Roster numbers up for the Maples
The Mapletown boys basketball team will finally have the numbers on their side this winter, with the current roster numbering 20 for the 2016-17 campaign.
Last season, the Maples struggled with numbers and went winless in 20 games. In some stretches of the season, Mapletown only had six or seven kids in their line-up.
“Our numbers have been great so far,” second-year coach Rick Hill said. “It makes such a big difference to have this many kids on the team. We have had a couple of kids that moved back into our district and some kids that have just shown interest in the basketball program at the start of school. We can actually run practices now with an offense and a defense.”
Despite losing every game last year, Hill did see some improvement and is excited about the growth of his team.
“Sure we took our lumps last season,” he said. “But, sometimes I think some people are too hung up on wins and losses. I can honestly say that every game last year we improved. Those kids played with so much heart and they learned a lot about the game. We are looking to build this program and change the culture here.”
As for goals this year, Hill points out a couple on his mind.
“I think we can win 10 games this year,” Hill said. “Some people might be surprised by that, but I think we can surprise a couple of teams this season. I have really liked what I have seen in our workouts and these kids have great work ethic. They are a good group of kids and we want to be competitive every night.”
Senior Cody Dice (6-1) is a returning starter for the Maples, while Mapletown will look to get production from juniors Lane Powell (5-10) and Ryan Carter (5-11), as well as sophomore Ethan Carter (5-11).
Other notable players for the Maples will be newcomer Richard Cacurak and freshmen Matthew Atwood and Chuckie Leech.
Mapletown will remain in Class A this season after realignment and will face off with teams like Avella, Clairton, Geibel Catholic, Monessen and West Greene in Section 2.
“Monessen jumps out as the top team to me,” Hill stated. “They are always fast and athletic. I think every team in our section has talent and can make an impact. There’s no easy games in the section. Clairton is a little unknown, but we are pretty familiar with the rest of the teams.”
The Maples will tip off the season against California in the Geibel Catholic Tournament on Dec. 9-10. They will also play in the Carmichaels Lions Club Tournament on Dec. 27-28.
Mapletown starts section action at home versus Clairton on Jan. 3.
“We are really excited and have a lot of expectations this season,” Hill said. “We want to make the playoffs and that is definitely a big goal for us. We are more concerned about improving and taking it game by game. I want to just focus on my guys and worry about what we can do.”