BLACKSVILLE — There are about a hundred things you can learn to become a better high school basketball player, everything from agility and strength training techniques to expanding your jump shot range and ball handling skills to mastering the intricacies of the 2-3 zone defense.
However, there is something very useful that cannot be taught, something the Clay-Battelle boys’ team already has in place, and in abundance.
Length.
“We will routinely have a starting five that goes 6-8, 6-6, 6-5, 6-3, and 6-0, said 12th-year head coach Josh Kisner. “That’s really big, especially for Class A in this state, and we certainly plan on taking full advantage of our size as much as we can. We’ll pound the ball down low and then go low to high if teams decide to sag back in the paint. I’m pretty sure that, for some teams, we’re going to be a nightmare to match up against.”
Of course, just because you’re tall doesn’t mean you can play, but the CeeBees have a nice mix of senior backcourt leadership and young, athletic post players, all of whom have accumulated plenty of varsity experience.
“Sometimes, the bigger players aren’t as polished, especially if they’re underclassmen,” explained senior point guard Carson Shriver. “But we have a sophomore, Preston Luzader, and a junior, Colby Barr, who both started all last season. They both averaged a double-double, and they both expanded their games over the summer. They worked on their post moves, improved their mid-range and their three-point shots, and got bigger and stronger, too.
“We got to know each other well last year,” he continued. “So the communication on offense will be even better, I believe. If we take care of our business and stay healthy and out of foul trouble, we’re gonna be tough to beat.”
Anticipating the strength of his team, and in an attempt to prepare for a potential trip to Charleston for the State tournament, Kisner has built a challenging schedule, including an early-season tournament against three Class AAA teams, as well as match-ups against several of last year’s Class A State qualifiers.
“Unlike most other high school sports like football, the regular season in basketball is in reality just a series of pre-season games to get you ready for the post-season,” Kisner explained. “We want to push this team to grow and improve throughout the year so that we’re ready to go at Tournament time.
“After all,” he concluded with a knowing smile, “everything looks great on paper, but just because your half-court offense allows you to kick the ball out to wide-open shooters all night doesn’t mean they’re going to knock them down. We have a good chance to be a good team, but execution will be a big key for us. We’re very excited to begin the journey.”
Shriver is joined by Kohlton StClair, Adam Kolat, Matthew Gadd and Logan Knechtel in the five-man senior class. Barr and JC Spears are the lone juniors while Luzader and Broke White make up the sophomores. There are six freshmen on the roster as well.
BY MARK SCHRAF
TWEET — @DomPostSports
