Bulldogs return experienced group under new coach
Beth-Center’s boys basketball team will be led by an experienced group of players heading into the 2015-16 season.
First-year head coach Greg Golembiewski will have a mix of upper and underclassmen to work with as Beth-Center tries to improve on last season’s 11-10 mark
The Bulldogs last made the playoffs during the 2012-13 season.
“Our kids are working hard,” Golembiewski said. “I’m showing them a lot of things they’re not used to and they seem to be grasping them pretty quickly.”
Golembiewski comes to Beth-Center after serving as head coach of the Brownsville girls basketball program for the past 17 years.
Seniors Bradey McDonnell, Luke Hess and Dakota Godines, juniors Nick Pryor and Brennan Stanley and sophomores Andrew White and Jimmy Hunyady are expected to all see significant playing time this season, as is freshman J.J. Green.
Hess is a 6-foot-5 forward, who, according to Golembiewski saves his fire for the basketball court.
“He’s a quiet kid, but in between the lines he gets it down” Golembiewski said. “He’ll take the ball to the basketball pretty strong. I’m looking for him to score some points down low. He is a leader by example and a very nice young man. He’ll do anything I ask of him.”
The 6-0 Godines will be depended on for his 3-point shooting, while the 5-10 McDonnell will run Beth-Center’s offense from the point.
“I’m looking for him to be one of the leaders on the team,” Golembiewski said of McDonnell. “He will create a lot of shots not only for himself but for other players also. He’s pretty quick off the dribble and he likes to slash.”
Like Hess, Stanley will try to use his 6-5 frame to his advantage.
Stanley is also left-handed, a rarity among high school basketball players.
“He’s a post player but he has a nice touch as well,” Golembiewski said. “As the season goes along, I think he will come into his own. At this point, I don’t think he’s totally sure of his ability, but I really think he will help us underneath.”
Pryor is 5-9 and can play at either guard position.
“He’s very aggressive and one of our leaders on defense,” Golembiewski said. “He’s a hustler and an all-around athlete. I’m really looking for good things from him.”
White and Hunyady are both guards. White is 5-7 while Hunyady is 5-10.
“Andrew’s very competitive,” Golembiewski said. “He’s a got a nice shot and he’s not afraid to shoot it.
“Jimmy’s left-handed, which should be an advantage because he can go right or left. He’s a nice all-around player and he’s not afraid to attack the basket. He can get us a second or maybe even a third shot.”
Green is a six-foot guard who could find himself in the starting lineup, according to Golembiewski.
“He can really shoot the ball well,” Golembiewski said. “He’s very talented. I’m looking forward to him possibly being a starter or first or second off the bench. J.J.’s played a lot of summer ball but he still has to mature. As a freshman, it’s a big step playing varsity ball.”
Beth-Center will compete in Section 4-AA, along with Bentworth, Brownsville, Carmichaels, Charleroi, Frazier and Waynesburg Central.
“Brownsville has one of the top players in Noah Brown,” Golembiewski said. “It’s going to be tough to stop him. Frazier is usually tough and I think we should be right in there.”
Beth-Center opens its season at the Geibel Catholic Tip-Off Tournament Dec. 4. The Bulldogs will face California.
On Dec. 11, Beth-Center opens Section 4-AA play when it hosts Charleroi.
“We have a nice group of ball players,” Golembiewski said. “They’re playing together well and they’re unselfish. We have a lot of options offensively and defensively. We have some height and we have some boys who can handle the ball and shoot well. We should be very competitive.”