Coming off the best season in program history, the Rootstown Rovers are aiming to build on the momentum of last year’s unforgettable run to the Division VI state championship game.
The Rovers finished as the state runners-up with a 27-2 record, falling to Columbus Grove 65-46 in the title game. While graduation took away key pieces from that lineup, Rootstown returns two starters and four others with varsity experience, giving head coach Joe Leonard confidence that his team can remain among the elite.
“Our players have a lot of varsity minutes, and we have the potential to be pretty good if we share the basketball and play solid (defense),” Leonard said.
Now entering his fourth season at the helm with a 66-11 record, Leonard plans to once again lean on the team’s speed and defensive pressure to fuel success.
“We are a very quick and athletic group and as such, we will push the pace and play aggressive defense,” he said.
Returning to lead the charge are senior shooting guard Colbie Curall and junior point guard Elliott Smallfield, both proven starters from the state finalist squad.
Curall, a first-team All-Portage Trail Conference and All-Northeast Inland District selection, averaged 10 points, seven rebounds, and three steals per game.
“Colbie is an athletic wing that can shoot outside and in. She is a good rebounder and passer,” Leonard said.
Smallfield, an honorable mention all-conference pick, returns after averaging six points, two rebounds, and three steals per game.
“Elliott is a quick guard that can finish at the basket, and she is an excellent defender,” Leonard noted.
Joining the starting lineup this winter are junior forward Sophi Smith, senior guard Cloe Bengtson, and junior guard Mia Damicone.
Smith brings versatility and toughness to the frontcourt — “Sophi is an undersized ‘big’ that can play all over for us. She can handle the ball, guard the post, and is an excellent passer and defender,” said Leonard — while Bengtson and Damicone add athleticism and speed to the perimeter.
“Cloe is a quick, athletic scorer and defender,” Leonard said. “Mia has worked hard on improving her shot and finishing. She has very good speed and plays solid (defense).”
Leonard acknowledges the team’s biggest challenge will be developing consistent post play after losing experienced size from last year’s roster.
“We lack a post with varsity minutes, but we do have sophomores that could step into this role,” he said.
Among those expected to contribute are Addison Pownall, Ardynn Soika, and Olivia O’Neill, along with junior Bailey Kidd and freshman Eva Tishma.
Rootstown moves into the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division this season, and Leonard sees that as an opportunity to write another memorable chapter in the program’s rise.
“We enter a new conference this season so that is exciting,” he said. “As for goals, we must play together and continue the aggressive defensive approach we have had in the past.”
With a 27-game home winning streak dating back to January 2023 and a core of experienced players who have tasted the state tournament stage, the Rovers are poised to remain one of Northeast Ohio’s toughest teams.
As Leonard summed it up: “We must play defense every night to be successful.”
