Rootstown basketball enters a new era this winter — both with a new head coach and a new conference.
After competing in the Portage Trail Conference, the Rovers will make their debut in the Chagrin Valley Conference under first-year head coach Joe Siciliano, who takes over a program looking to take the next step forward after a 5-18 season.
Siciliano, who is beginning his first year as head coach, inherits a roster rich with returning experience and athleticism. The Rovers bring back three starters and four additional varsity letterwinners, giving the team a solid core to build on as it adjusts to the challenges of a new league.
“I feel very confident about our team this year,” Siciliano said. “We have a lot of returners who have varsity experience and depth to help us throughout the season. I think we have the potential to compete in our new league.”
That experience will be led by junior Blake Mullaly (6’3″, guard/wing), who earned All-Portage Trail Conference First Team and All-Northeast Inland District Honorable Mention honors last season.
“Blake returns as our leading scorer and will take on some ball-handling and leadership roles this year,” Siciliano said.
Another key returner is junior Carson Hayn (6’2″, guard/wing), who was named All-PTC Honorable Mention and All-Northeast Inland District Honorable Mention.
“Carson looks to improve from a breakout year and be a consistent threat scoring on both the perimeter and at the rim,” Siciliano said.
Senior Landon Rodstrom (6’2″, post/wing) gives Rootstown a veteran presence inside.
“Landon will be a senior leader for us and will be crucial for us on rebounds and finishing at the rim,” Siciliano said.
The Rovers’ depth extends beyond the starting lineup, with several players expected to contribute in key roles, including Ethan White, Dean Abdlrasul, Caleb Fillmore, Mason Lisi, Noah Zager, and Nigel Wright.
Siciliano also expects underclassmen Troy Kopac and Brayden McColloch to provide valuable depth at guard.
“We return eight players who have varsity experience, so that cannot be understated,” Siciliano said. “We also have a decent amount of athleticism that we hope to use and play fast in transition and play tough defense.”
While the Rovers’ experience and athleticism are clear strengths, Siciliano knows the team must develop depth to withstand the rigors of the season.
“Injuries and illness will always be a challenge, and we hope to build depth from our guys 9-12 to help us weather that storm,” he said.
As Rootstown embarks on its first season in the Chagrin Valley Conference, Siciliano’s goals are simple and focused.
“One of our goals is to compete in our new league and to just set ourselves up for success,” he said. “We want to play tough defense and run in transition.”
The formula for success, according to Siciliano, starts with fundamentals.
“Playing good defense and winning the turnover battle,” he said, “will be key for us this season.”
With a solid mix of returning talent, athleticism, and a new energy from its first-year head coach, Rootstown looks ready to make a strong impression in its debut CVC campaign.
