By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Andrew Olesky

14th year

147-159 career record

THE TEAM

League: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division.

Coaching Staff: Matt Hill, assistant; Zack Smith, JV.

2023-24 Record: 8-16 overall; 5-9 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference.

Returning Lettermen (6): Nick Edic, sr.; Aidan Hill, sr.; Cade Rock, sr.; Preston Gedeon, sr.; Tyler Lutz, sr.; Damian Tourville, sr.

Lettermen Lost (2): Vincent Yukich, Eric Geddes.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Trust is the key concept that Olesky believes will guide his team to success.

“We need to commit to playing as a team. We want to rely on all parts of the team roster to make a positive contribution, while helping each other out and playing with each other.”

Offensively, the team’s focus will be on finding the best shot, not the first shot, which the group is poised to do in a variety of ways with the ability to score inside, outside or in transition.

GUARDS

Two key returners are Gedeon and Hill. Both made key contributions a year ago and are poised to grow further this year.

Gedeon averaged 19.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game last year.

“Preston has the ability to impact the game in many ways, not just scoring.”

Hill filled multiple statistical categories last year and averaged 8 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game.

“He does so many things on the court that we will count on.”

FORWARDS

Olesky said that he feels that the team’s frontcourt is filled with “highly valuable and experienced” players.

Edic is a versatile player who remains active on both ends of the court. Last year, he averaged 7 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists per game. He can defend any player on the court, regardless of position, and has the “unique ability to impact the game in ways that are not measured on the stat sheet,” according to Olesky.

Tourville is another athletic frontcourt player, and he will move into a more substantial role on varsity this year.

Lutz is a valuable and versatile player for the G-Men.

“He is known for doing the little things on the court that any quality team must have. We will count on him a lot this season.”

CENTERS

Rock (6.1 rebounds, 53 blocked shots) brings height and length to the frontcourt. 

“His impact is very noticeable on the defensive end, as he shattered and set a new school record for blocked shots in a season last year.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Devin Bates, soph.; Oliver Walker, soph.; Collin McGranahan, soph.; Brandyn Bogucki, jr.; Caden Chapman, jr.; Garet Warnick, jr.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Any team has to be concerned about health. Additionally, we are hopeful to make that next leap to show continued growth and progress from last season.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“A case can be made for each and every team in our league. Each team is equipped with a talented roster led by a great head coach and staff. There are no easy nights in the MVAC audit should be a highly competitive season down to the very end.”