Bentworth boys preview: Bentworth’s Kennedy excited for upcoming season
Rob Burchianti | Herald-Standard
Longtime Bentworth boys basketball coach Bob Kennedy can be excused if he is overly excited about the new season.
“We plan on repeating what we did last year, to strive and make the playoffs,” said Kennedy. “While we lost Landon Urcho to graduation, we have three starters back and six players back with experience.
“We have other guys who can step up and get it done.”
Urcho averaged 23 points per game last season, and while the Bearcats don’t have any seniors on the roster, Kennedy is motivated by the team’s youth.
The three returning starters are a pair of sophomore guards, Chris Harper and Ben Hays, as well as junior forward Ross Skerbetz.
Other key players will be sophomore point guard Ryan Moessner and junior forwards Lucas Burt and Aiden McMurray.
Kennedy also said the freshman class has potential.
“I am comfortable with (the six returners),” he said. “We have some freshmen showing promise and I am excited to see them in action.”
Bentworth will compete in Section 4-AA with Beth-Center, Burgettstown, Carmichaels, Chartiers-Houston, Fort Cherry, and Frazier.
“Chartiers, Burgettstown, and Fort Cherry will fight for the top spot,” Kennedy said. “They are bringing something back from last year.
“Us, Carmichaels, BC, and Frazier will fight for the last playoff spot. They are even matchups, and I am kind of looking forward to things.”
Kennedy pointed to one key for a successful season.
“Consistency,” said Kennedy. “As long as they continue to play our brand of basketball, we will win games.
“I think they can, and will, do that.”