our- The Vikings were 18-6 mores Randall Matteson
on something and keep at it time that they’ve got all
weak-side help, switching selves along the way.” a year ago, including 10-2 (5-10), Brock Hamon (5-
until they figure out what the skill that’s required for
on screens, things like that. to do. They’ve been coming The chances for a return in the TVC-Ohio to finish 10), Kollin Johnson (5-10)
them to be successful,” said
It’s a work in progress. trip begin inside, where a game ahead of Athens in and Esiason Herrold (6-1).
along in practice. Now, it’s Dorsey. “It’s going to be our
“We’ll play fast, I will Dorsey’s team boasts a pair the league standings. They Freshman Eli Radabaugh
just a matter of putting it effort level that will dictate
tell you that,” he said. of post players that can advanced to the district tour- (5-8) will be part of the
all together when we step how far we go.
“With our lack of size and match up with any in the nament for the third season program as well.
out onto the floor, and the “It’s very tough to move
experience, we’re going to only way you’re going to Tri-Valley Conference. Hail- in a row. The Vikings will open the
up in the TVC-Hocking, with
have to.” lie Joseph is the banger, an In order to make it four season at the Zane Trace
do that is by doing it in a Waterford and Eastern and
Indeed, the bulk of the unmatched physical presence league titles in a row, Tip-Off Classic on Saturday.
game situation, by earning now Federal Hocking. Until
Falcons’ returning firepow- game experience.” who possesses deceptively Combs and the Vikings will They will take on Hunting-
someone knocks those teams
er comes in the backcourt nimble footwork for some- have to navigate a TVC- ton at 5 p.m.
There’s also this intangi- off…” he added, his voice
and in the form of juniors one 6’1”, especially on of- Ohio slate with players that Vinton County’s first
ble: the consecutive district trailing off but his mind still
Colby Bartley and Drew fense. After pacing the team are mostly new to varsity two league games will go a
appearances, not to mention obviously calculating.
Starlin. Along with sopho- last season’s 14 wins — the in points and rebounds by basketball. long way toward determin-
Miller’s biggest weak-
more Blayton Cox, they averaging a double-double a Senior Eli Griffith is the ing where it will ultimately
most in recent memory ness thus far appears to
represent the only players season ago, Joseph is turning only Vikings’ player left that stand in the TVC-Ohio race.
— that were produced by be perimeter defense. At
on Miller’s roster with any Compston, Starlin, et al into more of a “face of the has extended varsity experi- The Vikings host Alexander
the recent TVC preview,
significant varsity minutes cannot be ignored. It gave franchise” vocal leader, too. ence. Vinton County gradu- on Dec. 7, then travel to
Nelsonville-York was able
under their belts. Fellow junior Sophia ated seniors Jake Speakman, Athens on Dec. 14.
the current crop of players to spread the floor against
The younger Bartley has an intimate understanding Compston seems to have Naylan Yates, Cameron The Vikings also have
the Falcons and to find open
been playing varsity for the of what it takes to be a win- spouted another inch or two Hamon, Bailey Bartoe, non-league games against
looks from beyond the arc.
Falcons since his fresh- and will now join Joseph on Shawn McCarty, Noah Zane Trace, Jackson, South-
ning program. It changed Of course, Dorsey — not
man year, so he was a big the opposite block full-time. Waddell and Bryce Damron. eastern, New Hope Christian
the culture in Corning. wanting to divulge too many
part of both sectional title Compston is mobile in the Nevan Yates transfered to Academy, Fairfield Union,
The Falcons now have secrets — had his team in a
teams. He will line up at paint and runs the floor Jackson in the offseason. Washington Court House,
two years to try to maintain zone, which is not its forte,
one wing, opposite Starlin, it. extremely well, owing to her That leaves Griffith to Miami Trace and Logan.
but it’s still something he
who had developed into a “That’s the one nice two years of experience as admitted that his team needs
part-time starter by sea- thing about having such the Falcons’ primary 3-spot to work on.
son’s end. Cox, who backed a young team: our top six swingman.
up Carson Starlin at the
point last year, slides into
will all be returning next
season,” said Bartley. “So,
The task of getting the
ball into the hands of Joseph
“What I’m looking for
out of this group is more
consistency,” he concluded.
VINTON COUNTY GIRLS

the same spot in the first
five this time around.
They will need to grow
up in a hurry, if only to
we’re treating this like a
2-for-1 deal. Our goal is to
get better each day, each
game, and to try to be a
and Compston will be shared
among a backcourt rotation
of senior Brooklyn Wilson,
juniors Aksya McFann,
Vikings look to
“I want them to play hard
and to play well all the time,
not just when it’s a big game.
Last year, we saw peeks of

defend TVC-
serve as mentors for the lot better by the end of Autumn McFann and Ashley what we’re capable of, but
team’s new starter in the the year than we are now. Spencer, and sophomores we saw it maybe six or seven
post, 6’1” junior Steven Then, if we can come back Alaina Boyden and Josie times. I want us to get to the
Willison. 5’11” Kylan Mc- at the beginning of next Crabtree.

