BSHS boys basketball preview

Even though the Berkeley Springs High School Boys Basketball Team has worked diligently on installing a new offense since practice began on November 14, they will rely on defense in the early part of the season, according to head coach Jeremy Horvat.

"To be honest with you we will really have to count our defense coming through in the beginning of the season," Horvat said. “It takes longer to install and learn a new offense. We are running a motion offense and it is going to take time for our kids to get comfortable with what we want them to do. Therefore, we have been working hard on our half court defense and are aware that we are going to have to really play solid defense in order to succeed. Our kids are working hard and showing improvement, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and that is a good sign."

The Indians will look to improve on the 8-13 record they posted a year ago, but Horvat isn't making any predictions on the number of wins.

"It is always hard to predict a number of wins, even if you are more familiar with the team and opponents than I am," said the first-year coach. “We have a couple of scrimmages this week, so we will have a little bit better idea of where we stand. I can tell you that the effort has been there. The kids have done everything that coach Kase (Ben Kase) and I have asked. They have been really open to new ideas, excited and are eager to learn. We've only been together a couple of weeks, but we feel as though the kids are improving. I am very anxious to see how we do in our scrimmages. In general, we've been pleased."

Though a starting lineup is not set in stone it looks as though juniors, Jared Spielman and Zach Wise, are a good bet to start in the back court, with seniors Derrick Cowles and Brady Spielman likely to start at the three and four spots, respectively. Michael Twigg (Sr.), a transfer from Paw Paw, Ryan Tyser (Sr.) and junior Richard Recio are battling it out for the fifth starting position, while Kaleb Athey (Jr.) is another to keep your eye on in the back court.

Matt Walters (12), Brady Smith (12) and Dylan Whipple (12), Kyle Appel (11), BJ Michael (11), Dalton Redick (10), Michael Kearney (10), Tyler Zinzow (10), Jake Truax (10) and Brandon Malone (10) complete the Berkeley Springs roster.

Asked if there was something in particular that the team could improve on, Horvat said, that he would like to see better ball movement and spacing on offense.

"It is part of the learning process," Horvat said of the ball movement and spacing. “Even though some of the things we will do this year might be similar to what the kids have done in the past, there are differences in the way we want to execute the offense. Like I said, I see some progress. The kids are learning, but it is a process."

Horvat will be assisted by Ben Kase. Kase, who teaches at the high school, was an assistant two years ago.

"Coach Kase has been fantastic," said Horvat. “He knows the kids and relates to them well. He is an asset and I am glad he is part of the staff."

Fans will get an opportunity to see the new-look Tribe when they open the season at home, on December 6, against Highland View Academy.