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Free
throw shooting and getting the legs in shape with some
conditioning was just a part of the
day of basketball practice at
Franklin Monroe Monday. CNO Photos by George Starks.
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Area teams gearing up
for basketball
By George Starks
PITSBURG - Basketball season is right around the corner as teams across
the state as well as Darke County is preparing to get things going.
With last Friday being the first day of practice for the girls, this
Friday will be the first official day for the boys teams.
The season for four girls teams starts the day after Thanksgiving as
FM, Ansonia and Arcanum will roll into Tri-Village for the Bill Burkett
Tournament.
“That’s the day we all mark on our calendars,” said former FM standout
and now assistant coach Mara Howell. “We all look forward to that
night.”
At Franklin Monroe, the look for the Lady Jets will be different as
Gavin Spitler has been hired as the new head coach, replacing Ned Gray.
“Gavin is introducing a whole new offense,” said Howell. “Right now, we
are working on the fundamentals and some new plays.”
With 18 girls going out for basketball, Spitler and his staff has
plenty to look over talent wise.
Last year, the Jets finished 7-5 in the Cross County Conference and
9-10 overall.
“We aren’t looking at last year,” Howell stated. “This is a new group
of coaches and a brand new year. We want to be the best and we’re going
to strive to be the best.”
The Jets will feature a new freshman, standing 6-2 in the post.
“We have a little bit of height,” said Howell. “We hope to be stronger
in the post.”
While it’s way to early for coaches to have determined their varsity
teams, all coaches want to put their five best on the floor. With last
years teams a memory and a new season about to unfold, the CCC will be
looking at Tri-Village, as the Patriots went undefeated last year to
win the conference.
The start of the Burkett will have the junior varsity games starting at
12:30 on Friday the 25th while the varsity portion will get underway at
6 p.m.
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