Ohio crown
point where we can play like
Clain and 5’9” Try McCoy, season even better than As a whole, the perimeter we did in the tournament last
both freshmen, will split that, we’ll be ready to make group has shown a willing- year, but to do it every time
time on the other block, some noise again.” ness and ability to make we step out onto the floor.”

BY KEVIN WISEMAN Bartoe and Zinn each

MESSENGER SPORTS EDITOR hit double figures in their
first varsity game against
McARTHUR — The Chillicothe. Zinn had 15
Vinton County girls’ bas- points and Bartoe added 11
ketball team experienced a points.
breakout season in 2017-18. Freshmen Lacie Williams
Now, with a strong will also see significant
nucleus returning and an playing time for the Vi-
influx of talented freshmen kings. Rylee Ousley gives
coming into the program, them another ninth grader
the Vikings hope they don’t who could see playing time.
miss a beat this season. The Vikings have three
The Vikings will try to seniors on the roster to
defend their Tri-Valley look to for leadership in
Conference Ohio Division Jazmynn Sharp, Belle Lam-
crown in 2018-19. They bert and Kendall Fee.
went 12-0 in winning the Junior Emily Jones
league outright last season, played varsity minutes last
Vinton part of an overall record of season and returns. Abriana
County’s of 21-2. McManis is another junior
Morgan Last season was one of who could see time off the
Bentley the best in program history. bench.
takes Vinton County won its first Sophomores Liz Lam-
a shot sectional title since 2007 bert, Lydia Nichols and
during a and its first outright league Lydia Lenegar also round
game at title since 2008. out the varsity roster.
Alexan- The Vikings graduated Rod Bentley once again
der last all-league players in Cassie returns to coach the Vi-
season. Bentley, Erin Jones and kings, as he enters his fifth
Bentley Darian Radabaugh. They season leading the program.
was the will need new players to in- The Vikings opened with
team’s sert into the starting lineup. the big win at Chillicothe
leading Back is all-league player last Monday. They return
returning Morgan Bentley, now a to the court on Saturday
scorer sophomore. She had 15 to host Paint Valley. Their
as the points in the Vikings’ open- league opener comes on
Vikings ing 67-30 win over Chilli- Monday at home against
won the cothe and is the team’s Meigs.
Tri-Valley leading returning scorer. Vinton County will make
Confer- Junior guard Josie Ousley a key trip to Alexander on
ence Ohio is another returning starter Dec. 6 in a battle of TVC-
Division for the Vikings. Ohio titans.
last year. The Vikings will look to The Vikings also have
MESSENGER sophomore Myriah Davis non-league games against
FILE PHOTO and freshmen Tegan Bartoe Unioto, Philo, Gallia Acad-
BY LOUISE and Cameron Zinn to jump emy, Wheelersburg, Warren
FISH into the starting lineup. and Jackson.
Page B10 Friday, November 30, 2018 The Athens Messenger

MEIGS BOYS MEIGS GIRLS

Marauders look to Seniors will

compete in TVC-Ohio lead Marauders into
BY ANDY CRAWFORD
new season
MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR

