Trending
By SETH STASKEY
SHADYSIDE -- The Shadyside Tigers have undergone a roster overhaul.
That's expected in prep sports, but losing an entire starting cast isn't usually the norm.
Shadyside is the exception to the norm, evidently. After a 16-9 season in which the Tigers qualified for the OVAC Tournament and advanced to the Ohio Division IV district, veteran coach Ed Andes finds himself with the task of preparing an entirely new team for the season that lies ahead.
"We're just trying to figure out who's going to be part of the varsity team," Andes said. "We're basically starting over. We're going to be putting kids in spots and then adjusting those spots as we try to find what works for us."
Gone from last year's squad are Shane Johnson, Travis Fulton, Mark Fahey, Logan Cline and Josh McFarland.
Andes is entering his 20th season at the helm of his alma mater. And part of the excitement is a job like he and his staff are facing this season of preparing a relatively inexperienced squad.
"I'm still enjoying it," Andes said. "When it's not enjoyable, that's when I know it's time to step away. It's going to be a fun year because of the teaching and such that we're doing."
Not only does the Shadyside roster lack experience as only two lettermen return, but it is also young in terms of age. The Tigers boast three seniors. They have an eight-player sophomore class, however.
With the entire starting lineup gone, the biggest task has been trying to figure out who is going to put the ball in the basket.
"We're looking for guys who can score," Andes said. "But on the other end, we're looking for guys who can stop people. If you can't put the ball in the hole and stop people a little bit, you're never going to win."
One of the lettermen back who is expected to take on a much larger role is senior Chase Wade (6-foot-5). A solid rebounder with a shooting range to 15 feet, Andes expects to make a concerted effort to get him in position to score.
"Chase is a good inside player," Andes said. "We'll lean on him some, especially early."
The other letterman back is senior Austin Carroll (6-2). He showed glimpses last season, but Andes points out he needs Carroll's scoring on a consistent basis.
"Austin gave us some good minutes last year," Andes said. "His role has changed, so we need more from him. We don't need just a spurt. We need every game consistency."
Senior Colby Sherwood (6-2) will take on a starting role. He's been a productive player at the jayvee level.
"Colby has the ability to shoot the 3 and he can get to the bucket on the dribble," Andes said. "Plus, he's a pretty good rebounder."
Junior Josh Zandron (6-1) is expected to take over at point guard. He'll actually share time at that spot with Carroll.
"Josh and Austin are interchangeable at point," Andes said. "He's another guy who has the ability to shoot the 3 and take it on the dribble. Our guards are very similar in that regard."
Senior Alex Krupa (6-2) is expected to contend for a starting spot, but he's been slowed by an ankle injury suffered in Week 10 of the football season. Andes is confident Krupa will be able to play, but is unsure of the timetable.
Thus, increased duties are expected to shift to sophomore Anthony Coggins (5-10) and freshman Kelly Hendershot (6-0).
"Obviously those are young kids," Andes said. "They're both decently skilled and athletic. They just need to gain experience and mature physically some."
A seven-player rotation -- once Krupa is healthy -- is expected to be about as deep as the Tigers go. Their depth took a hit when Jesse Cain sustained a knee injury during the opening week of the football season.
Two other juniors vying for action are Shane McDonough (5-9) and Bryce Tiger (6-1).
The sophomore class, which will see action with the jayvee squad, includes: Quinn Berletch (5-7), Tanner Crozier (5-11), Shane Gust (5-7), Collin Holmes (5-7), Timmy Kosek (5-7), Frank Ripoly (5-9) and Jacob Wharry (5-10).
The remaining freshmen on the roster are Jakob Klug (5-10), Robbie McFarland (6-1), Nicholas Murphy (5-10) and Douglas Renshaw (5-7).
The schedule underwent only a minor alteration. Steubenville Catholic is no longer on the slate. The Crusaders have been replaced by a home-and-home with Union Local.
"It'll be a good schedule for us," Andes said. "It's competitive and should be a really good gauge for us."
Andes' coaching staff remains the same. Jared Andes will guide the junior varsity, while Mike Schlanz heads up the freshman program. Jay Thomas and Justin Andes guide the eighth and seventh grade teams, respectively.