By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Aaron Gilbert

18th year

242-161 career record

THE TEAM

League: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division.

Coaching Staff: Andy Cardinal, Taylor Smith, Erica Jarvis.

2023-24 Record: 4-19 overall; 3-11 MVAC.

Returning Letterwinners (8): Kolby Fresch, sr.; Juliana Genovese, sr.; Mandy Cardinal, jr.; Kaelyn Tasker, jr.; Riley Grace, jr.; Annie Rado, jr.; Charlee Hill, soph.; Kylene McMayon, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (2): Kali Tasker, Zoey May.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Health is the key for the G-Men, who played the majority of last season with standout forward Mandy Cardinal (ACL injury).

“We need to use last season as a learning experience,” Gilbert said. “We need to continue to grow on offense and play to our strengths to be more consistent offensively.”

GUARDS

Cardinal held averages of 13.8, 7.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game before losing the season to her knee injury.

She is the team’s leader and “explosive player,” according to Gilbert.

“We will see how quickly she gets back to form. She is still one of the top players in the conference.”

Tasker (3.3 points, 4.5 rebounds) and Hill stepped in to fill quality minutes last season and much of the same will be expected this year.

“Kaelyn is deceptively quick and athletic. She will create some problems offensively and defensively for teams.

“Charlee will be asked to do more on both sides of the court this season.”

McMayon earned minutes on varsity at the tail end of last season.

“She proved she can play varsity basketball as a guard. We will need her to develop more as the season progresses.”

FORWARDS

What the team lacks in true size, they make up with attitude and work ethic.

Grace was a player who grew into a leading role toward the end of the 2023-24 season and “proved that she has the ability to change games as an undersized post player,” according to Gilbert.

Fresch is a player Gilbert said he will play in several different roles.’

Genovese is expected to provide an inside presence and be opportunistic.

Meanwhile, Rado is another player with versatility who provides depth.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Leah Hill, fresh.; Tenley Korosec, fresh.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Our overall lack of size and depth.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Gilbert believes that Crestview is the “clear” league favorite, with LaBrae closely on its heels.