Basketball Preview 2017

Nothing Has Changed for Jets Girls’ Program

By RICK THORP MORRISTOWN — The more things change, the more they stay the same. It’s a sometimes overly used phrase. But it works well when describing the Union Local girls’ basketball program. Since Kelley Hanlon took over the reins five years ago, the Jets have taken off literally. Union Local has a bit of a reputation, one of a squad that likes to push the ball and shoot the 3. “It might seem like the same team,” Hanlon said. “The fast breaks, the outside shooting and the 3-point shot; we do focus on those a lot in the offseason and just every day in ...

Johnson, Rocks Are Adjusting

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 ...

Barnesville Focusing On Effort, Work During ’17

By SETH STASKEY BARNESVILLE — Last season, the Barnesville Shamrocks utilized the mantra, ‘why not us?’ Since it worked fairly well, veteran coach Jamie Carpenter has decided to use it again as the 2017-18 season is set to kick into full swing. The Shamrocks are coming off an appearance in the Division III Eastern District championship game during a late-season surge that saw them win 13 of their final 15, but Carpenter realizes that doesn’t mean a whole lot. “We know what it’s like to be at that point, but we’re also realistic,” Carpenter said. “We know the ...

Dons Will Be Young

By RALPH COX WEIRTON — The coaching challenge facing youthful third-year Madonna boys coach Chris Blair will be a lot different than the past two seasons as he prepares an inexperienced group for the rigors of this season. All the players that saw significant playing time for Madonna’s final four team of a year ago are gone and Blair plunges into the season without a letterwinner. So the Blue Dons will compete this year with a bunch of untested players that will be forced to grow up quick. Among the talented players that graduated last spring were first team all-state selection ...

SCC Has Experience

STEUBENVILLE — Steubenville Catholic Central’s girls’ basketball team had a banner season a year ago. The Crusaders went 15-9, their first winning season since 2008. They advanced to the OVAC Class 2A title contest and also won a postseason tournament game for the first time since 2008. Central’s season ended with a loss at Fort Frye in the sectional championship. Fourth-year coach Jess Looman lost four multi-year starters from that squad but she’s hoping that the foundation they laid will carryover this season. Missing through graduation are Brittany Bertoia, Gabby ...

River Has Kids Who Know How To Win

By SETH STASKEY HANNIBAL — Some things are worth waiting for. River basketball coach Mark Romick certainly subscribes to that theory. You see, the start of the Pilots season was delayed because of the football team’s run to the third week of the postseason. Though it may take the players who arrived late a few weeks to get their ‘basketball legs’ under them, Romick believes it’ll all be worth it in the long run. “You have kids coming who know how to win, were in big situations and know how to perform, which is a good thing,” Romick said. “I have no problem with ...