Local Sports, Sports

Antonio Rollo major factor in Mohigans’ continued success

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — On a team that appears to be well on its way to another state tournament appearance with a chance to win it all, Antonio Rollo is one of the last off the bench for Morgantown High, but that’s not a bad thing with this edition of the Mohigans.

MHS is off to a 10-1 start and will likely climb to either No. 1 or No. 2 in the AP poll after beating No. 1 University on Wednesday. Rollo’s appearance in the box score won’t wow many — his only make was a 3-pointer — but he was just as important as anyone in the Mohigans’ 67-65 win.

Trailing by as many as 13 points in the first half, it was Rollo who helped MHS get back on track.

“He sparked our comeback,” coach Dave Tallman said. “He made a big steal, followed by a great assist. Then he hit a big three to put us ahead. He also did a great job of helping Mac [McMillen] and Xavier [Pryor] with double teams on Kaden [Metheny].”

It’s those small things that Rollo does that make him valuable, and he’s just one off seven deep that regularly come off the bench for the Mohigans. Their depth is a big reason for the stellar start, and Rollo, a senior guard, knows what his role is.

Even in his last year of high school basketball, he’s accepted that he can help his team most by giving good minutes off the bench.

“I feel like I give quality minutes off the bench by hitting open threes and playing as hard as I can on defense to make something happen,” Rollo said. “With that, I’m willing to do whatever coach Tallman needs me to do so we can win as a team.”

And win they have — MHS’s lone loss was earlier this month to UHS at home.

Rollo’s positive attitude and work ethic has reflected on the rest of the team, according to Tallman, and it’s a credit to how Rollo carries himself on and off the court.

“Antonio is 100%, 100%, 100% guy,” Tallman said. “He is 100% a great person, 100% a hard worker and 100% great student. I am so happy for him and proud of him. He is one of the most resilient guys I’ve ever been around. He keeps his mouth shut and just works his tail off every day.”

Rollo’s work ethic paid off in the offseason. Tallman believes there is a distinct improvement in his athleticism, which in turn has improved his defense.

“Over the season, I worked a lot on my speed and agility, and I still have a lot of improvement to make,” Rollo said. “But if I do lack speed against a quicker guard, I feel like I can make up for it by playing smart and giving them a step.”

While Rollo’s role is simple, Tallman can’t overstate how important he’s been to MHS’s season and will be down the stretch.

“He’s a great leader by example. He’s a knock-down shooter who has made some big ones for us this year. He worked hard this offseason on his athleticism and has become a pretty solid defender.

“He’s just another guy who we can count on to get the job done when called upon.”

The Mohigans will host No. 5 Martinsburg at 3:15 p.m. Monday with a Martin Luther King Jr. Day early tip.

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