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MARTINS FERRY -- Derek Edwards enjoyed another successful season at the helm of the Martins Ferry boys' hoop program last winter. The Purple's 2022-23 campaign should prove a solid foundation for continued Riders' winning in Edwards' eighth year in charge of his alma mater
Edwards, a former Associated Press D-III Coach-of-the-Year, guided the Ferrians to a sparkling 18-4 mark a year ago, including the OVAC Class 3A Tournament runner-up trophy, falling victim to Linsly in the championship game.
"I was quite pleased with last year. We played in a lot of big games and won a lot of big games," Edwards said. "We started 14-0 which is not easy to do, and we had to battle through a lot of injuries.
"Last year's success should help this year," he added. "We look to continue to improve and take the next step. I am happy with how we have played in scrimmages so far."
Edwards must replace three performers who picked up their Purple diplomas, including honors-studded guard Denali Jackson. The 6-ft. playmaker averaged 20-plus points a game while garnering All-Ohio honors.
Graduation also claimed Gaige O'Connell and Landyn Hores.
"You don't have players like Denali walk into your gym every day. His addition to our team meant so much to us," Edwards said. "Not only was he a great player on the floor but the way he prepared every day at a high level to get better rubbed off on his teammates and made the work harder."
This year's Purple edition will feature one of the premier hoopsters in the OVAC.
Junior Alex Reese (6-6) is poised to put together another banner season. The inside-outside threat averaged 22.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game en route to gaining a bevy of post-season plaudits.
"Alex had a tremendous year last season. But now he is a completely different player," Edwards said. "He is transitioning into a guard. He is extremely quick, handles the ball well and can shoot the three.
"At times, he will handle the point-guard duties for us. He is fun to watch in transition," he continued. "Alex is also one of the best defenders in Eastern Ohio, if not the entire state."
Reese is the target of a host D-I football colleges.
He is no one-man Purple show, however.
Classmate Tev'n Williams (5-11) is a returning starter at guard. The dynamo is coming off a stellar grid campaign. He also started several hoop games as a frosh.
"Tev'n does everything. He is our Swiss Army knife," Edwards said. "He is a premier lockdown defender and we are counting on him to be more of a scorer this year."
Two seniors will join Reese and Williams in the starting lineup.
Mason Redinger (6-0) was a regular last winter. He is a guard.
"Mason stepped up for us last year. He really impressed early for us," Edwards offered. "He thrived in his role and we expect even bigger and better things from Mason this year."
Turner Krol (5-10) will be the Purple's point guard. The standout, like Reese and Williams, enjoyed a banner football season, and has really upped his game.
"Turner was a summer surprise. He exhibited great improvement," Edwards said. "Turner is a very coachable young man. We are confident he will do a good job for us at the point."
Ferry's senior roster is rounded out by David Maguire (6-1). He will play the post.
"David is a very aggressive post player. He will give us good size off the bench," Edwards noted. "He has bought into his role and he will be a big asset in the paint for us."
Rounding out the starting five will be Anthony Booth (6-2). The sophomore guard saw extensive minutes off the bench a year ago and is primed for expanded duty.
"Anthony put up 85,000 shots from last May until October. He lives basketball," Edwards said. "He is a good shooter who we are expecting big things from Anthony this year."
Booth is joined by four more sophomores on the Purple 15-player roster.
Maurice Barnett (5-10) is a guard.
"Maurice is one of our most athletic players. He is also a very good on-ball defender," Edwards said.
Jermale Thompson (5-11) is a forward.
"Jermale is a good athlete and his game is trending upward," the Purple boss stated.
Nathan Wasemann (6-0) is a forward.
"Nathan is a physical post player. He is a good defender and rebounder. He is a banger," Edwards said.
Kenny Beery (5-9) is a guard.
"Kenny is a hard worker and his game is developing," Edwards said.
The freshmen class features a quintet of aspirants, one of whom is pushing for varsity minutes.
Elijah Smith (6-1) is a talented guard.
"Elijah is really coming into his own. He is a physical inside-outside player. He will play a huge role for us this year," Edwards said.
Gavin Little (5-11) is a guard.
"Gavin has put up 75,000 shots since last spring. He is a good shooter and skilled player. He has defensive intensity," Edwards offered.
Nathan Schaefer (6-0) is a promising forward who transferred from St. John Central Academy.
"Nathan plays super hard. He can really rebound," Edwards delivered. "We really like his game."
Jayden Clark (5-9) is a guard.
"Jayden has a great work ethic. His game is rising," the Riders' boss stated.
Matt Cost (5-8) is a guard.
"Matt is a good perimeter shooter. He has a good skill set," Edward said.
Edwards is supported by top-shelf staff.
Ron Hill returns for his 29th year of Purple hoop coaching and is joined by varsity aides Mike Beck and Dave Edwards.
Shane Gasmire is the JV coach while the junior high program is directed by former Ferry standouts Robert Vargo and Lucas Agnew and ex-Buckeye Local stalwart Greg Ring.
"Our practices have gone really well so far," Edwards said. "When the coaches don't have to say much that means the intensity is there.
"The players are taking accountability. It has been fun."
Ferry opens its regular season by hosting St. Clairsville on Dec. 5 The Purple Riders' schedule has added some fresh and intriguing faces.
New to the Purple card are Indian Valley, Garaway (in the Conotton Valley Showcase), Bishop Rosecrans and Buckeye Trail.
"We wanted to challenge ourselves with this schedule," Edwards said. "I don't know how good we can be but it can be one of the best teams we have had in a while."