ROCK SPRINGS — The

major overhaul. After years
of playing the 1-3-1 zone
under Ed Fry, the Maraud-
sophomore Wyatt Hoover.
“Nick’s only about 6-foot,
but he boards very well,”
ers will become more of a Hill said. “He has a nose for BY ANDY CRAWFORD aggeration — freshman Mal- and it’s going to be a formi-
Meigs boys’ basketball team man-to-man style defense the ball that you can’t teach, MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR lory Hawley, for one, could dable order for any team to
has built a reputation for be- under Hill. and Cooper probably has the certainly play in the post, if match up effectively against
ing a hard-nosed group that “That’s been the hardest most athleticism on the team. ROCK SPRINGS — No necessary — it underscores all of its outside options.
wins the games it should and part for us so far,” he admit- He’s a living mismatch. He’s basketball team in the Tri- just how perimeter-oriented “Of course, when you
steals a few it shouldn’t. The ted. “We’ve been spending a too strong for most guards Valley Conference is likely to this team will be. spread five shooters out deep,
Marauders are consistently a lot of practice time work- and too quick off the dribble lean on its senior class more On defense, that means you’ve still gotta make your
tough out. ing on ‘close out and cover for a lot of forwards.” than the Meigs girls. the Marauders have a bevy shots,” Kasun said, wryly.
The 2018-19 season down’ — approaching the Meigs’ one true post player The Marauders’ main core of ways to harass an oppo- “That’s why our defense and
should be no exception. outside shooter and help- is Bobby Musser. Hill said consists of seven 12th graders, nent’s ball-handlers, without ball-handling skills are going
“Athens and Alexander recover technique on the that the junior is still “rela- three of whom — Kassidy necessarily having to resort to be so critical. There’s al-
are probably the cream of weak side. The principles are tively green” and “needs to Betzing, Maddie Fields and to conventional, full-court ways going to be games when
the crop in the [Tri-Valley there. Before you can play become a better defender and Marissa Noble — have been pressure. Fields is their finest the shots aren’t falling. But,
Conference] Ohio,” said new zone, you have to be able to develop his shot,” but with playing varsity minutes since one-on-one defender, and when we’re shooting well,
coach Jeremy Hill. “And, play man.” his 6’6” frame “he changes the moment they stepped on Betzing’s long arms and we can play with just about
you can never discount The attrition that comes things when he’s out there.” the court as freshmen three lateral quickness make her anybody.”
Vinton County. Matt Combs with graduation losses caught Ty Bartrum, Coulter years ago. ideal on the weak-side, but the Hanging with teams wasn’t
always has them ready to up with Meigs last season, Cleland and Morgan Roberts Add Kylee Blanks, Becca truth is, all seven of Kasun’s exactly the Marauders’ prob-
play. I think we can sneak and it fell five games below — “three really good fresh- Pullins, Alyssa Smith and seniors have had time to grow lem last season, though; it was
up there and be competitive .500, after consecutive cam- men whom I expect will see Taylor Swartz into the mix into his brand of old-school finishing off close contests.
with the top three or four, but paigns of 18-5 (2015-16) and playing time,” according to and it only seems as though man-to-man. According to Kasun, his
it’s going to be a challenge.” 14-9 (2016-17). This time, Hill — round out the Mau- third-year head coach Jarrod “We’ve got good length snake-bit charges found them-
Hill acknowledges sev- however, the Marauders raders’ roster “It’s a phenom- Kasun has been fielding the and good speed up and down selves in a one-possession
eral other challenges. First, bring most of their core back enal group, top to bottom,” same lineup forever. the lineup,” said Kasun. “I game (within three points)
there’s the schedule — “it’s from a year ago. Hill said. “They’re the most The advantages are obvi- think that compensates for our with less than two minutes to
going to be a tough one” — It all starts in the back- respectful kids I’ve ever been ous. lack of height. Rebounding play on nine separate occa-
that includes only nine home court, where seniors Zach around, not that the ones “It’s nice when you have is always going to be a big sions in 2017-18. Meigs lost
games and potential holi- Bartrum and Cole Betzing that played for me elsewhere seniors who have been concern, but I think we’ve all nine, including a nearly-
day tournament match-ups team with junior Weston weren’t. But, these players through the program, who got players who are good identical pair of heartbreaking
against the likes of White- Baer to form one of the say, ‘yes, sir,’ and ‘no, sir,’ so know what’s expected of them rebounders for their size. That last-second losses to league
hall, Oak Hill and Morgan, better trios in the area. Each much that it caught me off- from day one,” said Kasun. part of the game is more about rival Nelsonville-York.
as well as non-league con- brings a different talent to guard a little at first. I credit “Our girls know that we’re effort level, anyway.” Those setbacks were a big
tests at Warren, Jackson, and the table. Bartrum, the vocal [Mike] Bartrum and the other all about giving max effort, When Meigs goes to its reason why the Marauders’
Marietta. Then, there’s Hill’s leader and creative force, football coaches for it. all the time. We’re going to bench, expect Hawley — who overall and TVC won-loss
own transition to consider. runs the point. Betzing is “As far as the season goes, spread the floor and play up- looked like a good fit at the records dropped off (11-12
Having spent his forma- the team’s best shut-down I don’t want to get into wins tempo on offense, and then be recent league preview — to and 6-6, vs. 13-11 and 8-4 the
tive years at Southern, Hill perimeter defender, and Baer and losses,” he added. “We’ll up in your face defensively. play valuable minutes. Sopho- season before). But, don’t tell
coached at Eastern before is a lights-out shooter who be a team that will try to get “Honestly, that’s the way mores Jerrica Smith, Bre Kasun that his team wasn’t as
moving west into the bigger, can (and does) pull up from up and down the floor, to we have to play, in order to Lilly, Olivia Haggy will also good, or that the experience
more rugged TVC-Ohio. anywhere. limit our half-court sets, and offset the size differential. likely see playing time as the won’t be beneficial to it going
“Fortunately, it’s only “We’re going to be guard- to create our offense through As small as we are, we can’t year develops. forward.
been an adjustment for me,” heavy,” said Hill. “As a team, our defense. The question afford to get stuck in a half- But make no mistake, this is “We had some very good
he said. “The players don’t we’re not real big, but we’re will be whether other teams court contest.” a team built around its seniors. players make some very big
know any different. Playing fairly athletic and pretty dog- will allow us to do that. To prove his point, Kasun Betzing is the best-known shots against us last year,” he
at this level is all they’ve gone quick.” “I’m confident that we will lists one center and a single around league circles, mainly said. “All we can do now is
done. It’s kind of odd, actu- Seniors Nick Lilly and be competitive with everyone forward (seniors Kylee Blanks because she handles the bulk to build on that [adversity]. If
ally, that they have a better Cooper Darst will split time on our schedule. Hopefully, and Taylor Swartz, respec- of the team’s point guard we can find a way to win even
idea of what to expect than between the wing and the we’ll be able to pull off a tively) on his roster, rounding duties, and Noble may be the half of those kinds of games
I do.” post, as will juniors Cameron surprise or two while we’re it out with nine guards. And most feared from beyond the this season, we’ll have a pretty
Fans can expect one more Burnem and Austin Mahr and at it.” while that may be a slight ex- arc, but all of them can shoot, good record.”

