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By MIKE MATHISON
WEIRTON -- The Madonna boys' basketball team has as much experience as any team in the area, returning all five starters and most of the players coming off the bench.
The Blue Dons have 10 seniors and are coming off a 12-11 season with eight losses coming against top-10 state-ranked opponents.
"We hope that the experience gained last year, coupled with our offseason work product, have prepared us for this season and the challenges that lie ahead," second-year coach Chris Blair said. "We have a dynamic mix of talent, ranging from athletic, quick and good-shooting guards to strong, tall and hard-working post players.
"We like to play fast and create tempo.
"The players have adjusted well to a familiar, but new system and coaching staff."
Leading the way are Tavon Jeter and Joey Ewusiak.
"We have a close-knit and outstanding group of seniors who will wear the blue and white for one more year, led by Joey and Tavon," Blair said. "They will be looked upon to continue their stellar careers by providing leadership and consistently performing at a high level in every facet of the game, as well as elevating the play of those around them."
The two seniors will be joined by classmates Jimmy Mazzone, Dustin Brown, Chase DiBartolomeo, Justin Canei, Hunter Payne, Max Carey, Jake Gasvoda and Tim Seech.
Madonna has four juniors in Tony Sellitti, Angelo Gurrera, Giovanni Lenhart and Tripp Moore.
"We have a tremendous supporting cast, many of which logged significant varsity minutes last year, and we look for a high level of play and receiving major contributions from players like Chase, Dustin, Jimmy, Hunter, Tripp, Justin, Max and Jake," Blair said. "We have a lot of players (Tony, Giovanni, Angelo, Tim) who played very well and had a lot of success for our junior varsity team last year and we expect them to continue their progress this year and make an impact on our team."
Rounding out the roster are sophomores Niko Fuscardo, Robby Valenti, Gavin Dietrich, Christian Ridgeway and Dom Mazur, and freshmen Antonio Daddario, Angelo Quattrochi, Evan Boniti, Josh Gasvoda, Dylan Kolb, Joey Rowing and Jacob McCombs.
"I am encouraged by our underclassmen and look forward to them working hard and making an impression on the coaching staff," Blair said. "We have another very tough schedule and are excited about the challenge in front of us and the opportunity to compete."