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By BUBBA KAPRAL
Executive Sports Editor
MARTINS FERRY -- Derek Edwards is stepping into a new role this basketball season. It is one in which he has some awfully big shoes to fill.
Edwards replaces longtime and ultra-successful Jeff Sabatino as Martins Ferry's head boys' hoop coach. Sabatino guided the Purple Riders for 24 seasons, winning some 350 games while earning four regional berths.
Edwards, a former all-Ohio point guard under Sabatino's tutelage, relishes the challenge.
"It's been a lot of fun so far. There is a lot of excitement. This really is something I like to do," Edwards said. "We have a lot of great kids in the program. They have made it a lot of fun. There has been no negativity."
Sabatino's final campaign was another successful one. He guided his alma mater to 15 wins and a district berth, losing a heartbreaker to Garaway.
"Even though we have eight seniors, we are lacking in game experience," Edwards noted.
The lone returning starter is Zac Selby. The 6-5 leaper brings a bundle of athleticism to the floor. The elongated senior will now be counted on to be the inside presence with the departure of Appolloni.
"Zac brings talent and experience to the floor for us," Edwards said. "This will be his third-year as a regular. I expect big things from him this season."
Edwards has a host of interchangeable parts to package with Selby. Seven other seniors -- each with varying skill sets -- give the Purple roster a veteran look.
"We want teams to play our way. We have a lot of options to create mismatches for whatever type of team we are playing," the 26-year-old said. "We are going to change our style of play. We are going to play faster. We aren't afraid to run. I want our players to be intense and physical."
Javon Garriel, Shane Schuster, Darius Ray and Darrel Price are seniors who combine to provide an explosive and deep backcourt. Classmates Logan Selby, Jack Davis and McCabe Masters will man the frontcourt duties.
"We are top heavy with seniors but the kids have been selfless in accepting their roles. We will utilize a lot of kids with our style of play," Edwards said.
Garriel is a cat-quick 5-8 point guard.
"Javon is an extremely hard worker. He does everything asked of him," Edwards said. "He works hard on the little things."
Schuster is a 6-1 combo guard. He supplies deft shooting with the ability to run the point.
"Shane is a talented guard. He has good offensive skills and is also a tenacious defender," Edwards said.
Ray is an athletic 5-11 guard. He, like Schuster, can play either guard spot.
"Darius has a lot of tools. He is quick and athletic. He is primed for a big season," Edwards said.
The 5-11 Price is yet another quality backcourt performer.
"Darrell has lived in the gym and weight room. He is strong and can really shoot it," Edwards said.
Davis is a 6-2 inside force. He is a wide body who possesses good feet.
"Jack is very versatile and a good athlete. He is coming off a great football season. Jack means a great deal to our success this year."
Logan Selby is a 6-1 physical presence. His stock has skyrocketed after a strong summer of hoops.
Masters brings even more versatility to the front court. The 6-2 southpaw has a nice outside shooting touch.
"McCabe is a real nice shooter who can also take the ball inside. He is a good finisher," Edward said.
Shawn Jeter is another solid guard. He is a 5-11 junior.
Edwards is also big on junior Demetrius Dokes.
Another junior that Edwards is high on is 5-10 guard Marcus Clark.
Logan Powell, a 5-9 guard, rounds out the junior class, drawing praise from the coach for his work ethic.
The roster features five sophomores, topped by 6-3, 255-pound DeAndre Pugh.
Donovan Shrodes is a promising 5-9 guard.
The balance of the sophomore class consists of 6-2 Trent Rice, 5-5 Justin Geery and 5-7 Troy Wise.
A freshman bidding for varsity time is Dasyn Hores is a "very skilled" 5-10 guard.