By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Steve Beshara

1st season (15th overall)

118-216 career record

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Noah Dockus, varsity assistant; Brandon Costanzo, junior varsity and varsity assistant; Caleb Kaut, varsity assistant; Alex Blake, varsity assistant.

2021-22 Record: 5-18 overall and 3-11 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Lettermen (4): Braxton Baumberger, sr.; Joe Crawford, sr.; Caleb Gartner, sr.; Grady Eader, soph.

Lettermen Lost (8): Jimmy Cultrona, Hayden Tronge, Cole Muncy, Xander Rorrer, Brayden Cadwell, Will Yount, Thomas Farnsworth, Logan Gilbert.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Falcons want to have the ball and all players in motion, regardless of what offensive set they are in.

Continuity will be the key, though.

“We will have a successful season if our entire roster is together 75 percent of the time,” Beshara said.

GUARDS

Three returning lettermen highlight the backcourt for the Falcons, with seniors Braxton Baumberger and Joe Crawford lead the way.

Baumberger will be the top returning scorer from last year, when he averaged 8.6 points per game. He shot 73 percent from the free-throw line and was second on the team in assists.

“His basketball experience, as well as his football experience as both a quarterback and safety, will be valuable for this team,” Beshara said.

Crawford (5.6 points per game last year) was in the gym early this year, putting in work.

“He makes really good decisions on the floor, and I think maybe even better decisions off the floor,” Beshara said.

Eader got minutes last year, but was not part of the regular rotation. That should change this year. He can shoot the ball and likes to dribble-drive when the opportunity emerges. He is a talented ball-handler.

FORWARDS

Seniors Caleb Gartner and Matthew Stayer provide leadership as underclassmen, but both have seen little varsity time.

Gartner is an experienced baseball player and according to Beshara, “we will look to borrow some of that baseball experience because Caleb has shown the ability to communicate well defensively.”

Stayer is a smart player and works hard.

Junior Manny Smith is another player that is not shy about working hard and has helped keep the team composed when things break down offensively.

Freshman Trevor Dixon is also expected to see some time on the court.

“He has responded great so far,” Beshara said.

WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR’S TEAM SPECIAL

“The roster just might fit our system. We have a lot of work to do, as we have an interesting balance of younger and older players,” Beshara said.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Grady Eader and Trevor Dixon.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“The immediate cause for concern is just two players that have real varsity experience,” Beshara said.