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By RICK THORP
BARNESVILLE -- The Barnesville football team provided the Shamrock faithful with a thrilling grid campaign this fall, driving to the second round of the Ohio Division VI, Region 23 playoffs.
Barnesville boys' basketball coach Chris Pack hopes his squad can follow suit.
The Shamrocks hit the court Dec. 2 at home against Buckeye Trail with high expectations and plenty of firepower from last year's 7-16 squad back in the fold.
''A lot of our key components are back,'' Pack said. ''And they are a little bit stronger, a little bit bigger, a little bit faster, and a little bit smarter.
''These guys have seen a lot of varsity basketball. They've been battle-tested against some of the schools that have been pretty strong. And having gone against that caliber of competition the last few years I think we're coming into our own.''
Seniors being counted on for playing time are Kaelan Hannahs (6-0), Hunter George (6-1) and Dillon Freeman (5-10)
The Shamrocks lost one of their big men to graduation in Ben Houston, along with talented guard Darien Decker.
Junior Hunter Graham (5-8) is back and adds an exciting dimension to the team, Pack said. That dimension will have to wait until mid-December as Graham injured his foot in the playoff finale.
''He grabs a lot of rebounds and does a lot for us defensively,'' Pack said. ''He's also another guy who can get hot and score a lot of points.''
Cole Myers (6-1) and Drew Strauss (5-11) are a pair of juniors who could see varsity action, too.
Aaron Marovich (6-3) and Tate Dowler (5-11) are two sophomores who are looking to build off solid rookie campaigns.
''Aaron was our leading rebounder last season'' Pack said. ''He'll be our big man. He had a couple of double-digit games last year, and we're hoping for more of that this year.''
Dowler, a guard, spent last year spelling Decker.
Kyle Keiser (5-8) is another sophomore in the mix.
Freshman eyeing an opportunity to make an impact include: Luke Powell (6-0), Jared Kernan (6-0) and Zach Thompson (6-0).
Pack is assisted by Joey Stephen and Wesley Lewis.
Barnesville