By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Matt Hill, 1st year, 0-0 career record.

Coaching Staff: Zack Smith, JV; Kevin Coleman, assistant; Jonathan Smith, 8th grade; David Ludick, 7th grade.

2024-25 Record: 17-7 overall; 10-4 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division.

Returning Lettermen (4): Brandyn Bogucki, sr.; Devin Bates, jr.; Oliver Walker, jr.; Collin McGranahan, jr.

Lettermen Lost (5): Nick Edic, Preston Gedeon, Aidan Hill, Cade Rock, Damian Tourville.

League: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division.

TEAM OUTLOOK

Fast and uptempo is the style that first-year head coach Matt Hill wants his G-Men to play at.

Hill replaces longtime coach Andrew Olesky (14 seasons, 164 career wins), who resigned following the end of last season.

“We will run a five-out motion offense focused on body and ball movement and unselfish play,” Hill said.

On defense, expect to see the G-Men primarily in an aggressive man-to-man, mixing in full and half court pressure.

“With one returning starter and many guys stepping into either new or increased roles, we have a lot of work to do.”

WE HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…

“Our success will be determined on how quickly guys buy into what we are doing and adapt to their new roles. We will have 10 to 11 players competing for roles in our rotation. We have great kids and many of them have been waiting for their opportunity. I expect us to be competitive in a very strong MVAC Grey Division.”

GUARDS

The team’s only returning starter is found in the backcourt in senior Brandyn Bogucki, who averaged 5.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game last season.

“We will look for Brandyn to be more of a scorer for us this year. He is a great on-ball defender, and he will take on the assignment of guarding the other team’s point guard every game.”

Oliver Walker, a junior, is a returning letterman and a player Hill said he expects will take on a “larger role in our backcourt.”

“Oliver is a great playmaker when the ball is in his hands. We are expecting a breakout year for him.”

Junior Collin McGranahan also earned a letter last year and is described by Hill as one of the team’s “best perimeter shooters.”

“He can really stretch the floor for us, and he is a great on-ball defender. Collin will be one of our main scoring threats this season.”

Senior Will Simon, sophomore Mac Haney and freshman Nate Grabowski are all also part of the team’s backcourt.

“Will is an athletic guard, who returns to the team after missing last year with a knee injury. Mac is a long and athletic guard. He is a good perimeter shooter. Nate has had a great fall, and we expect him to break into our rotation this season.”

FORWARDS

Junior Devin Bates highlights the frontcourt. He averaged 4.2 points and 1.9 rebounds per game a year ago.

“Devin is one of our best athletes. We expect a lot out of him this season, taking on a much bigger role as a scorer and rebounder. He is a tough and gritty defender, who will be tasked with guarding the other team’s best player many nights.”

Sophomore Jared Cardinal, a smart and cerebral player, will step into a larger role this season.

“Jared can stretch the floor as a good perimeter shooter.”

Senior Colton Miller brings size and will help with rebounding. He is returning to basketball after not playing the last couple of seasons.

Junior Nathan Baczkowski and sophomore Mason Bockmuller are also in the mix.

“Nathan is a tough defender and Mason had a great summer. He provides us with some depth and can stretch the floor.”

Henry Veccia, a junior, is a big strong forward, who will help rebound and defend. He is another player who has returned to the lineup after taking a year off from the sport.

“Henry has good hands and can finish around the rim.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Jared Cardinal, soph.; Mac Haney, soph.; Nate Grabowski, fresh.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We had a late start to the season, with 15 of our players being on the football team that played into the playoffs. With our football team’s success, we will have a lot to figure out in a short amount of time.

“We know no one is going to feel bad for us, but we will have to hit the ground running.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“The league has run through LaBrae in recent years and they bring back experience, as does Southeast and Brookfield. Newton Falls is in the mix every year as well. The MVAC Grey tier is full of well-prepared and well-coached teams. We know there are no easy nights in our league.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Matt Hill is the son of retired Hall of Fame Windham boys basketball coach Marty Hill. Matt Hill’s son, Aidan, graduated off last year’s 17-win team.