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Ferry Tackling D-II With Retained Nucleus, Exciting Freshmen

Girls Basketball Preview 2023

MARTINS FERRY – Martins Ferry finished 15-8 last year, returns all but one player that saw extended action and has a fantastic freshmen class. However, the Purple Riders have moved Division III to Division II. “We have a really good nucleus coming back. We might be the most talented bunch I’ve had, but I don’t know if we’re the best team I’ve had,” veteran head Dave Reasbeck said. “We don’t have what you would call a ‘rim-protector,’ but we a lot of girls are 5-8, 5-9, 5-10 that can run and jump. They have good basketball builds.” While Reasbeck has five ...

Paden City Turning To New Chapter In 'Learning Year'

Girls Basketball Preview 2023

PADEN CITY – Coming off a 7-14 campaign last year, Paden City’s girls’ basketball team will have to go it without their top scoring threat for 2023, due to graduation, as well as dealing with youth as the Lady Wildcats do not have a senior player on the roster. Coach Josh Fulks watched 20-plus point per game scorer McKenzie Thomas pick up her diploma last Spring, however, Paden City will have four returning starters set to hit the floor this season. Leading the way will be juniors Kimberley Burch (5-5) at power forward and Lexi Mathis (5-3) at shooting guard. Sophomores Ashton ...

Big Red Growing Up After Surprising Senior-less Season

Girls Basketball Preview 2023

STEUBENVILLE — The Big Red girls basketball team is coming off a 15-win season from a group that did not have a senior. While a couple injuries have subtracted from the group, the hopes for coach Angie Forte and company are high coming into the season with a lot of experience back. “It was a good season,” Forte said. “We learned from it we have to be a little more disciplined offensively. We did a great job in transition, we have to be execute more in the half court set. “We saw a lot of growth and maturity last year. They really started finding their confidence both ...

Linsly Facing New Challenges As Cadets Build Around Guard Duo

Girls Basketball Preview 2023

WHEELING - In a highly competitive field, the Linsly Cadets are staying cognizant of the different challenges they will face in the 2023-24 season. “We are not as deep as we have been in the past, that’s definitely going to be our challenge for the year, our depth of roster,” Linsly head coach Rebecca Upton said. “We spent a lot of time this offseason just talking about who we are and what our strengths are. Understanding that people are really going to have to embrace their roles this year, and not everybody’s role is going to be the same. But everybody’s role is going to ...

Monarchs Heading Into New Season Ahead Of Schedule

Girls Basketball Preview 2023

MOUNDSVILLE – Going into last season, John Marshall girls basketball coach Brock Melko knew there were going to be some growing pains. However, a young Monarchs squad was able to finish the 2022-23 season with a solid 15-8 record. “We had our good moments and our bad moments,” Melko said. “Going in we knew we were going to be young. Our freshmen were in for a culture shock. They were used to winning. It was an eye-opener for them in a good way. “I kind of looked at last year as a group getting our feet wet in the pool with the powers across the state. Hopefully now, ...

Wheeling Central Anticipates Deep Run Despite Losses

Girls Basketball Preview 2023

WHEELING – Despite losing four starters from last year’s W.Va. Class AA state tournament qualifier, Wheeling Central is poised for another deep run this winter, according to fourth-year head coach Roberta Olejasz. Picking up diplomas last year were Keiera Wilkinson, Lily Vogrin, Valerie Downing and Reagan Olejasz. Wilkinson was injured late in the regular season and didn’t play in the postseason. However, the cupboard isn’t bare as five letterwinners return. Leading the way are senior Brook Edge (5-6); junior Ava Hanson (5-5); and sophomores Haley Severns (5-10), Addie Payton ...