By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Cody Calhoun

1st year at Aurora; 6th year overall

0-0 at Aurora; 34-78 overall

THE TEAM

   • Coaching Staff: Austin Nupp, assistant; Tim Keyes, JV; Adam Whitacre, freshmen; Jeff Fromwiller, 8th grade; Dom Massa, 7th grade.

   • 2022-23 Record: 3-20 overall; 2-10 Suburban League.

   • Returning Lettermen (5): Brock Habbyshaw, jr.; Ben Lukasik, jr.; Zach Panetti, jr.; Luke Bonette, soph.; Johnny Trivisonno, soph.

   • Lettermen Lost (4): Zach Anzells, Luke Czerwinski, Michael Greenwood, Felipe Machado.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Cody Calhoun takes over the program after spending the previous five seasons coaching the Rootstown boys.

The coach enters with enthusiasm and with a new offensive and defensive philosophy.

The roster also features a collection of players that will step into larger roles this season.

GUARDS

The team’s backcourt includes some familiar faces, but with heightened expectations.

Panetti averaged 5.6 points per game last season, along with nearly three rebounds and 1.3 steals.

“He has the ability to score, as well as create for others,” Calhoun said. “He is a very good on-ball defender and is able to create turnovers off the ball.”

Habbyshaw scored 4.4 points per game a year ago.

“Brock is one of our better shooters and has worked on his ability to finish around the rim against bigger defenders. He is one of our hardest workers and is a leader to everyone in our program.”

Lukasik, who is coming off a standout football season, brings athleticism to the roster. He will guard a number of positions defensively, while providing perimeter help offensively.

“Ben sets the tone for our team with his energy and effort.”

Calhoun considers Trivisonno, who came off the bench last year as a freshman, as the team’s best athlete.

“He is really strong at attacking the rim, as well as guarding the ball. He provides our team with versatility and can do a lot of good things for us.”

Josh Harrell, a sophomore, is described by Calhoun as “extremely talented.” He has a skill-set that allows him to get to the rim, create for others and knock down jumpsuits.

Ethan Fremont will also add depth and is a solid defender.

FORWARDS

Cooper Carnahan and Logan Thomas have returned to the program after not playing last season.

Carnahn is a long, athletic player that has size, but can also play on the perimeter.

“We will use his versatility on both ends of the floor to our advantage.”

Thomas is a good perimeter shooter and can attack the basket.

Torren Pride provides offensive flexibility and can score.

Joe Janzig, who is 6-foot-4, has a long wingspan and is expected to provide rebounding, as well as strong interior defense.

Bonnette, a sophomore who saw varsity action last year as a freshman, will work to continue to build consistency, and with that, his impact on the team will grow.

“He is able to play inside and match up with other teams’ post players.”

Calvin Hays brings depth and is a good athlete that can also shoot.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Josh Harrell, soph.; Johnny Trivisonno, soph.; Luke Bonnette, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We are starting the year with a lot of guys who do not have a lot of experience. In order for us to get off to a good start, our football guys will need to get acclimated quickly. Lastly, we are a smaller team across the board, so we will have to make sure that we rebound as a team at a high level and make up for it by being physical.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“Our league will be very competitive this year. Barberton will be much improved, Cuyahoga Falls has a senior class that has played a ton of games, Revere has a championship pedigree, Copley has a strong returning group, Highland returns a good nucleus and Tallmadge and Kent have guys that will push for all-league selections. If you don’t come ready to play each night, you will be in trouble.”