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NEW MARTINSVILLE -- Last year was a thrilling ride for the Magnolia boys' basketball team.
After reaching the state tournament in 2020 only to see it get canceled due to COVID, the Blue Eagles made a much-deserved return trip to Charleston last year.
Although the Eagles fell to No. 1 ranked Poca, it was certainly a satisfying season for coach Dave Tallman and his crew.
"We were thrilled to make it to the state tournament last year," Tallman said. "We had to play No. 1 Poca and Isaac McNeely who is playing for Virginia University now. The task was tough but really gave our kids the experience to see what it takes to win a state title."
If the Eagles are going to make a return trip to Charleston they'll have to do so without the likes of 3-point sharp-shooter Trevor Williamson who wrapped up his brilliant career with a state tourney push last year.
"Trevor was a great leader," Tallman said. "He overcame a lot of adversity with Type 1 Diabetes and was able to play on the court at the Charleston Civic Center.
"He was an all-state player and had a very successful career. He'll certainly be missed."
Despite losing such a valuable asset and one of the best shooters in the school's history, Tallman believes the amount of time his current players have spent sharpening their skills will pay dividends once the season gets underway.
"Basketball is so different now," Tallman said. "The kids play year-around with summer league games and fall league games. It's just a process and the guys will have to just step in. We had Trevor for four great years but we have a great group of guys now and we are ready."
Tallman and company only have one senior on the roster this year in Brayden Vargo, who will be counted on in many ways.
"Vargo will mainly be our point guard," Tallman said. "He's our only senior and he plays good defense. He'll handle the ball for us."
Juniors Hayden Pyles and Brady Kocher will make an impact on the floor and will also be reliable tone setters.
"Hayden averaged 14 points a game last year and we're expecting big things from him," Tallman said. "He had a great summer. Brady Kocher averaged 5 points a game but he also averaged 6 rebounds per game for us."
Junior Jordan Gilbert, sophomore Hunter Oates and freshman Kingston Christien will be vying for starting positions and will see a great deal of playing time this year.
Juniors Cooper Poe, Gavin Knisley and Carter Clegg; sophomores Dubale Greathouse, Matthew Anderson, Darin Shimp, JD Mensore and Eli Midcap could all be counted on to step up in big situations as well.
"These guys are really gelling together right now," Tallman said. "They've been playing together all summer and all fall so things are looking pretty good. We have players who really love the game of basketball so it's been enjoyable so far."
The season gets started for the Blue Eagles in exciting fashion as they take on Union Local in the annual Sam Andy Classic inside WesBanco Arena on Dec. 9 and Tallman hopes it ends with another trip to Charleston.
"Our goals are always to get into the OVAC playoff and to make it to the state tournament," Tallman said. "Anything can happen in the playoffs. We open against Union Local in the Sam Andy Classic at WesBanco Arena in a game that will be televised on TV so we're excited about that, too."