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By SETH STASKEY
BARNESVILLE -- For Matt Johnson, the return to basketball coaching has been like riding a bicycle.
While the new Barnesville boys' basketball coach kind of picks up where he left off after spending two seasons as the head coach at Bridgeport in the late 90s, there's still been an adjustment process -- for Johnson and the players.
"Just like the kids, I am getting used to everything, too," Johnson, who took over for Chris Pack, said. "It's gone really well though. We're just trying to create a different culture and the kids are getting used to me the same as I am getting used to them."
Johnson inherits a program that, quite simply, has been struggling. That's proven by the fact that the Shamrocks have won less than 40 percent of their games in the past decade.
"We talk all the time about getting this program turned around and getting the kids to buy in," Johnson said. "We're going to get there. It's just a matter of when."
Like most coaches, Johnson hopes that process is expedited and happens as quickly as possible. But, at the same time, he's certainly a realist.
"Some of the kids have definitely bought in and we like the kids we have in the program, but our numbers aren't real good," Johnson said of his roster, which includes just one senior and just 16 total players. "The kids are working hard and listening to what we're telling them. It's going to be interesting to see how it plays out."
With an underclass-dominated roster, Johnson thinks the best days could be ahead for the Shamrocks, but he still lives in the present.
"We have some kids who are going to be around a couple of three years," Johnson said. "Obviously, we wish we had more than one from a single class, but that's the hand we're dealt. We're going to have to work with it."
The injury bug has also taken its toll to the Shamrocks' depth. Tate Dowler (5-11) has been cleared medically to return after suffering an injury this summer, which caused him to miss the entire football season. However, he's still rounding back into form and Johnson simply isn't sure when he'll be fully ready.
"We are going to be cautious with Tate," Johnson said. "We hope to get him back, but we're preparing for the worst-case scenario. We simply can't put a timetable on his return."
Dowler's absence will be felt in a multitude of ways, including on the defensive end, which is where the Shamrocks need their most work, according to their coach.
"We're wanting to play man and mix in a little bit of zone," Johnson said. "But, we're bad, fundamentally on defense. We get out of position, don't talk well and just have to get better. It's frustrating, but we're going to be a work-in-progress. We have to dig in and play hard on that end."
The Shamrocks' offense does feature one of the premier scorers from last season in the Ohio Valley. Sophomore Luke Powell returns after a freshman campaign in which he netted more than 21 points a game en route to a myriad of postseason accolades. A basketball junkie, Powell hasn't rested on his laurels, according to Johnson.
"Luke was in the gym all the time this summer and fall," Johnson said. "He puts countless hours into his game. He's a talented kid and when he develops that killer instinct, he's going to be even better. He's much stronger and I think when he takes the ball to the rim, he's going to be able to finish more plays."
Junior Aaron Marovich (6-3) is a versatile inside-outside player, who was impressive at times last season.
"Aaron has also gotten in the weight room and is now stronger and he's improved his leaping," Johnson said. "He's playing a little bit more aggressively. We believe he should be a double-double every night for us. He's a talented kid with all of the tools."
Sophomore Jared Kernen (5-10) is expected to move into the starting lineup this winter.
"He's a competitor who has really embraced what we've asked him to do," Johnson said. "He's capable of knocking down shots."
Sophomore Uryan Meade (5-10) is expected to take over the point guard duties.
"Uryan can make a shot, but we need him to be able to distribute the basketball," Johnson said. "We're asking him to get us into his offense and play within himself."
Sophomore Payne Johnson (5-11), who is the son of the head coach, will be the Shamrocks' blue-collar player by "doing all the dirt work."
"Payne is a good defender, who will be in your face," Johnson said. "He's a smart kid, who can see plays before they happen. He's a scrapper, who doesn't care if he scores a point."
The Shamrocks' depth will be one of their biggest question marks. It's going to be revolve around how quickly and well some players develop and accept their roles.
The top subs will be senior Drew Strauss (5-9), junior Hunter Carpenter (5-10), junior Kyle Keiser (5-9) and sophomore Ryan Lucas (6-2).
"We realize we're going to have to give guys a break, but how much of a break will depend on how well these guys develop," Johnson said. "I really like the kids we have, but we just need to develop them a little bit more."
Sophomores Riley Tubaugh (5-8) and Jacob Burghy (5-8) will also dress varsity and battle for minutes.
Dec. 1: at Buckeye Trail 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 5: Shenandoah 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 8: at Buckeye Local 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 15: at Monroe Central 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 19: Bellaire 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 23: Harrison Central (at OUE), 2 p.m.
Dec. 27: at Bellaire 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 29: Buckeye Local 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 2: at Bridgeport 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 5: at Shenandoah 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 9: John Marshall 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 12: Buckeye Trail 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 16: Caldwell 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 20: at Union Local 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 23: Monroe Central 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 26: at Caldwell 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 30: at John Marshall 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 2: Bridgeport 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 6: Union Local 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 9: Martins Ferry 7:30 p.m.