By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Matt Dillon

8th year

THE TEAM

League: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division.

Coaching Staff: Zeddie Pollock, Doug Craver, Nick Dillon, Scott Garret, Terry Callihan.

2023-24 Record: 13-12 overall; 2-8 PTC.

Returning Lettermen (4): Zack Keto, sr.; Austin Mejia, sr.; Joe Sharish, jr.; Cohen Richardson, soph.

Lettermen Lost (2): Garrett Sprutte, Case Myers.

SEASON OUTLOOK

This year’s group will be the youngest team Dillon and his staff, which is comprised of a veteran group of coaches, has ever coached.

“This season will give kids a lot of opportunities to improve, learn from their mistakes and also give kids a chance to show the coaching staff what they can do. Once the kids step on the court, there won’t be any coaches holding their hands. They will have to figure things out with their teammates.”

The Pirates’ offense will focus on motion action, with players having the freedom to create.

“The assistant coaches have worked with the players on understanding good shots versus bad shots and the kids have responded well.”

The team’s roster includes just two seniors and one junior, along with four sophomores and eight freshmen.

GUARDS

There will be plenty of competition for minutes in the backcourt, with the group of Keto, Richardson, along with sophomore Braeden Walden and freshmen Garret Davis, Brad Dillon, Micah Craver, Devyn Miller and Caden Dillon all in the mix.

Keto and Richardson return after earning roles as starters a year ago.

“They did everything we asked and had really good seasons. Now it is time for them to do it again.”

For the underclassmen, Dillon wants to focus on improving their game to prepare them for the future.

“They have three really good assistant coaches ready to help them improve. If they are smart, they will utilize those coaches.”

FORWARDS

Sharish and Mejia bring back the most experience, logging quality minutes as varsity players and contributors last year.

“They really improved last season. Joe has impressed the coaching staff with his leadership, which is a part of the team that we were worried about.

“Austin is athletic and if he can make a few shots this season, he will definitely help us again.”

Sharish did not play basketball during his eighth grade and freshman seasons, so his sophomore campaign a year ago was described by Dillon as a “developmental year” to get him comfortable again on the court.

Also competing for playing time will be sophomores Ethan Shodd, Nathanael Rivera and Riley  Grope and freshmen Tyler Shaw, Matt Ball and Ryan Huffman.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Joe Sharish, jr.; Cohen Richardson, soph.; Braedyn Walden, soph.; Nathanael Rivera, soph.; Ethan Shodd, soph.; Riley Grope, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We are young. So young that the main concern is the coaching staff having patience while we try to figure things out.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Southeast moves out of the PTC this season and into the MVAC.

“From what we know, Newton Falls and LaBrae should be very good. Then, every other team in the league will be older than us and more polished than us. Hopefully, we learn to compete.”