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WHEELING -- Linsly's boys basketball team is going to challenge itself quite frequently this winter.
Cadets head coach Dave Wojcik, who is set to embark on his fourth season at the helm, believes his program has gotten to the point where it's ready for the type of schedule and grind it's about to embark on this winter.
"We are definitely challenging ourselves," Wojcik said. "We have only one home game in our first 12 and we play a lot of quality opponents, but I think we're at the point where we're ready for the challenge."
The Cadets are coming off a memorable 2021-22 campaign in which they won the OVAC Class 3A title by toppling River in the title game. They also had a strong showing in the prep nationals in North Carolina.
However, several key faces on that team are gone, including both Raef Wykes and Caleb Murray, both of whom are now playing at Wheeling University.
The Cadets' cupboard is far from bare, however.
"I really like our team and our make up," Wojcik said. "I think we have three things going for us that are pretty good. We have good length, we can shoot the ball and a lot of skill."
Though Wojcik enjoys the challenge of mixing and molding new players, don't be surprised if he leans heavily on the players who have experience in his program.
"We have a lot of new faces with five or six guys," Wojcik said. "But, we have four guys who have been with me for a while. We have good leadership on this team that can trickle down to the new guys. Blending five new guys is a challenge, but that's why I coach. I am looking forward to it."
Though so many new faces are involved, Wojcik loves the chemistry of his team, which made good use of the summer and fall to better acquaint themselves.
"My job is to manage the roster and we're going to play a lot of people," Wojcik said. "The kids know it. If you want to play, you need to get into the rotation and you do that by finding an area in which you can help us. Are you the best rebounder? Can you shoot the ball? Can you run our team? Everyone has a different role and skill set, so we just have to put it all together."
The Cadets, who open on Dec. 9 at Warren, know they'll need to hit the ground running with what lies ahead schedule wise.
"That's a tough game right out of the gate," Wojcik said. "I am excited to see how we react and play. The nice thing is we don't play again after that game for more than a week, so we can really use that game for teaching and learning."
The Cadets plan on leaning on senior Nathan Coleman, who is back for his fourth season. He's coming off a campaign in which he averaged 7.4 points and 4.6 rebounds.
Senior Gavin Jackson was impressive last season as a scorer and Wojcik believes he's primed for an even bigger season. He averaged 13.4 points and 2.1 assists a night last winter.
Senior Carter Anderson is looking for his third letter with the Cadets. The Seton Hill signee averaged 9.6 points and 3.1 rebounds last season.
Sophomore Will Taylor will also see viable minutes after averaging 6.2 point, 2.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game last season.
"Those are guys I can lean on and where I position them depends on the other guys," Wojcik said. "One thing I really like about this team is we're able to go big or small. We have a lot of options in terms of what kinds of lineups we use. We'll figure out who plays well together and who fills a role better."
Sophomore guard D'arrae Goodwin is a newcomer and will figure into the rotation.
A trio of Spaniards -- Gabriel Arias Ahumada (6-7), Juan Ruiz Sanchez (6-8) and Luis Ruiz Sanchez (6-6) -- will see a lot of minutes, too.
The remainder of the roster includes: junior Daniel Farin, sophomore Adam Gill, junior JP Jones and junior Clark Szymusiak.
"I believe in adapting to who you have on your roster and we're going to be able to get after people," Wojcik said. "We have length and we can protect the rim. We want to be up tempo, but if someone wants to try to slow it down against us or play zone, we can play that way, too."
The Cadets play in neutral site events at Harrison Central, Mount Vernon Nazarene College, Canton Glen Oak, Brooke, Conotton Valley and Woodland Hills.
One opponent that Wojcik is excited to have back on the schedule is a home and home with Wheeling Central.
"It's nice to have them back on," Wojcik said. "I always felt that whether it's basketball, football, or whatever sport, local teams should play each other. We're excited to play them. It's a great rivalry game and our kids are excited, too. And at the end of the day, the kids are what it's all about."
Wojcik is once again being assisted by Dave Koehler and Bubby Goodwin.