EASTERN BOYS

Kight takes over at Eastern

Eagles will rely on experience
BY ANDY CRAWFORD
MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR
TUPPERS PLAINS —
The reality hit new Eastern
boys’ coach David Kight the
first time he huddled with
his players during a scrim-
mage.
“I’m not a tall man, and
yet here they were, most of
them looking at me eye-to-
eye,” he said.
The good news is that
means Kight has their atten-
tion. Still, the Eagles’ lack
of size is presenting itself as
the team’s biggest challenge
heading into 2018-19.
“Everybody we’ve scrim-
maged so far has been
bigger than we are,” he
admitted. “But, sometimes
size is only what you make
it. What we lack in stature,
I think we can make up
for with tremendous effort.
We’ve become a lot smarter
“It’s the best senior
leadership I’ve had when
As if that wasn’t enough,
two new seniors — Noah
what the outcome will be.”
On offense, Eastern will
won’t be a 2-3.
“Nothing helter-skelter,
and learned to play a lot stepping into a program, Browning and Evin Bauer rely on its perimeter game, but we’re going to stay ag-
harder just in the short time anywhere I’ve been, and I’ve — decided to come out for spearheaded by its diminu- gressive and try different
I’ve been here.” done a few,” Kight said. “It’s the varsity team for the first tive guards. The Facemyer things.”
There’s no denying that a great class to have and to time. It is likely that Kight cousins and Creath average Ask him what those “dif-
Eastern is loaded with build off of. From day one, was referring to this pair 5’6”, but all three show a ferent things” are — such as
experience, perhaps more they’ve done everything I’ve when he said that his team knack for being able to get whether he intends to unveil
so than any team in the Tri- asked.” might go 11 deep one night, to the rim. Everyone else a full-court press — and
Valley Conference Hocking What the quartet does but then play seven the next. on the roster save Barringer Kight responds only with a
Division, with a core of five is give the Eagles what is “It’s just going to depend is listed between 5’11” and cryptic, “to be determined.”
seniors and six juniors, most arguably the league’s most on how we match-up, and 6’2”, and even he appears In fairness, he probably isn’t
of whom have at least two experienced backcourt. how our players react when as comfortable 15 feet from as paranoid as he is still
years’ worth of varsity play- Sharp Facemyer and Creath they hit the floor,” he said. the basket as he does under- unsure where his team’s true
ing time. will split point guard duties, “I’d like to be able to play neath. talent lies.
Kight is used to introduc- Blaise Facemyer is a fixture everybody. I think I know Kight admits those facts There are a few things,
ing himself to a new set on one wing, and Fish’s their personalities, and will change his calculus on however, of which Kight is
of players, having coached versatility will allow him to they, in turn, know what I both sides of the ball. certain, from the moment
boys’ teams at Jackson, play both the wing and the expect from them. All of “We won’t force-feed the he stepped into that initial
Western and Meigs before block. these players are extremely ball into the post, but I still huddle.
spending last season as the Lining up alongside Fish coachable. think we’ll be able to get it “I love coming into the
girls’ coach at Southern. inside will be the team’s “Our style is going to be in there,” he said. “It also gym for work every day,
So, to hear him speak in lone tall timber, 6’5” junior to play hard for 32 minutes,” means, defensively, that because I know I’m going
glowing terms about his Garrett Barringer. Class- he added. “When you do we won’t be able to just sit to get to watch them get
returning seniors — Sharp mates Mason Dishong and that, you create your own back and play it straight. better,” he said. “These
Facemeyer, Blaise Face- Ryan Dill each can play opportunities. Let’s do the We’re going to have to try guys weren’t exactly green
myer, Isaiah Fish and Dylan three positions, and Colton things that we work on to create some chaos in the when I came in, but they’re
Creath — is to know that Reynolds and Derrick Meth- every day in practice and do other team. We’ll be a man- still learning how to play
there’s weight behind the eney — also 11th graders — them as well as we can as to-man team, but we may together. It’s a fun group to
words. add depth on the outside. hard as we can, and let’s see sprinkle in a zone. It just be around.”

