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By SETH STASKEY
CADIZ -- Harrison Central has hung its hat on the defensive end of the floor the last few seasons.
As Justin Clifford begins his eighth season at the Huskies helm, defense will still be a major factor, but scoring is expected to be a strength.
"We've gotten a lot of shots up from the summer, open gyms and now into practice," Clifford said. "I don't think we'll defend as well because we lost some tremendous athletes, but we're still going to get after it on that end of the floor."
While everyone has to replace pieces, Clifford is hoping his team doesn't need to fully replace that identity it's built during his career.
"Whether it's Duke, Kentucky or good high school teams around here, they all have an identity and something they hang their hat on," Clifford said. "We've hung our hat on defense. Since we're not as athletic, defense will become more of an effort thing. And when you want to guard, you can guard. If you don't want to, you won't be able to."
Clifford doesn't think the defensive attitude will be a problem. He won't allow it to be.
"We want to be consistent," Clifford said. "The kids are working hard and bringing effort every day."
Not only did Harrison Central lose quality athletes, but it lost a large quantity of players, too. Al ltold, seven players, three of whom were starters, from a squad that finished 16-7 after bowing out in the sectional final to Martins Ferry, graduated.
"That was a great group of kids," Clifford noted. "You don't just replace those kinds of kids because of their experience and even their personalties. They brought it every day and competed at the highest level. We hope the kids back have learned from those guys and can take the next step."
Leading the list of departures were OVAC All-Star selections Dustin Redish and Brandon Mitchell. They were joined by Travis Stenson, Tison Johnson, Austyn Porter, Bryce Walrath and KeShawn Muckle.
With some new faces set to get thrown into the fire for the first time, starting tonight against Steubenville Central, Clifford expects there to be some maturation as guys adjust to new roles.
"Toward the end of the summer, our guys started to figure out what it is they do best," Clifford said. "So, they've kind of formed an individual identity that way, but still reacting to being in the mix for the first time will be a big key to our success."
For the Huskies, it starts with talented senior Tyler Redish (6-foot-3). He had some big outings last season en route to averaging nearly a double-double.
"Tyler is just a tough kid who can play inside and outside," Clifford said. "He's going to be a tough matchup for people. He's ultra competitive, battles every possession and he's pretty skilled."
Junior Caden Arbaugh (6-1) returns at a guard spot. He is an adept 3-point shooter.
"Caden is really starting to grow into his body," Clifford said. "He loves being around the game. He and Tyler are the guys we're going to hang our hats on, especially early."
Senior Jacob Barr (6-3) will handle the interior. He saw action last season en route to earning a letter.
"Jacob is a really good kid who loves the game," Clifford said. "He's a kid who's always in the right spot and does the right thing. He can finish inside, too."
Sophomore Caden Dalton (5-9) is expected to take over the point-guard duties. A pass-first guard, Clifford likes his defensive prowess and ball-handling abilties.
"When you can defend and handle it, that's always a great place to start," Clifford said. "We'd actually like him to shoot it a little more, but I think he will grow into that."
The fifth starting spot has been an on-going battle between juniors Logan Elliott (5-8), Chance Hursey (5-8), DeJuan Caldwell (6-2) and sophomore Tyler West (6-0).
Clifford made sure to point that regardless of who doesn't start, the other three will likely see varsity minutes.
Also pushing to get into the mix is senior Hunter Sloan (6-0) and sophomore Peyton Taylor (6-0).
Sophomores vying to get into the mix are Dylan Redish (5-8), Evan Stein (6-2) and Isiah White (6-3).
The balance of the 22-player Harrison Central roster includes freshmen Colston Dalton (5-9), Alen Devernoe (6-2), Cruz Capers (5-8), Nick Coffland (6-4), Arik Carman (5-9), Cale McAfee (6-1), Clayton McCann (5-8) and Garrett Bossell (5-10).
According to Clifford, the Huskies do plan to field a freshman team, but the minute distribution for that will be determined as the season goes along because some of the ninth graders will see junior varsity action, too.
One major change on the Harrison Central schedule is no trip to Florida for a holiday tournament is on the horizon. Games with Steubenville Central, Brooke and East Liverpool are new to the slate. The Huskies will once again take part in the Buckeye 8 Challenge where they'll meet River.
"We try to play as many teams as close as possible and then we go from there," Clifford pointed out. "We know the Buckeye 8 schedule will challenge us again. When you play teams that know what you're trying to do, it comes down to execution."
While it's always a plus, Clifford believes a strong start is even more important for this squad because of its youth.
"With a younger group, if you're able to get off to a good start, it helps get them to buy into what you're saying because they've reaped the rewards."
Clifford's coaching staff underwent a minor change. Serge Gentile has departed to become the Shadyside girls coach. Clifford will now be joined by Jim Little (junior varsity), Chad Figurski (varsity assistant), Willy Walker (freshmen), Ty Kenny (seventh), Ian White (eighth grade) and Tom Kenny (junior high assistant).