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By CODY TOMER
PADEN CITY--For the first time in 16 years, there will be a new face at the end of the Paden City bench.
Long-time head coach Fred King retired after a very memorable and respected career but his replacement has plenty of experience, as well.
Jeffrey Hohn coached for eight years at Hundred and after stepping down in 2000, he is ready to give it a go at the helm of the Wildcats.
"I work at the elementary school at Paden City and I ran the clock for Fred," Hohn said. "I saw what is still going to be here and thought I'd give it a shot."
Two players that won't be returning for Hohn's squad are playmakers Hayden Hizer and Aaron Heasley.
With those two leaders gone, the new starting lineup could be a mixture of seniors, juniors and sophomores.
Seniors Garrett Cross at center and Seth Bohrer at forward headline the starting lineup with experience and heart.
"Garrett Cross is a tall, lanky kid with pretty good athletic ability," Hohn said. "He will play center and maybe even a little bit of forward for us.
"Bohrer is a gritty player and a pretty good defensive player, too."
A pair of juniors that are eyeing starting spots include forward Trey Slider and guard Matt Saxson.
At the other guard position, sophomore Ethan Cross should get the call with his high basketball I.Q.
Hohn is expecting junior forward Anthony Newman to come off the bench as the sixth man for the Wildcats to kick off the season.
"He saw playing time last year," Hohn said. "He is a good defender, a good hustler and he will be the first guy off the bench."
Center C.W. Harton could see time. Rounding out the senior class are center Kolton Elliott, guard Eugene Smith and forward Dalton Schupbach.
Sophomore Bryant McKay could get some action, as could freshman Ty Cain
Brent Croasmun serves as the assistant coach.