By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Curtis Black

3rd year

20-27 career record

THE TEAM

League: Suburban League American Conference.

Coaching Staff: Rod Moxley Jr., Rich Graves, DJ Hickle, Will Yount.

2023-24 Record: 11-13 overall; 6-8 Suburban League.

Returning Lettermen (5): Ryan Slocum, sr.; Carter Foreman, sr.; Jaden Dennison, sr.; Michael Shannon, sr.; Gavin Peeps, jr.

Lettermen Lost (7): Jack Smith, Codey Fortson, Grant Leslie, Jeremiah Lepp, Gavin Hockin, Tyrel Ellington, Anthony Helton.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Third-year head coach Curtis Black wants his team to focus on getting out to fast starts this season.

“I believe, last season, we led only a few games heading into halftime so that will be a major emphasis for us. We want to start and finish games with high energy and intensity.”

Offensively, the Riders will feature multiple players and the focus will be running out in transition as frequently as possible.

“We will also have to execute our offensive in the halfcourt.”

GUARDS

Dennison has the skills to be an elite two-year player. He averaged 7 points and 3 rebounds per game last season and earned Honorable Mention All-Suburban League and Honorable Mention All-Northeast Inland District honors.

He is one of the team’s most experienced players as a three-year starter.

“He has the ability to lead us in scoring on any given night and will also defend the opposing team’s best player.”

Multiple other players will provide depth for the Riders, including Brian Dugan, Jaiden Portis, Sevyn Jones, Logan Miller and Chace Dennison.

“Brian is a solid guard who brings toughness on both ends of the floor and another on-ball guard.

“Jaiden is a quick and shifty left-hander, who provides us with a defensive burst and high energy.

“Sevyn is a natural scorer, who can get to his spots, but is a patient player, too.

“Logan is a freshman with a natural feel for the game. We believe he will have a great year of development.

“Chace is another freshman. He is a natural ball-handler who will have a larger role in the future of running our offense.”

FORWARDS

Slocum brings height and experience at 6-foot-7 and a three-year starter. He led the team in blocked shots and rebounds last year.

“He has become a defensive force.”

Foreman brings a high-level IQ, along with an inside presence and perimeter decision-maker.

Deonne Dickerson is another physical presence in the frontcourt, who is not afraid to do the little things.

Peeps now stands at 6-5 and brings length, toughness and rebounding, along with the ability to play all over the court.

“He has improved greatly each of the last two seasons. Playing high-level AAU in the off-season on the Under Armour circuit has given him confidence and a sense of comfort  in his game and abilities.”

Jacob Noble returns to the roster after not playing last year and can play multiple positions.

EJ Churn, a natural rebounder, can defend all five positions on the court with high energy.

Cyler Foreman is a young player, with multiple skill-sets that will provide depth.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Logan Miller, fresh.; Chace Dennison, fresh.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“It will be our ability to score. Last year, we had multiple guys leading in scoring on a nightly basis. That is not a bad thing at all, but the potential for inconsistency can create some difficulties.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Black said he believes Barberton and Tallmadge are at the top of the conference, but places his Rough Riders in the mix to challenge for the title.