EASTERN GIRLS

Eagles try to climb back up TVC-Hocking standings

BY ANDY CRAWFORD
MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR
TUPPERS PLAINS — If
Eastern’s upcoming basket-
ball season were made into
a movie, coach Jacob Parker
would prefer it to be a se-
quel to “Mean Girls.”
OK, so maybe not
“mean,” per se, but Parker
admits that the program’s
clearest path to reclaiming
the glories of its recent past
is for this year’s club to
begin playing with “more
aggression; more passion.”
“My first year here,
people were down on us,”
he explained. “Due to the
coaching transition and
graduation losses, we were
picked to finish fourth or
fifth in the league, and the
girls played that whole
season with a chip on their
shoulders.
“Somewhere along the
way, we lost that chip, and
I’d like to see this group get
it back.”
Eastern finished 17-7 in
2017-18, but it also slipped
to third in the Tri-Valley
Conference-Hocking and
failed to reach the district
finals. Not bad, except when
measured against its tradi-
tional, lofty standards.
Parker’s third edition
of the Eagles will be built
around its three senior
guards, Jess Parker, Alyson
Bailey and Kelsey Casto.
Parker, the point guard, is
unquestionably the team’s
heart and soul, a four-year
starter and floor general
whose demeanor belies her
diminutive 5’2” stature.
Bailey — who plays with
“tremendous intensity and
heart,” according to her
coach — will line up on
one wing, and Casto will be
the team’s versatile utility
player, capable of playing
every position.
And the younger Parker?
“I wish I had her for four
more years,” he said, shak-
ing his head in admiration.
Rounding out Eastern’s
regular rotation are six
sophomores. Olivia Bar-
ber — affectionately called
“Lou” — starts at center,
Kassandra Casto and Tessa
Rockhold alternate time
between the wings and the
blocks, and Ashton Guth-
rie, Kennadi Rockhold and
Sydney Sanders join the
trio of upperclassmen in the
backcourt.
“They all played primarily
junior varsity last season,
so we’ve been trying to get
them used to the pace of the
varsity game,” Parker said
of his 10th graders. “They
have a lot to learn, and they
tend to overthink too much
instead of just playing bas-
ketball, but they will offer
us a lot. They’re all very
athletic and will bring us
depth.”
Barber, especially, will be
a key. She missed the first
half of last season with a
knee injury, but at 5’10”, she
easily becomes the Eagles’
biggest inside threat.
“Lou’s starting to grow
into her body, too,” added
Parker. “She’s becoming
more confident every day,
more comfortable with her-
self and her teammates.”
In what is becoming
a common theme of this
year’s TVC, Parker said that
it’s his team’s offense that
concerns him more than its
hyperactive defense.
“The hardest thing with
this group has been adjust-
ing to our lack of pure
shooters,” he said. “It’s been
frustrating, in a way, be-
cause our offense has been
pretty fluid and we’ve been
getting the looks that we
need, we just haven’t been
knocking down the shots.
“But, our defense will be
solid,” he added. “We have
speed to spare. That’s our
greatest strength. It should
allow us to apply tremen-
dous pressure, keep the ball
out of the middle, create
havoc, and to speed the
other team up.
“I wouldn’t care if all
of our games finish up in
the 20’s or 30’s. It might
be cliché, but I’d like to be
the team that every other
team hates to play. What a
psychological advantage that
would be; what a great thing
to be able to hang our hats
on.”
Coach Parker leads by
example. Watch him run a
practice, and one sees an
animated, verbal micro-
manager. Find a quiet spot
after, however, and the
conversation quickly turns
existential.
He knows that the Eagles’
fortunes will rise or fall
depending on how hard-
nosed and fully-invested his
players are willing to get.
“I remind them all the
time, ‘Hey, this is as close to
the game as I can get now.
My time has come and gone.
Don’t let yours slip away
without a fight. Match my
passion,’” said Parker.
“If we can get to a place
where we’re not satisfied
with where we’ve been and
what we have, then we’ll be
ready to compete at a level
that meets my expecta-
tions.”
The Athens Messenger Friday, November 30, 2018 Page B11

SEPTIC
YOU DUMP IT!, SICKELS SANITATION, LLC TANK
WE PUMP IT! PUMPI
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SERVICES N
GREAS G,

GOOD LUCK ALL TEAMS!

E
TRAPS
an
PORTA d
-JO
RENTA HN
Our Mission: “Every Customer, Every Time” LS
A FAMILY TRADITION SINCE 1970 EMERGENCY SERVICE
(740) 592-3480 sickelsanitation.com
AVAILABLE! sickelssanitation@yahoo.com

