Spring Sports Preview

Howard Looking to Fills Holes at JM

By CODY TOMER MOUNDSVILLE — Six-year head coach Brad Howard lost two players to graduation from both the boys’ and girls’ teams and will be looking to fill those shoes during the 2017 season. Tyler Keller and Tyler Danahey graduated from the boys squad, after both went to state a season ago and Keller had reached the state tournament three consecutive years. “We lost a lot of our starters from last year’s team,” Howard said. “Keller made it down to state three straight years and will be missed.” The two returning seniors on the John Marshall boys team are Riley ...

Belancic Looks to Keep Central Track at High Level

By TRACY WATSON After a stellar track and field career at Wheeling Central High School, Head Coach Eric Belancic has continued to keep the Maroon Knights’ boys’ and girls’ programs competing at a high level since taking over. The 2017 season should be no different on either side. Central has plenty of talent returning on a girls’ squad that finished third place in the Class A state meet last year, after picking up a team runner-up finish in 2015. The Knights are also defending Class A/AA OVAC champions. Belancic’s girls should once again be very strong in the relay ...

West, JM Thinking Big

By CODY TOMER Staff Writer MOUNDSVILLE — A year removed from a regional final appearance, John Marshall softball coach Ed West believes his Monarchs have the talent and experience to reach that point again. “We have pretty much the same goals as last year,” West said. “We have a strong schedule but I think we can win a lot of games and be right there when the postseason starts.” West is entering his ninth year at John Marshall, finishing the 2016 campaign with a tremendous 24-6 record. Gone from that 24-6 team are four seniors. Mary Tennant (3B), Bailey Filben (OF), ...

Cisar, Magnolia Look to Rebuild

By CODY TOMER Staff Writer NEW MARTINSVILLE — The Blue Eagles lost seven seniors from last year’s team to graduation but if any coach can lead a young Magnolia squad to a winning season, it is the veteran Dave Cisar. Cisar is entering into his 44th season at the helm and has collected a total of 857 victories over his successful career. Last season ended with a 12-9 record and a tough loss to Wheeling Central in the regional semifinals. In fact, five of the nine losses a season ago came at the hands of Wheeling Central and Bishop Donahue. An even more important loss for ...

Johnson Takes Over at Magnolia

By CODY TOMER NEW MARTINSVILLE — Angela Johnson is entering into her first season as the head coach of the Magnolia softball team and she is doing so with 15 returning letterwinners. Johnson spent time on the West Liberty softball team and is ecstatic to be leading the Blue Eagles into the 2017 campaign. “I am really excited for the opportunity to coach here at Magnolia,” Johnson said. “I am looking forward to a good year with the girls.” Magnolia finished last season with a 2-17 record, a mark that Johnson hopes to improve. “Our goal is to have fun but also ...

Cameron Seeking Early Confidence

By JOSH STROPE CAMERON — Cameron coach Eric James has been doing this a long time — 16 years with the Dragons, 20 overall — so he knows a rebuild when he sees one. Freshmen will see playing time and guys that played sparingly last season will see their roles increase this spring. Add in the new sectional pairings and Cameron will have its hands full this season. James is hoping his young squad can get some early wins to gain confidence and be ready for the heavy-hitters in the later part of the season. “The kids are being very positive, even those with less ...