With four returning starters and a host of experienced seniors, West Geauga has the experience needed to win in the competitive Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division.
The Wolverines also added a talented freshman who already has made an immediate impact.
“We bring back two all-conference performers and then three other seniors that all played significant time as juniors,” said third-year West Geauga coach Jeff Javorek. “We have a strong group of underclassman that will make an impact from day one.”
Leading the way for the Wolverines are senior guards Jax Shenkel and Caleb Ramey.
Shenkel was named first team All-CVC after averaging 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals per game. Ramey was an honorable mention all-league honoree. He averaged 13 points, five rebounds and three assists per game. He also knocked down 43-percent of his 3-point tries.
Senior guards Nico Morgano and Mark Sexton also are expected to start after combining for 17 points and seven rebounds per game last year.
Freshman Josh Irwin worked his way into the starting lineup and already scored 26 points in a 84-76 win at Chardon over the weekend.
Senior guard Carmen Calo, senior forward Matt Podojil and junior guard Marco Formichelli will be called on to provide key minutes off the bench for the Wolverines.
“We have high expectations going into our third season together as a team and program,” Javorek said. “We will try and play more possession basketball controlling the pace of the game.”
West Geauga is off to a 1-1 start this season with a 59-54 loss at Aurora and the win over the Hilltoppers.
Depth already has played a role this season and Javorek hopes to see that deep bench lead to more wins this season.
“Our team strengths are our depth, being able to rotate guys in and out,” he said. “We are a strong 3-point shooting team and have players with high basketball IQ. We have to win the possession battle every game, which means taking care of the ball and getting rebounds on the offensive end and then creating steals and not allowing rebounds on the defensive end.”
West Geauga hosts Berkshire on Friday.
