With three returning starters on the roster, Beachwood expects to show vast improvement over last season.
The Bison, who finished 3-16 overall last season in head coach Pete Priola’s first season at the school, continue to focus on individual development to lead to cultural changes.
“Heading into the season, we are just trying to establish culture change and build our program,” Priola said. “Development of players is our number one priority.”
The Bison will lean on returning starters Emmitt Bang, CJ Payton, and Ethan Malek to set the tone for the season.
Bang is a 6-foot-4 junior forward who missed last season with an injury. He averaged 4 points and 4 rebounds per game as a freshman.
“(I’m) looking forward to a big year from him,” Priola said. “His sophomore season was missed due to injury.”
Payton, a 6-foot-2 senior point guard, averaged 12 points and 4 rebounds per game last winter.
“(He) has the ability to be one of the top players in the (Chagrin Valley Conference),” Priola said. “(I’m) looking to him to be a scorer and facilitator.”
Malek, a 6-foot-3 senior guard, averaged 4 points and 5 rebounds per game last season.
“Another great athlete we are counting on this year,” Priola said. “(He is a) great outside shooter as well.”
Junior Eriq Walker, a 5-foot-10 point guard, also returns to the starting lineup after averaging 8 points with 3 assists and 3 steals per game last season.
“(He is the) floor general and leader of the team,” Priola said. “(He) needs to handle the ball, be a scorer and a coach on the floor.”
Priola will count on senior Larry Clark, junior Chastain White, and freshman Malik Coles to make key contributions this season.
The Bison have simple goals guiding them this season.
“Compete and play the game the right way,” Priola said of his squad’s goals. “If we defend at a high level, we will be in every game.”
