Basketball Preview 2017

Isaly Not Sure of Direction of Pilots Girls

By KIM NORTH HANNIBAL — Rick Isaly was quick and to the point when asked how his River girls’ basketball team was going to be this season. “I really don’t know. I had the worst summer that I’ve had since I’ve been here,” he said. “We didn’t do very well but I couldn’t get enough girls to show up most of the time.” River doesn’t have a senior on its roster, but Isaly said the overall numbers are up to 17. The Pilots had only one senior last season and that was Bailey Caldwell, who had a solid final campaign and was an adept 3-point shooter. One player that ...

Boniti Takes Over With Madonna Girls’ Program

By RALPH COX WEIRTON — Last season was tumultuous to say the least for the Madonna girls’ team. The Blue Dons struggled through 22 games winning only four, and veteran coach Don Ogden resigned prior to the end of the season. Corey Wingett replaced Ogden as the interim head coach to finish out the season and Rodney Boniti, who has a daughter on the team, was hired as the new head coach of the Blue Dons. In addition to a new coach, the girls will be playing in a newly refurbished Bill Barrett Gymnasium on the resurfaced Joanna Bernabei Court. In addition, the Dons will be ...

Hohn Is In Charge At Paden City

By CODY TOMER PADEN CITY—For the first time in 16 years, there will be a new face at the end of the Paden City bench. Long-time head coach Fred King retired after a very memorable and respected career but his replacement has plenty of experience, as well. Jeffrey Hohn coached for eight years at Hundred and after stepping down in 2000, he is ready to give it a go at the helm of the Wildcats. “I work at the elementary school at Paden City and I ran the clock for Fred,” Hohn said. “I saw what is still going to be here and thought I’d give it a shot.” Two players that ...

Loy Will Be Cats’ Leader

By CODY TOMER PADEN CITY — Coach Alan Miller and his Paden City Wildcats will be looking to rebound from a six-win season a year ago. They will have to do so without three-year starters Chelsea Baker and Madalyn Cox, who are both gone to graduation. With just one senior on the current roster, there is no lack of youth on the court at Paden City. “We have a young group but we have high expectations,” Miller said. “We won one more game last year than we did the year before and I think we can improve this year and possibly win 10 games.” The schedule isn’t doing Paden ...