2018-2019 HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL SCHEDULES

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Alexander Spartans Athens Bulldogs Eastern Eagles
Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time
Nov. 26 at Federal Hocking 7 p.m. Nov. 23 at Fairfield Union 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29 MILLER 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 1 Wheelersburg (at Rio Grande) 4 p.m. Nov. 26 NEW LEXINGTON 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Peebles 3 p.m.
Dec. 3 at River Valley 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 WAHAMA 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 6 VINTON COUNTY 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Warren 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 WARREN 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 10 at Meigs 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 FEDERAL HOCKING 2:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at Trimble 7 p.m.
Dec. 13 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at Vinton County 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 SOUTH GALLIA 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 15 at Warren 2:30 p.m. Dec. 13 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 NOTRE DAME 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 17 ATHENS 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at Alexander 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28 at Waterford 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 19 at Marietta 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at Meigs 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 SOUTHERN 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 27 CIRCLEVILLE 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 GALLIA ACADEMY 1:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at Miller 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 29 SOUTHEASTERN 2 p.m. Dec. 29 at Ironton 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12 WILLIAMSTOWN 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 7 at Jackson 7 p.m. Jan. 5 ADENA 1:30 p.m. Jan. 14 BELPRE 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 10 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at Wahama 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 14 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at Wellston 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at Meigs 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 17 at Vinton County 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 LOGAN 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 TRIMBLE 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 21 OAK HILL 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at Morgan 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at Fairland 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 24 MEIGS 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 VINTON COUNTY 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 WATERFORD 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 26 WARREN 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 JACKSON 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4 FEDERAL HOCKING 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 28 at Wellston 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at Southern 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 31 at Athens 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 ALEXANDER 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 4 LOGAN 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 MEIGS 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 7 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at River Valley 7:30 p.m.

Federal Hocking Lancers Meigs Marauders Miller Falcons

Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time
Nov. 23 at Maysville 6 p.m. Nov. 26 SOUTHERN 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27 FISHER CATHOLIC 7:15 p.m.
Nov. 26 ALEXANDER 6 p.m. Nov. 29 WARREN 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at Eastern 7:15 p.m.
Nov. 29 at Southern 6 p.m. Dec. 3 at Vinton County 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 WATERFORD 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 3 SOUTH GALLIA 6 p.m. Dec. 6 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 TRIMBLE 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 8 at Athens 1 p.m. Dec. 8 GALLIA ACADEMY 12:30 p.m. Dec. 17 BELPRE 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 10 BELPRE 6 p.m. Dec. 10 ALEXANDER 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 WAHAMA 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 13 WATERFORD 6 p.m. Dec. 13 at River Valley 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 CROOKSVILLE 5 p.m.
Dec. 17 at Wahama 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at Wayne 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 NEWARK CATHOLIC 2:15 p.m.
Dec. 20 TRIMBLE 6 p.m. Dec. 17 at Wellston 7:30 p.m. Jan. 3 at Southern 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 3 EASTERN 6 p.m. Dec. 20 ATHENS 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 FEDRAL HOCKING 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 7 at Miller 6 p.m. Dec. 28 River Vall. (at Marietta College) 12:45 p.m. Jan. 10 EASTERN 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 10 SOUTHERN 6 p.m. Dec. 29 Wood Co. (at Marietta College) 12:15 p.m. Jan. 12 at Trimble 1 p.m.
Jan. 14 at South Gallia 6 p.m. Jan. 14 VINTON COUNTY 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at Waterford 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 19 at Belpre 6 p.m. Jan. 17 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Wellston 2:30 p.m.
Jan. 20 at West Muskingum 12 p.m. Jan. 21 EASTERN 7:15 p.m. Jan. 21 Route 40 Classic 12:30 p.m.
Jan. 22 NELSONVILLE-YORK 6 p.m. Jan. 24 at Alexander 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 SOUTH GALLIA 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 24 at Waterford 6 p.m. Jan. 28 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Belpre 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 28 WAHAMA 6 p.m. Jan. 31 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at Wahama 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 31 at Trimble 6 p.m. Feb. 4 at Athens 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 SOUTHERN 7:15 p.m.
Feb. 2 at Peebles 3 p.m. Feb. 7 at Warren 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at Federal Hocking 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 4 at Eastern 6 p.m. Feb. 12 at Grove City Christian 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 7 MILLER 6 p.m.

Nelsonville-York Buckeyes Southern Tornadoes

Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time
Nov. 27 at Warren 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26 at Meigs 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 29 at Fairfield Union 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29 FEDERAL HOCKING 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 1 Zane Trace Tip-Off 10 a.m. Dec. 1 RIVER VALLEY 1:45 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Meigs 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Waterford 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 10 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 WAHAMA 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Athens 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Symmes Valley 2:30 p.m.
Dec. 17 VINTON COUNTY 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 TRIMBLE 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 20 at Wellston 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at Belpre 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 22 TRIMBLE 4:30 p.m. Dec. 28 WELLSTON 7:15 p.m.
Dec. 29 COAL GROVE 1:15 p.m. Jan. 3 MILLER 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 5 at Jackson 7 p.m. Jan. 7 at Eastern 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 10 ALEXANDER 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at Federal Hocking 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 LANCASTER 3:30 p.m. Jan. 14 WATERFORD 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 17 MEIGS 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 SOUTH GALLIA 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 19 at Trimble 4 p.m. Jan. 19 at Wahama 2 p.m.
Jan. 22 at Federal Hocking 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at River Valley 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 24 at River Valley 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Trimble 7 p.m.
Jan. 26 at McClain 1:15 p.m. Jan. 31 BELPRE 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 28 ATHENS 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at Miller 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 31 at Vinton County 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 EASTERN 7:15 p.m.
Feb. 4 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 7 at Alexander 7:30 p.m.

