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By SETH STASKEY
ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- To say Kim Clifford has been around the block and back probably isn't giving him enough credit.
The veteran St. Clairsville basketball coach has experienced a boatload of success during his career, which has spanned more than four decades total and more than three as a head coach. With more than 400 career victories on his resume, a nine-win season like he experienced in 2016-17 is certainly a rarity.
But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and Clifford took away several positives from a campaign, which was plagued by injury.
"It was a combination of a lot of things, but we had great kids who worked really hard," Clifford said. "Things didn't work out for us on every evening and we had a losing season, record wise, but not a losing season in other ways."
Gone from last year's team are 1,000-plus point scorer Michael Scarnecchia, Logan Williams and Justin Lane.
Because of thin numbers, the Red Devils altered the way they played to a degree. And they're altering once again. But, it's back to an old style.
"We're going to get back to playing fast, pressing and doing the things that we've been comfortable with in the past," Clifford said. "We have a very athletic group."
With some experience, athleticism and a return to a familiar style, add it all up and it's got Clifford, who owns 42 years of coaching experience, feeling "optimistic."
"We're going to be who we will be," Clifford said. "We're going to try to use our speed and athleticism."
Though the Red Devils, feature some experience, they're not a totally veteran group. Injuries didn't permit senior Jayden Starks and junior Craig Bober the opportunity to play last season. While they're up to par in terms of their past injuries, they're still playing catch up from basically a year-long absence.
"Talent wise, (Starks and Bober) are ready, but it's a matter of getting them out there and getting them some experience," Clifford said. "I think once they get their feet wet, they'll be OK. They would have played for us last year."
As the Red Devils regain Starks and Bober, they've already been bitten by the injury bug. Multiple-year starter Matt Greenwood will miss the season after suffering a knee injury early in football season. He has undergone surgery and is currently rehabbing.
So, with Greenwood sidelined, it leaves the Devils with two returning starters.
Returning to the lineup are juniors Justin Heatherington (6-1) and Matt Busby (5-10). They averaged 8.2 and nine points, respectively.
"Justin is a tremendously athletic, three-sport guy who is really good at taking the ball to the basket and Matt is a really good shooter and driver, who had some big games for us last year," Clifford said.
Bober (6-4) is back into form after a knee injury is expected to take over one of the starting roles. He's a versatile offensive player who has some range on the perimeter. Starks (5-9), meanwhile, will help as a ball handler and despite sitting out last season, his head coach said, "he's picked up where he left off."
Seniors Kaden Blomquist (6-2) will see valuable minutes in the interior and has improved his jump shot to be effective further from the basket, too. Matt Butkus (5-11) will provide depth to the interior because he "has a big motor and plays hard," according to Clifford.
A strong sophomore class is led by Brett Vike (5-10), who will see action in the backcourt. Nate Harris (5-7) is an adept ball handler and will see minutes, too.
John Luke DeFilippo (5-9) is another who could work his way into the mix at a guard spot.
Javon Lyons, who is drawing college football interest as an offensive lineman, is also expected to see time in the pivot.
Also vying for minutes are juniors Greg Norman (6-4), Peyton Drake (6-0), David Lane (6-0), Ethan Duggan (5-10), sophomores Cade Wolfe (5-7), Mikey Shaheen (6-1), Aaron Jordan (5-10), Mason Kelley (6-0), Nick Nicholoft (6-1), Kettler Hoppin (6-1) and Tyler Parr (5-9).
Lane has been slowed by injuries, while Duggan and Parr transferred to St. C. from Steubenville and John Marshall, respectively.
Clifford has a veteran and solid coaching staff working with him. His oldest son, Ryan, serves as the varsity assistant, while Kevin Sacco is the reserve coach.