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By SETH STASKEY
CONNORVILLE -- Joe Soos arrives at the Buckeye Local gymnasium each afternoon the same as he did for the last several years without much difference.
But, the long-time coach is in a slightly different role this season.
Soos was hired as the Panthers coach late in the summer, replacing Greg Haberfield who departed following last season to become the head coach at Philo High School.
"I am the head coach in title alone because we're really operating as if it's a three-man staff," Soos said. "And I think that's the way it should be. We all offer a lot of input on different things."
Because of his late hiring, Soos wasn't able to spend time with his new team, which lost three starters from a 16-9 season and advanced to the district semifinals, during the course of the summer. However, it's not dampened his spirits.
More of a concern is finding a way to replace the departed pieces, which helped set a school record for wins and knock out second-seeded Steubenville in the sectional co-final last winter.
"We have a lot of shoes to fill," Soos said. "It was a good season last year. The win over Steubenville (in the tournament) was probably the biggest win in school history after we had lost to them by 40 in the OVAC Tournament just a week or so prior."
The Panthers boast a roster of 21 players in grades 9-12, which is solid. Included are seven seniors.
The Panthers will be led by senior standout Drake Novak (6-foot), who is coming off a brilliant junior campaign. Earning a myriad of postseason honors, Novak scored an 18.4 points per game clip last season. His game has continued to evolve, according to his head coach.
"Drake has absolutely gotten better," Soos said. "He has the whole package. He could stand to get a little stronger, physically, but as far as the basketball part is concerned, I'd put him up against anyone in the Ohio Valley. He's a savvy player."
Senior Shane Heitz (6-0) started the majority of the season and scored 5.2 points a night. His role will be expanded.
"Both Shane and Drake have been really good leaders for this team," Soos said. "I've put the team on them. When things aren't going well in practice, it's their team. They're going to get more from the guys by being stern than the coaches will."
Senior Max Moffo (6-2), senior Jeremiah Seamon (5-11) and sophomore Jacob Moffo (6-2) are expected to be on the court for the opener.
"In essence, we'll be playing with four guards a lot of the time," Soos said. "We hope the pressure from other teams won't kill us. But, some of that comes with the inexperience part, too."
The Panthers expect to be seven or eight deep. Off the bench, the bulk of the minutes will be broken up between junior Stevie Roberts (5-11), junior Owen Long (6-0) and junior Blake Ring-Fish (5-10), who is rounding back into form after missing some time in the preseason with an injury.
Seniors William Hopkins (6-1), James Mills (5-9) and Johnny Marelli (5-9) are also vying for minutes in the varsity rotation.
A large sophomore class consists of Gino Barber (5-7), Austin Farmer (6-0), Josh Kinyo (5-7), JoJo Majewski (5-7), Jacob Pielech (5-11) and Dalton Watt (6-1).
Soos is extremely high on his four-member freshman class, saying, "we have four nice freshmen, who will eventually be in the mix at the varsity level."
That group is comprised of Mason Brown (6-1), Cameron Grabits (5-10), Jake Mayle (6-0) and Jacob Zanes (5-9).
Soos is being joined on the bench by Chris Heaton and Neil McCormick.