By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Mike Matisi

5th year

20-60 career record

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Doug Craver, junior varsity; Zeddie Pollock, varsity assistant; Tyler Chaney, varsity assistant.

2021-22 Record: 12-12 overall; 5-5 Portage Trail Conference.

Returning Lettermen (4): Carson Dunn, sr.; Evan Riffle, sr.; Michael Phillips, sr.; Garrett Sprutte, jr.

Lettermen Lost (6): Brandon Clint, Caden Bailey, Ty Sprutte, Thomas Sharish, Aidan Fischer, Nate Buckeye.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Pirates will be seeking an early season identity on offense because of the graduation of leading scorer Brandon Clint (20.9 ppg).

“Our execution in the halfcourt, as well as in transition will need to be elite,” Matisi said. “We’ll need to score by committee, but also rely on our most offensively talented players.”

Southeast’s success will rely on some important ingredients, according to Matisi.

“We need to defend home court, be gritty defenders and grind out long possessions if necessary, finishing with defensive rebounds,” he said.

Without a true go-to scorer, at least in the early portion of the season, the Pirates’ ability to take care of the basketball and execute will be important.

GUARDS

Senior Carson Dunn anchors the team as the point guard. He averaged 4.0 assists last year and took 13 defensive charges.

Dunn has good court vision and handles the ball well, while also being able to shoot from distance.

Senior Michael Phillips returns from a knee injury that sidelined him last year.

“We are grateful to have him back. He has worked extremely hard to get back into shape and had a great summer with us,” Matisi said. “He will be our most tenacious defender and someone who can score in bunches.”

Garrett Sprutte, a junior that was in the rotation last year, can play in the backcourt or frontcourt.

“We are expecting Garrett to take a big step forward this season. He is a natural leader and a tough competitor,” Matisi said.

Zach Keto and Logan West will also be pushing for varsity time.

FORWARDS

The Pirates’ frontcourt is filled with tough and athletic players.

Evan Riffle leads the way and is a versatile post player. He can score inside, but can also step out for perimeter shooting. He is a skilled passer with a high basketball IQ.

Matt Donovan, a senior that did not play last year, returns to the roster.’

“He has been impressive with his athleticism and anticipation. He is an active defender and the perfect teammate,” Matisi said.

Brady Corley, a long and active senior, will also play a big role for Southeast.

“He is the toughest human being I know,” Matisi said. “He will defend any position and rebound anything close to him. He broke his collarbone in football, but should return to us in the new year.”

Also in the mix for minutes are Ian Carter and Case Myers.

Carter is a scrappy defender and rebounder. On offense, he can shoot the 3 or get to the basket on dribble-drives. Mayers brings “tremendous effort and energy to the floor,” according to Matisi.

WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR’S TEAM SPECIAL

“Our senior experience. These guys have been playing together for several years,” Matisi said. “They have a certain cohesiveness about the way they play and, more importantly, they are great teammates. We are 22 strong this year and the entire group really feels like a team.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Zach Keto, soph.; Austin Mejia, soph.; Antonio Mejia, soph.; James Pritts, soph.

TEAM MOTTO

“The foundation is RTS, which stands for “Right the Ship,” Matisi said. “The next layer is our philosophy ‘EAT’ (Effort, Attitude, Trust). Our season motto is ‘GGE’ (Grit, Grind, Execution).”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Our ability to replace scoring from last season and scoring in general,” Matisi said.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“Our league is extremely competitive,” Matisi said. “JFK, Aquinas and Mogadore will always be in the mix, but Rotostown will be solid as well and Lake Center Christian is never easy no matter home or away.”