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Valley Boys Are Seasoned

By BUBBA KAPRAL

PINE GROVE — John Kocher and Valley basketball are synonymous.

Kocher is embarking on his 22nd season as coach of the Lumberjacks with a squad well-stocked in numbers (17 players) and a nice blend of experience and youth. The Lumberjacks boast a roster featuring five seniors, two juniors, seven sophomore and three freshmen.

Valley tasted some modest success last winter, winning 12 of 23 starts while placing third in the Hometown Invitational. The Lumberjacks just missed out on making the OVAC playoffs, finishing fifth.

The Wetzel Countians can build on that success if they can replace two valuable pieces.

Dylan Irvin and Alex Midcap were productive starters lost via graduation. Also departed through diploma were key substitutes Griffin Pigot and Colby Bucher.

But with three quality returning starters and a couple of players who saw regular duty, Kocher has a solid group to direct, capable of making some noise this season.

Leading the way is Levi Streets. The 6-foot-2 senior is a blue-chip point guard, capable of big-scoring nights while also effectively directing the offense. In addition to his ability to get to the hoop, he owns a deft outside shooting touch.

Seniors Ethan Greathouse and Peyton Bassett are the other two returning regulars. Greathouse is a 6-2 swingman while Bassett is a 6-2 frontcourt ace. They are expected to provide much of the scoring to complement Streets.

Senior John Kocher is 6-0 power forward who saw some starting time last winter. He is expected to provide yeoman’s work on the boards and interior defense.

Kyle Moore, a 5-9 senior, and Jerry Evatt, a 5-9 junior, are waging a spirited battle for the other starting forward slot. Also in the hunt are 5-10 Ryan Baker and 6-0 Abe Satterfield, both promising sophomores.

Versatile freshman Gavin Streets has impressed and will see ample varsity time.

Sophomores ticketed to split time between varsity and jayvee duty to start the season are Jacob Hall, David Sell, Trace Freed and Jake Busch. Freshmen Logan Moore and Tommy Shannon will round out the Valley roster.

Leslie Lively is serving as Kocher’s assistant.

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