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By SETH STASKEY
ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- Kim Clifford can hardly believe it himself sometimes.
He is embarking on his 41st season as a basketball coach -- 32nd as a head man and 26th with St. Clairsville.
Clifford's passion for the game and working with kids hasn't waivered. And it's seasons like what lies ahead that keep him motivated.
The Red Devils have become of the steadiest programs in Eastern Ohio during Clifford's tenure. Last season, St. C. finished with a 15-7 record.
Gone from that squad, which was bounced in the opening round of the Division II sectional by Steubenville and fell in the OVAC 4-A title game to Meadowbrook, are three starters and six total graduation losses. Included are Logan McCort, Daniel Trouten, Patrick Buchanan and Luke Slavik.
There will be some trial and error, especially early for the Red Devils, who have qualified for the OVAC Tournament's Final Four every year of the event's existance.
"We have some good parts," Clifford said. "We just have to figure ourselves out. We have to put the parts to a whole."
The Red Devils will be led by senior standout Michael Scarnecchia (6-foot-4), who averaged 13 points a game last winter. With another good season, Scarnecchia should eclipse the 1,000-point barrier for his career.
"Michael's really doing a good job of being a leader," Clifford said. "He's a really even-keeled kid who has is doing a good job of helping the younger kids. He's older, bigger, stronger and the biggest thing is, he understands how to get mismatches and how to play to his strengths."
Junior Matt Greenwood (6-2) was a starter last season and is another with inside-outside ability. He showed last season to be an adept perimeter shooter.
"Matt is a good shooter and he has good post moves," Clifford said. "We think he and Michael both can be matchup problems. Most of what we do offensively is going to run through those two guys."
Senior Logan Williams (5-10) is expected to take on a starting spot. He was slowed earlier this month by a lingering ankle injury suffered in football.
"We're probably going to throw Logan out there if he's ready or not," Clifford joked. "He's a great kid who has good leadership qualities. He's a good defender and intelligent kid who can get us in the right spots."
Senior Justin Lane (5-8), who saw minimal action last season, is expected to contribute in the backcourt, too. Clifford calls him a "pretty good shooter with a lot of hours invested."
Sophomore Justin Heatherington (6-2) is an athletic wing who will be one of the "defensive stoppers."
Sophomore Matt Busby (5-10) will be in the rotation, either as a starter or as the team's sixth man.
Juniors Matt Butkus (6-0) and Kaden Blomquist (6-2) will supply depth and minutes on the interior.
The injury bug is expected to keep junior Jayden Starks (5-10) out of the lineup for the first few weeks. Meanwhile, sophomore Craig Bober (6-3) could possibly be back by February after a torn ACL, but it's far too early to officially predict, according to Clifford.
"It's one of those years where some guys will advance and some may fade," Clifford said. "The good news is, they have a chance to get into the mix. The competition in practice has been helpful."
Another senior trying to crack the rotation is Stephen Hageter (5-10). Two other juniors vying for minutes are Christian Oberdick (5-11) and Gage Kish (5-9).
The balance of the sophomore class includes Nick Diloretta (5-11), Nick Nicholhoff (5-8), Greg Norman (6-2), David Lane (6-0), Daquan Bass (5-10) and Peyton Drake (6-0).
Nine freshmen complete the roster. They consist of John Luke DeFillipo (5-9), Nate Harris (5-7), Brett Vike (5-10), Tyler Brookover (5-11), Javon Lyons (6-2), Mikey Shaheen (6-0), Cade Wolfe (5-7), Aaron Jordan (5-10) and Christian Simmons (6-0).