Trimble Tomcats Vinton County Vikings

Date Opponent Time Date Opponent Time
Nov. 27 WELLSTON 7 p.m. Nov. 26 at Chillicothe 7 p.m.
No. 29 WATERFORD 7 p.m. Dec. 1 PAINT VALLEY 1:30 p.m.
Dec. 5 at Wahama 7 p.m. Dec. 3 MEIGS 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 6 BELPRE 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Alexander 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 10 at Miller 7:15 p.m. Dec. 10 ATHENS 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 13 EASTERN 7 p.m. Dec. 13 UNIOTO 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 17 at Southern 7:15 p.m. Dec. 17 at Nelsonville-York 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 20 at Federal Hocking 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at River Valley 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 22 at Nelsonville-York 4:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at Philo 2:30 p.m.
Dec. 27 at New Lexington 7 p.m. Dec. 28 at Teays Valley 6 p.m.
Dec. 28 WESTFALL 7 p.m. Jan. 5 at Gallia Academy 2:30 p.m.
Jan. 5 FORT FRYE 12 p.m. Jan. 7 WHEELERSBURG 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 7 SOUTH GALLIA 7 p.m. Jan. 10 WELLSTON 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 10 at Waterford 7:15 p.m. Jan. 12 WARREN 2:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 MILLER 1 p.m. Jan. 14 at Meigs 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 14 WAHAMA 7 p.m. Jan. 17 ALEXANDER 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 17 at Belpre 7:15 p.m. Jan. 21 JACKSON 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 19 NELSONVILLE-YORK 4 p.m. Jan. 24 at Athens 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 24 at Eastern 7:15 p.m. Jan. 31 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 28 SOUTHERN 7 p.m. Feb. 4 RIVER VALLEY 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 31 FEDERAL HOCKING 7 p.m. Feb. 7 at Wellston 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 7 at South Gallia 7 p.m.

Heating, Cooling,
Generators
22250 Twin Oaks Drive, AT YOUR SERVICE!
Coolville, Ohio ALL brands of heating & cooling equipment serviced by certified technicians.
www.twinoaksvac.com Commercial Services • Cooler Solutions (Walk-In Freezer Rentals)
800-927-6781
Lic. #45941
Page B12 Friday, November 30, 2018 The Athens Messenger

