Experienced, deep Buckeye Trail boys squad has high expectations for season

OLD WASHINGTON −Buckeye Trail head coach Gregg Strasser enters year two leading the Warriors boys basketball program, and with a total of seven lettermen back in the fold.

And with that veteran experience back, along with an 11 man varsity roster he believes can all contribute. Strasser has high hopes his Trail squad will be able to improve upon last year's 10-14 record.

"We have everybody back except Franko Rome from last year," Strasser explained. "So we return four starters from last year, so having all that experience back is huge. Plus our JV team was 20-1 last year and we have those guys to add to the mix."

"So we are definitely excited for this year," Strasser added. "I really feel all 11 guys we have on varsity can play and contribute this year. That's a really good feeling, to have confidence in your entire roster that they can do the job if called upon."

Leading the returning veterans are a trio of senior 3-year letter winners in Garrett Burga (6-5, P), Tyler Dodd (5-11, G) and Isaac Beaver (6-0, G).

"All three of those guys just have so much experience, just played a lot of basketball for us," Strasser offered. "All three have really stepped up and became great leaders. Talking and encouraging the younger guys, and along with being more vocal leaders. They are leaders by example with the way they work."

Burga is the leading returning scorer at 13 points per game along with 7 rebounds per outing which earned him Second Team Eastern District, First Team District 12 and Second Team All-IVC honors last year.

"Garrett carried a lot of the scoring and rebounding load last year for us," Strasser explained. "And we are looking for him to do that again this year. He has worked all summer to expand his game, playing both inside and outside. He's really taking a big step forward into a leadership role, being more vocal which I feel is huge for us."

Dodd and Beaver will handle ball handling duties and each are deadly three-point shooting threats for Buckeye Trail.

"Isaac has worked hard all summer as well. He's really off to a super start, just playing really well and shooting the ball well," Strasser said. "He's just a hard working kid who you know will also give you his best effort. Expecting big things from him this year."

"Tyler missed all football season with a foot injury," Strasser stated. "He just got cleared to play a few days ago, so he's just now getting back into the flow. And having him back out there is just a huge plus, Tyler is one of toughest and hard working kids I've ever been around."

Two-year lettermen back are junior Charlie Parry (6-3, W) who had a solid season a year ago and Donovan Geiger (6-3, W) who battled injuries last year and missed almost the entire season.

Parry put up roughly 7.0 ppg along with around 7 rebounds and earned Second Team District 12, Eastern District Special Mention and Honorable Mention All-IVC honors.

"Charlie is our energy out on the floor, he just brings it all the time," Strasser explained. "He really controls the paint for us, and just had a really good season last year. He's been working hard all summer also, he's quicker and stronger. And has worked on his offensive game as well. Expect him to have another big year for us also."

Strasser feels getting Geiger back healthy will be a big plus for this season, and looks forward to him providing a big boost.

"Donovan missed all last year after lettering as a freshman. He led the team in rebounding that year," Strasser said. "So getting him back healthy is going to make a big difference. Because nobody knows about him, because he was out all year. He's just a game-changer, very athletic and he can do it all. Very excited to have Donovan back healthy this year."

Juniors Koen Eagon (5-9, G) and Brady Hastings (6-3, W) each lettered last season as sophomores and return expected to fill larger roles this season.

"Koen is filling a need at the guard position, he will handle the ball some for us," Strasser said. "He will be running the point and pushing the ball up for us at times. Koen is very athletic kid who plays hard, and really likes to compete. We are looking for big things from him this year."

Coming off solid seasons on the JV team with that 20-1 record last year are juniors Gavin Rome (6-1, G), Janson Alloway (6-0, G), Jett Giesey (6-0, G) and Wyatt Tank (6-0, W) who complete the varsity roster.

"Those guys up from the JV team are getting lots of experience right now," Strasser continued. "They all had really good years last year, and I feel will be able to help us this year. Expect those guys to get comfortable and gain some confidence as we get started on the season. They will all get an opportunity to contribute, as I said earlier I have confidence in all 11 of my guys."

Buckeye Trail's JV team consists of freshman Kyer Eagon, sophomores Blake Wayble, Austin Hastings, Kohl Beaver, Travis Dodd, Mason McQuain, Laine Wayble, Rylee Homko, Jace Hickman and Ty McClumphy.

Strasser's varsity coaching staff will include Tom Strasser, Woody Biggs, John Rome, Terry Parry, and in place at the junior high are Trey Dougherty at 7th grade and Logan McVicker with the 8th grade team.

Buckeye Trail opened the season with a 71-53 loss to Caldwell, and will look for their first win of the year on Friday at Barnesville at 6 p.m. with JV action.

kstutton1@gannett.com; 1-330-806-5692.