By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Aaron Gilbert

17th year

279-171 career record

THE TEAM

   • Coaching Staff: Andy Cardinal, assistant; Madison Hartung, assistant; Taylor Smith, assistant.

   • 2022-23 Record: 23-3 overall; 12-2 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference.

   • Returning Letterwinners (7): Zoey May, sr.; Kali Tasker, sr.; Kolby Fresch, jr.; Juliana Genovese, jr.; Mandy Cardinal, soph.; Karleigh Clelland, soph.; Kaelyn Tasker, soph.

   • Letterwinners Lost (4): Laura McCoy, Madeline Shirkey, Maggie Fogel, Nora Trent.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The G-Men have long been one Portage County’s most consistent winners.

The program won its third consecutive district championship last season.

This year’s team loses some key pieces to graduation, but Gilbert has been in similar situations before.

“We are quick this year, and we will play a very different style than the past several years,” Gilbert said. “We have minimal size, so we are doing things that fit this group better.”

The development of confidence will be a key to overcoming early inexperience.

GUARDS

Cardinal returns after a stellar rookie season. She averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game last year as a freshman.

She was a key contributor in the team’s standout regular season and postseason run.

“Mandy will play a different role than last year, but still will be a main focus of our play and opponent’s scouting reports.”

May had a great off-season and is one of the team’s best shooters.

“She will look to continue her role from last season.”

Kaelyn Tasker began to earn varsity minutes at the tail end of last season as a freshman.

Gabe Groves is an athletic guard that adds depth for the G-Men.

FORWARDS

Kali Tasker, Riley Grace and Fresch will be the leaders across the frontcourt.

Tasker is a returning letter winner and played in a variety of roles.

“She definitely fills the role of coach on the floor, getting people into their correct positions.”

Grace had a strong off-season and has “earned her varsity position,” according to Gilbert.

“She can play and guard multiple positions.”

Fresch saw minimal varsity action last year, but will see an increased role this year.

CENTERS

Clelland got a late start to last season as she returned from an injury. Once she did, though, she proved to be an inside force during tournament play, despite only being a freshman.

“She will provide a good inside-outside combination with our guards.”

Annie Rado is a versatile player that will help in the post and also on the wing.

Genovese is a player that runs the floor well and can guard multiple positions.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Charlee Hill, fresh.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Our lack of overall experience at the varsity level. We need early success to build chemistry and confidence. Our sophomore class was a force in middle school, but we will see how that transfers to varsity basketball.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“Crestview and Champion return the most players and will be the top teams in the conference. Brookfield, Campbell and Liberty all have new coaches that their style of play will change and be difficult. Newton Falls and LaBrae both have solid squads returning and will win a lot of games.”