By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Curtis Black, 4th year, 27-44 career record.

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

2024-25 Record: 7-17 overall, 4-10 Suburban League American Conference.

Returning Lettermen (4): Gavin Peeps, sr.; EJ Churn, sr.; Cyler Foreman, jr.; Sevyn Jones, jr.

Lettermen Lost (6): Jaden dennison, Ryan Slocum, Jacob Noble, Brian Dugan II, Deonne Dickerson, Carter Foreman.

League: Suburban League American Conference.

TEAM OUTLOOK

Kent Roosevelt’s offense will be built off pace and space.

Defensively, expect a heavy dose of man-to-man from the Rough Riders.

WE HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF?

“We can start games strong offensively and defensively, sustain runs and pull through in close games,” head coach Curtis Black said.

GUARDS

A group of upperclassmen highlight the group in senior Jaiden Portis and juniors Cyler Foreman, Seven Jones and Tyler Ellington.

Portis is the spark of the energy on both ends of the floor.

“He is extremely hard working,” Black said.

Foreman is a strong and physical guard, who can defend multiple positions and space the floor.

“Cyler brings a toughness to us. He started for us last season as a sophomore.”

Jones has length, which makes him a scoring threat on offense and disruptor on defense.

“Sevyn can score all over the floor and has good floor vision. As a sophomore last year, he started the second half of the season.”

Ellington hits the hardwood after an electric football season on the gridiron and Black said he expects him to bring energy.

Adding depth are senior Ke’Shan Talbert and sophomores Chace Dennison, Logan Miller and Gavin Polcha.

Dennison is a solid ball-handler and shooter, whose game is continuing to develop, according to Black. Miller is a scoring guard who has the ability to get to his spots.

Talbert is a defensive specialist, who is another player that can bring toughness, while Polcha is another a defensive-minded player, whose offense continues to grow.

FORWARDS

Gavin Peeps, a senior, is the team’s most decorated returning player.

Described as a “program staple” by Black for his work ethic, Peeps averaged nine points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block per game last year. He was named Honorable Mention All-Suburban League and Honorable Mention All-Northeast Inland District.

“He has become an offensive threat while having the ability to defend all positions,” Black said. Peeps is coming off a strong senior football season at quarterback (2,068 passing yards, 21 TDs, 537 rushing yards) and recently announced his commitment to Kent State University for football.

Senior EJ Churn has improved his game every year and has gone from an undersized big into a solid wing player.

“EJ is the best rebound I’ve seen for someone his size, and he can also defend every position.”

Another senior, John Estep, has returned to the program.

“We are very excited for what he brings to us.”

Junior Eli Barkley and sophomore Brayven Lucas are also expected to be in the rotation.

Barkley is a tall, long forward, who is a strong defender and has good hands and court vision. Lucas plays with energy and toughness.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Logan Miller, soph.; Chace Dennison, soph.; Gavin Polcha, soph.; Brayven Lucas, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“I don’t enter the season with too many concerns, but I just want us to remain healthy for the long season,” Black said.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“I think the league is wide open. Our league is usually a dogfight for the top three or four spots and it constantly changes.”