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By SETH STASKEY
CADIZ -- Since Justin Clifford took over the Harrison Central basketball program, defense has been the trademark of the Huskies.
While that's still going to be an area where the Huskies place a lot of emphasis, the offensive end of the floor -- as the new season is set to open this evening -- is further ahead. And that's OK with the head coach.
"We have some athletic kids and we're going to try to use that to our advantage," Clifford said. "We're a little bit behind defensively, but we're ahead of where we've been at this point than in the past, offensively. We realize, however, that in order to win games, we're going to have to be able to stop someone."
The Huskies had that trouble getting enough stops last season during an 11-12 campaign. A sub .500 campaign has been a rarity under Clifford's watch. Even though the record wasn't what he wanted or envisioned, Clifford was pleased with different parts of the 2016-17 campaign.
"We got better as the (season) went along," Clifford explained. "That's really all you can ask for as a coach. We played well in our tournament game (at West Muskingum), but the other team played better and that happens."
Gone from last year's team are Tyler Redish, Jacob Barr and Hunter Sloan.
"Our cupboard definitely isn't bare," Clifford said. "We have about 11 or 12 guys who are in the mix (to get playing time) right now. I can honestly say it's not been that way since I've been at Harrison. We're still feeling it out, but it's been a good thing because our practices have been competitive. It's just a matter of seeing who is going to separate themselves."
The Huskies roster features 19 players. Clifford, in his mind, had three starters basically entrenched.
Senior Caden Arbaugh (6-foot-2) returns at a guard spot. He averaged 13.7 points a game last season, which trailed only Redish for the team lead.
"Caden will be more efficient on the offensive end," Clifford said. "He understands how to play to his strengths. I really believe he can have a good season."
Junior Caden Dalton (5-10) is also a returning starter and will certainly take on an expanded role.
"Caden's an athletic, quick, good defender," Clifford said. "We're going to try to use his athleticism."
Slated to take over the point guard duties is ultra talented freshman Kobe Mitchell (5-11).
"He has a great basketball IQ and he makes the guys around him better," Clifford said. "He will handle the ball for us. He's a pass-first guy, but he definitely has the ability to score. We've actually talked to him about shooting it more."
From there, however, it's still up in the air.
Clifford has been impressed with the play of junior Evan Stein (6-4), who he said showed big improvement during the summer. Seniors Logan Elliott (5-10), Chance Hursey (5-10) and DeJuan Caldwell (6-2) are also in the mix for a starting job. The other senior on the roster is Gage Rapavi (5-11).
"Logan saw some time last year, Chance brings us a lot of energy that everyone feeds off of and DeJuan can shoot it and is obviously athletic," Clifford said. "It's really going to come down to matchups as to who plays the most."
Junior Tyler West (6-2) is expected to contribute. Classmate Peyton Taylor (6-0) is an adept perimeter shooter.
Other juniors vying for action include: Dyan Redish (5-10), Joe Rogers (5-11) and William Hale (5-10).
Sophomore Cale McAfee is a solid defender and shooter, who Clifford expects to see action. Classmate Garrett Bosold (5-11) is also seeking action.
Along with Mitchell, another freshman to keep an eye on is Gavin Muckle (6-0), who Clifford called, "a scorer who can just put the ball in the hoop."
The balance of the freshmen class includes Wyatt Wilson (6-1), Sam Santille (6-2) and Skylar Mazeroski (5-10).
Clifford's coaching staff underwent only a minor change. Mark Kowalski accepted a position as superintendent of schools at Findlay Liberty Benton. Still on the staff, however, are Chad Figurski, Jimmy Little and Willy Walker.
Dec. 1: Steubenville Central 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 5: at Claymont 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 8: Union Local 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 15: at Bellaire 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 19: Martins Ferry 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 23: Barnesville (at OUE) 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 29: at Indian Creek 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 5: at St. Clairsville 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 6: at Brooke 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 9: at Union Local 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 16: Bellaire 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 19: at Martins Ferry 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 23: St. Clairsville 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 26: Edison 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 30: at Beaver Local 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 1: Buckeye Local 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 3: Buckeye 8 at East Liverpool TBA
Feb. 6: at East Liverpool 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 9: Indian Creek 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 23: Garaway 7:30 p.m.