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By BUBBA KAPRAL
MARTINS FERRY -- A new, but familiar face will be guiding Martins Ferry this winter.
Paul Matuska replaces Lindsay Coyne at the Purple Riders' helm. The former St. John Central all-state gridder has served as Coyne's assistant the past four seasons while also being an assistant track & field coach. Matuska was also a longtime Dave Bruney football assistant.
Heading into the season, Matuska looked as if he was going to be guiding a young, but quite talented squad. As fate would have it, the Purple Riders have suffered some unexpected and painful setbacks.
Athletic senior post Kyona Johnson is now enrolled at another school. Dynamic sophomore guard Shayla Schuster has been sidelined for much of the preseason with an injury and may miss some regular-season contests. Athletic senior Sierra Pintarich may be lost for the campaign with a knee injury.
Even some good news has its drawbacks.
Martins Ferry got a major boost when All-OVAC and all-district first-team guard Madison DeLuca transferred in from St. John Central. The multi-talented junior averaged 14 points a game last winter for the Fighting Irish. She, however, must sit half the regular season due to OHSAA guidelines.
Moreover, the Purple Riders were a senior-driven team last winter. Graduation claimed post Sydney Bridges, point guard Leah Coleman, sweet-shooting wing Hayley Sutton and defensive wizard Daleitha Johnson.
"It's been an experience so far, both eye-opening and rewarding," Matuska said. "With everything this team has gone through so far it has created opportunities for some other players to step up, and some have.
"Once we get everyone back it will make us a much deeper team. I would like to think we can close the regular season and enter the postseason on a rush. We are a young team looking to get better with each practice. The kids and staff are working hard to make that happen."
Despite all the pre-season rough sledding, Martins Ferry still boasts some impressive talent, much of which is based in a loaded sophomore class, featuring at least four prime-timers.
Four seniors are listed on the Purple Riders' 18-player roster, including the aforementioned Pintarich. She is joined by 5-4 guard Lea Lavrincikova, 5-9 forward Karolina Raskova and 5-4 guard Mel Brink.
A trio of juniors are headlined by DeLuca, a 5-5 dynamo, who exploded for a pair of 32-point outings at St. John's last year.
"Madison obviously has great physical talent but also possesses great leadership skills," Matuska said. "She can handle the ball, shoot it and defend very well. She is a very intense and driven player."
Abbie Barcus and Marta Bos are two other juniors who can supply inside depth off the bench. Barcus is a 5-4 center while Bos is a 5-9 post.
The talent-laden sophomore class numbers seven players.
The Purple has a powerful presence in the paint courtesy of Richella Spielvogel. The athletic and explosive 5-10 center distinguished herself with fine play as a freshman and is will be counted upon to deliver inside scoring to go with strong rebounding while also being a defensive force.
"Richella is a very physical performer. She has good size and athleticism," Matuska said. "Richella has a great work ethic and she knows the game very well. We expect big things from her this season."
Madison Ging is a dandy, whether she is utilized at guard or forward. The tenacious 5-5 ace saw extensive action last winter and acquitted herself quite nicely at both ends of the floor.
"Madison is all over the place both offensively and defensively. She never quits until she is totally exhausted," Matuska said. "Madison is very talented. She can knock down the 3 or drive to the hoop and she is relentless on defense."
Schuster has been slowed for much of the preseason but brings a big-time game when healthy. The 5-4 whiz is the ideal complement for Ging as she also possesses superb offensive skills and a strong defensive game.
"Shayla will be a starter as soon as she is ready. She is a leader with a strong work ethic," Matuska said. "Shayla is a skilled ballhandler and is solid in every aspect of the game. She doesn't play like a sophomore."
Jaden Stalder is another gifted sophomore. The 5-5 performer can be utilized equally effective as a guard or forward.
"Jaden has boundless hustle who knows the game very well. She has a nice outside game but also is willing to go into the post. Jaden plays well inside," Matuska offered.
Sidne Sidon is another quality sophomore guard. The 5-1 dynamo has impressed in pre-season practice.
"Sidne has worked hard and done well so far. She is in a catch-up mode as she didn't not play last year," Matuska said.
Another St. John's transfer has made a quick impact for Ferry. Hayleigh Boyer, a 5-5 sophomore, was the Lady's Irish's sixth man a year ago.
"Hayleigh will be a starter for us. She hustles and works well in the post," Matuska said.
Rounding out the sophomore class is hard-working Garyn Krol. She is a 5-6 center.
"I am really excited about our sophomores," Matuska said.
The Ferry roster features four freshmen. They are 5-1 guard Maci Ging, 5-3 forward Trinity Davis, 5-4 forward Alivia Matz and 5-2 guard Ava Doyle. Matuska says Davis has a chance to contribute this season.
Ferry has a coaching staff second to none in the OVAC, boys or girls. Matuska is being assisted by a trio of former very successful head coaches in Kim Appolloni, Larry Duck and Tina Exner.