SOUTHERN BOYS SOUTHERN GIRLS

Tornadoes look to Crisp returns to

contend in TVC-Hocking
Southern returns veteran group
BY ANDY CRAWFORD tremendous leader, Trey is a “Rebounding has always
Southern’s bench
BY ANDY CRAWFORD Jordan is certainly capable to kick in at some point,” he
MESSENGER CONTRIBUTORR good athlete and extremely been a make-or-break key MESSENGER CONTRIBUTOR of sliding into the [power added with a chuckle.
quick, and I’m expecting big for us, too. I’d like to see it a forward] spot. But, we’re not His team’s lack of size has
RACINE — The Southern things from Brayden. little more from everybody, RACINE — The Southern real deep, so all three are go- forced Crisp to make some
boys’ basketball team appears “We could always use a not just our bigger guys,” he Tornadoes’ task is a tall one. ing to have to work on their changes, and in some cases,
primed to make one of its little more leadership out of added. The 2018-19 edition of its offense, their shooting touch. changes to those changes.
patented runs. them, but right now, what we Senior Jansen Anderson girls’ basketball team must All three are going to have “I came into our first
Just don’t say that it’s really need them to do is for and juniors Coltin Parker, replace seven key compo- to play within themselves scrimmage saying, ‘we’ve
“back,” because that would each of them to look to score Gage Barrett and Cole Steele nents — that’s right, seven but also to look to become got to run the flex [of-
imply that, at some point, it more often,” he added. round out Southern’s rotation. — from last year’s squad. scorers.” fense]’” he said. “We did,
left. To do that, Southern will The quartet will join Thorla What remains behind for Joining them in the first and we looked awful. So,
After hovering around do what it’s always done — on the wing, or take over for head coach Alan Crisp — five will be a pair of fresh- next time out, I tried more
.500 for a few seasons, the get out early and often, hasten him when he spells McNickle who last patrolled Southern’s men — Kayla Evans and of a dribble-drive series, to
Tornadoes overachieved in the tempo, spread the floor, at the point. sidelines in 2010 — is an un- Brooke Crisp. Evans is “a let them freelance a little bit,
2017-18, finishing third in the and let its guards break down All six guards will also dersized, baby-faced group quick, strong, freakish ath- and to work the ball around.
Tri-Valley Conference-Hock- the defense. have a shot at shoring up that includes only three lete” whom coach Crisp said It’s worked pretty well, so
ing and earning a #2 seed in The difference this season what Caldwell believes is his players with any varsity he expects “big things from.” far. We’ve been getting some
the Division IV postseason is that it has not only Cun- team’s most glaring weakness experience. The younger Crisp, mean- decent looks, and I’ve dis-
tournament. ningham, who stands 6’6”, — its lack of a single, tena- Needless to say, Crisp’s while, brings all the intan- covered that these girls move
A large portion of that inside, but also 6’4” sopho- cious defensive stopper. It’s a goals after re-taking the job gibles of a coach’s daughter. very well without the ball.”
lineup returns, too, so South- more Arrow Drummer, who role that, for the past several are long-term. “I’m looking “She has a high basket- Rather than retreat into
ern must figure in any discus- is completely healthy again seasons, had been filled by at the small victories,” he ball I.Q.,” coach Crisp said. a zone, smallish Southern
sion of whom might replace after missing most of last 2018 graduate Dylan Smith. said. “Let’s see if we can’t “She’s been around it her will still feature primarily a
Waterford and Trimble at the season with a shoulder injury. “Dylan was the heart of the keep our turnovers to a mini- whole life, so she under- man-to-man style defense.
top of the conference heap. 6’3” junior Mark Eblin and team,” Caldwell said. “It’s a mum, execute our offense, stands the game a lot better Unlike many of his Tri-Val-
“That’s our hope going 6’2” senior Austin Baker are real comfort when you have and play hard on defense. than most.” ley Conference counterparts,
into every season,” said Jeff also legitimate options on the a guy who will guard the Let’s try to do all of those Brooke’s 5’2” stature, Crisp appeared to be more
Caldwell, entering his 11th blocks. other team’s best player; who things and see what happens. however, brings us to concerned with his offense
campaign at the Tornadoes’ It’s more height than the likes that challenge. For now, “The most important thing another critical observa- and with his team’s ability to
helm. “Our first focus is Tornadoes have had in a we’ll try to do it with several is that our young players tion; namely, Southern is break the press.
on being competitive in the while, but don’t think of players, and we’ll see who continue to develop as the just not that big. Hardwick “We’re doing a lot better
league. Even if we don’t them as mere space-eaters. steps up.” year goes on,” Crisp added. and senior Jackie Dailey top with our help-side defense,
ultimately win it, we always Caldwell’s entire lineup, from And, even if no one stands “I’ve already seen it happen- the roster at 5’8,” and thus especially with the com-
want to be in the running.” top to bottom, can distrib- out, the Tornadoes have had ing. We’ve had three scrim- play in the paint almost by munication aspect of it,”
Caldwell’s team should ute the ball on offense and success in the past playing mages so far, and we’ve default. Three more play- he said. “And, my captains,
be right there. It brings back anticipate the passing lanes solid team man-to-man, the improved in each one.” ers besides Shelby Cleland Phoenix and Shelby, both
two all-TVC performers — defensively. 2-3 zone, or even the occa- The Tornadoes’ chances are listed at 5’7”, but all are play really, really hard and
center Brayden Cunningham “We have so many return- sional 1-3-1 trap. of exceeding last season’s freshmen (Lilly Allen, Ella have been modeling that for
and shooting guard Weston ing players that they better Add it all up, and Southern modest win total rests with Cooper and Jaiden Proffit). their younger teammates.
Thorla — as well as a third know the game by now,” is sure to be a factor in the its trio of returnees, junior Juniors Taylor Hardwick “The season’s going to
(Trey McNickle) who barely chuckled Caldwell. “I do TVC. Caldwell, in particular, cousins Phoenix and Shelby and Cierra Whitesell, sopho- come down to how well
missed the all-league cut. like how versatile we look has been around long enough Cleland and sophomore more Caelin Smith, and we protect the basketball,”
Cunningham and Thorla on offense. I think we can be to know the formula. Jordan Hardwick. Crisp freshman Kelly Shaver — all he concluded. “A lot of
are seniors, and McNickle a a team that can do different “The league’s always been praised the athleticism and listed at either 5’4” or 5’5” teams in this league love
junior, but all three have been things, play different styles. well-balanced,” he said. “It’s work ethic of all three, while — complete the Tornadoes’ to pressure you full-court,
varsity contributors since the We could certainly stand to tough to win on the road. If stressing that each has room lineup. and sometimes you’re stuck
moment they stepped on the make the extra pass more you can do that — win a few to grow and new roles to fill. “I’m hoping that they all just trying to survive. How
floor as freshmen. than we do. In our scrim- on the road while defending “Phoenix is our leader, a continue to grow,” admitted do we handle the pressure?
“They’ve given us some mages so far, we’ve shown your home court — it gives natural point guard,” said Crisp. “I’m also hoping that Can we limit our turnovers?
good years so far,” Caldwell a tendency to take too many you a great chance to be the Crisp. “Shelby is a very the genes Brooke got from We’ll see. Season’s coming
said of the trio. “Weston is a quick shots. one left standing at the end.” good interior defender, and my side of the family start up quick.”