Bearcats a year older with more depth
The Bentworth boys basketball team was young last season and it showed as the Bearcats went 4-16.
Now a year older, Bob Kennedy, who enters his 15th season as head coach, is excited to get going with four returning starters and depth.
“Across the board, we are equally talented with our top eight players,” said Kennedy, who led the 2008 team to the PIAA quarterfinals. “The guys who start one game may not start the next week and I am trying to get it in their heads that they aren’t starting because of what they did wrong, but because someone else may be playing well.”
The returning starters are senior forward Will Bashioum and three juniors in point guard Sam Schoedel, shooting guard Steve Harner, and center Levi Jordan.
“Steve led us at 13 points per game last year. while Will is a team captain and is the verbal leader on the floor in games and in practice,” said Kennedy.
The other players competing for a starting position, but will be in the rotation regardless, include junior forward Ray Logan, guard Wyatt Dessify, guard/forward Jacob Davis, and sophomore guard Justin Vilce.
“Jacob started a few games last year and can play just about every position on the floor. He is probably our best all-around player on the team in terms of position flexibility. Wyatt is a key reserve, but could start,” said Kennedy.
While Kennedy has experience back, the team is still young and he is realistic.
“I think this year will be one of those years where we could win some that we should lose and lose some that we should win because of maturity. The kids had talent, but are learning the game now.”
What does Kennedy think will be key for his team to get back to the playoffs for an eighth time during his tenure?
“We have to play better on defense and by playing better on ‘D’, we can pick up more on transition,” Kennedy said. “I believe in pushing straight ahead and getting every opportunity we can get to do that.”
Bentworth is Section 2-A along with California, Carmichaels, Chartiers-Houston, Fort Cherry, Frazier, and Jefferson-Morgan.
“The section is going to be young,” Kennedy said. “I hope our youthful team can compete and make the playoffs. There won’t be any slouches or any easy wins.”
Bentworth opens up on Friday, Dec. 9 when it hosts West Greene.