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By RICK THORP
BEALLSVILLE -- After a brief hiatus, Rick Jarrett is back on the bench at Beallsville High School.
Jarrett, who's coached in a variety of capacities during the past few decades for the Blue Devils, is making his debut as head boys' basketball coach.
''I kinda thought maybe it's time I stepped up and tried high school again,'' he said with a laugh.
Following stops at Muskingum University and Crooksville High School, Jarrett served as his brother Rick's assistant on the girls' varsity staff for 12 years before assuming the head role for three years after he left.
When Jordan Stephens had the head boys' job, Jarrett served as his assistant for a time. He also worked as an assistant this past fall for football coach Larry Deem.
''I've done a little bit of everything,'' he said.
Spencer is one of six players Jarrett coached at the junior high level who'll be joining his 10-member squad this winter. Although he'd like to have more players, Jarrett is enthused by the young men he does have and is eager to get the campaign under way.
''They're young,'' he said, ''but they seem to listen well and they seem to be doing better at the stuff we've been asking them to do. That's what it takes; your attitude and effort make a big difference.''
Jarrett is tasked with replacing Chase Mercer and Dawson Weekley, who brought 25.6 and 18.2 points per game, respectively, to the table last season.
While the Blue Devils do have a talented, but green, freshman class, they do have plenty of veterans to which to draw from.
Kolton Rush (5-foot-8) is the lone senior on the squad.
''He has a nice shot,'' Jarrett said. ''That's what we've been working on with him; to move and get open.
''I'd like to see him pick it up on defense and handle the pressure and adversity. We have a young team and things aren't going to go well all the time.''
Another veteran Jarrett is counting on to provide a veteran presence is Trey Taylor (5-7), the squad's lone junior.
''One thing I've noticed with him this year is he's wanting to drive to the basket, and that's a big plus,'' Jarrett said.
Jarrett Raab and Travis Potts, both 5-7, are the team's sophomores.
Potts is a first-time basketball player, who's coming out for the team instead of wrestling.
Spencer Jarrett (6-0) is the team's tallest player. He is recovering from a herniated disc in his back, sustained during football season.
''He's worked all summer on his footwork and quickness,'' his dad said, and coach, said. ''Rebounding-wise, he boxes out really well. We just have to work on his offense a little more.''
James Schnegg is a 5-8 player Jarrett said possesses quickness.
In 5-9 Dakota Phillips, the quarterback of the football team, Beallsville has a player being counted on court awareness.
Rounding out the roster are newcomers Wyatt Brown (5-6), Bryce Louden (5-9) and Matt Bertrand (5-6).
''each of these guys played for me as eighth-graders and they improved as the season went along,'' Jarrett said. ''If these stick together -- and we have a decent eighth- and seventh-grade group coming up -- by the time they get to be juniors there be some talent there.''
Jarrett is assisted by Jeff Fluharty and Tyler Spence.