By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Jason Wise

10th year

106-117 career record

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: John Herchek, varsity assistant; Gavin English, junior varsity and freshman.

2021-22 Record: 6-16 overall; 6-8 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference.

Returning Lettermen (7): Navarre Alhassan, sr.; Ryan Wise, sr.; Anthony Podojil, sr.; Aiden Hall, jr.; Drew Flarida, jr.; Jackson Eichler, jr.; Kyle Werbeck, jr.

Lettermen Lost (2): Luke Simons, Drake Miller.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Wise wants his players to play fast, get out in transition and create easy scoring opportunities that have been created by a havoc-induced defense.

“We will be successful if we can force turnovers and be able to score in transition off those turnovers,” Wise said.

GUARDS

Navarre Alhassan, a 5-foot-10 senior, returns after earning First Team All-MVAC last year.

He is the team’s floor general.

He handles the ball well, is a solid outside shooter and create his own shot — and shots for his teammates — with his ability to get into the lane. Alhassan also has a high basketball IQ.

Alhassan averaged 15.9 points per game last season 

Senior Anthony Podojil was Honorable Mention All-MVAC last year as an underclassmen and looks to build on that this year.

“He is a good shooter and has the potential to be a defensive stopper,” Wise said. “He has grown into a leader on the team.”

Another junior, 5-foot-10 Jackson Eichler, will also see quality minutes.

“He is a good shooter and needs to stay aggressive on offense and then not be afraid to stick his nose in on defense,” Wise said.

FORWARDS

Six-foot-2 senior Ryan Wise led Portage County in rebounding last year, averaging 12.2 per game.

“He is a great rebounder,” said Wise, “and we will need him to score more for us this season, which he is plenty capable of.”

Waterloo’s best defensive player, 6-foot senior Aiden Hall, will also be a big part of the Vikings’ rotation this year. Wise said believes Hall will be able to find even more offensive confidence this year, as well.

Junior Drew Flarida is the team’s tallest player at 6-3.

“He is a much-improved player, and we will need him to be aggressive on offense and on the boards,” Wise said.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Drew Flarida, jr.; Jackson Eichler, jr.; Kyle Werbeck, jr.; Kai Warren, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Our lack of size,” Wise said. “If teams are able to get us in a halfcourt style game, we could struggle to rebound the ball.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Wise said he believes that Lowellville, which has five four-year lettermen in its lineup, will be the “heavy favorite” in the MVAC.