By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Joe Siciliano, 1st year, 0-0 career record.

Coaching Staff: Tom Jenior, assistant; Adam Whitacre, JV.

2024-25 Record: 5-18 overall, 1-7 Portage Trail Conference.

Returning Lettermen (8): Landon Rodstrom, sr.; Ethan White, sr.; Mason Lisi, sr.; Blake Mullaly, jr.; Carson Hayn, jr.; Dean Abdlrasul, jr.; Noah Zager, jr.; Caleb Fillmore, jr.

Lettermen Lost (2): Zach Hays, Luke Flowers.

League: Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division.

TEAM OUTLOOK

Joe Siciliano takes over the program after spending the 2024-25 season as the Rovers’ JV coach.

A Rootstown alumni, he has coached inside the program in some capacity since the 2016-17 season, including two stints at the middle-school level and two as the JV coach.

He has outlined clear directives for his team moving forward.

“We will run a motion-influenced offense with some sets, and we will look to run in transition and utilize our depth,” Siciliano said.

Defensively, the Rovers will stay mainly in man-to-man, with heavy pressure on ball-handlers and gap help.

On occasions, the group will shift to a zone defense.

Overall, the team has talent and depth returning, with eight lettermen on the roster and three returning starters.

WE HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…

“We share the basketball on the offensive end and play strong team defense.”

GUARDS

Rootstown’s backcourt showcases a lot of versatility.

There are some floor generals, some defensive specialists, some slashers and some shooters.

Senior Ethan White returns and is described by Siciliano as the team’s “glue guy,” but he can also hit open shots from the perimeter and defends well.

Senior Mason Lisi returns to the program after not playing the previous two seasons.

“He can handle the ball for us, make perimeter shots and leads by example.”

Junior Blake Mullaly is the team’s top returning scorer, averaging 10 points per game a year ago. He was also the team’s top 3-point and free-throw shooter on his way to earning First Team All-Portage Trail Conference honors.

“Blake has developed his game over the summer and will handle the ball, run our offense and be a strong defender and leader.”

Carson Hayn, a junior, was named Honorable Mention All-PTC last year. He can score at all three levels, but what Siciliano has noticed is his improvement on the defensive end of the floor.

Three more juniors will make a noted impact for the Rovers in Dean Abdlrasul, Noah Zager and Caleb Fillmore.

“Dean is one of our better athletes, who can get to the rim and finishes well. Noah has improved his ball-handling and finishing over the summer. He is constantly in the right spots defensively and does a lot of the little things right.

“Caleb returns to us after a season-ending injury last year. He can handle the ball for us and has consistently been a great communicator on defense.”

FORWARDS

Rootstown’s frontcourt does not carry the same depth as its backcourt, but does have unique skill-sets.

Senior Landon Rodstrom is a post who can run the floor and moves well, but is still strong under the basket for finishing and rebounding. Offensively, he has the ability to also be a stretch-4 with his 3-point shooting capabilities.

Junior Nigel Wright is big, long and strong. He can defend well, especially altering shots at the rim, and has the potential to be a top-level rebounder.

“He has improved over the past few years, and he can post up down low, finish and rebound well.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Troy Kopac, soph.; Brayden McColloch, soph.; Anthony Pratt, jr.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We have depth, but, obviously, injuries and illnesses happen. We also have a decent amount of size, but not enough for a specific center, so rebounding will be a key focus this year.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“It is tough to figure out in a new league. Kirtland won a regional title last year, so they are still at the top. I think just about every team can compete in our league this year.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Varsity assistant Tom Jenior (Class of 1995) averaged 24 points and 14 rebounds per game during his 1994-95 senior season. He finished his high-school career with more than 600 rebounds and is believed to be the school’s career rebounding leader.