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By SETH STASKEY
MORRISTOWN -- During the last several seasons, Union Local's basketball program has attained high levels of success. Whether it was an OVAC title or a district title, the Jets have been soaring.
As the 2016-17 season is just a few days away, Jets fans may need a program or roster for the first few weeks because there are new faces abounding. Included is that of the head coach. Ben Porter stepped aside to focus on his duties as superintendent and handed the reins to long-time assistant and UL product Zach Delman.
"It's been an exciting process and the season definitely got here a lot faster than I expected," Delman said. "There's a lot of anticipation and preparation leading up to that first night of practice and now we're getting ready for that first game."
Gone are a pair of 1,000-point scorers in Trenton Tipton and Kaleb McDiffitt. Also graduated are Colton Burnheimer, David Paulick and Patrick Abboud from the starting lineup, along with Tristan Price.
With new faces, Delman is well aware there's belief that the Jets are going to take a step backward. But, he's OK with that thought being present.
"I don't mind being under the radar or an underdog," Delman said. "It's a chance for these kids be able to catch their breath a little bit and maybe surprise some people."
Just one member of the Jets roster has any starting experience. Senior Jeremiah Mott (5-9) will take on a larger role. He made two spot starts when McDiffitt was battling an injury last season.
"Jeremiah is playing much more relaxed than he has in the past," Delman said. "He's going to run the point for us most of the time. We're expecting big things from him. He's a gym rat who is the first guy to arrive and last to leave."
Junior Ty Kildow (5-9) is also penciled in to take on a much larger role. He saw some time last season and enjoyed a few bright spots, including a big game at St. Clairsville off the bench.
"Ty is our second ball-handler and will run the point in certain situations," Delman said. "He shoots the ball well and he's very creative. He's like a coach on the floor because his basketball IQ is so high."
Juniors Cody Ray (5-11) and Luke Menges (5-10) are expected to take over duties on the interior. According to Delman, both are good rebounders and solid defenders. Ray is thought of as the team's premier defender.
Sophomore Cal Kildow (5-7) has been battling with seniors Isaiah Meyer (5-9) and Nick Bilyeu (5-7) for the other starting spot.
Senior Zack Lucas (5-10) is also in the varsity mix. Classmate Colby Haney (6-0) will get into the mix eventually. Per OHSAA rules, he has to sit out 11 games after transferring from Barnesville.
Also vying for varsity action are junior Derek Smith (5-9) and sophomore Elijah Baker (5-11).
"We're going to mix and match some different lineups at times to see what works for the puzzle we're trying to put together," Delman said.
"Our numbers are up, but we have four or five kids who have never played."
Juniors Zane Thompson (5-8), Lucas Donley (6-3) and Cory Yoby (5-9) are contending for action, too.
Sophomores Andrew Smith (5-11), Emiliano Peralta (5-6), Stuart White (6-2), Erik Perry (6-4) and Nils Neimeyer (6-2) are ticketed primarily for jayvee duty. The freshman class consists of Hunter McCort (5-8), Luke McDiffitt (5-7), Aiden Shugert (5-9), Matt Bateman (5-10), Zach Kelich (5-8), Jared Reitter (5-6) and Kane Kildow (5-6).
Union Local's schedule has undergone a few minor changes. Coshocton and Rosecrans are no longer on the slate and the Jets won't participate in the Buckeye 8 challenge as they have the last two seasons. A home-and-home series with Shadyside and an additional game with Buckeye Trail have been added.
"I think a lot of teams lost a lot, but you know some teams will always be a challenge, regardless of what they lost," Delman said. "We know Steubenville should be good. Park is still Park and the Buckeye 8 is tough. We feel like we have some winable games on our schedule and we hope to compete well every night."
Delman is being assisted by Vaughn Butler, Jason Perkins and Dustin Roe at the varsity level. Jeremy Eberhart and Eric Kerns guides the eighth and seventh grade teams, respectively.