Sports
Athens Boys Preview: Bulldogs Look to Get Back Over .500
< < Back toAfter finishing the season 8-12 last season, head coach Jeff Skinner and the Athens Bulldogs basketball team are looking improve in their 4th place finish in the TVC-Ohio conference last year. They were 5-5 against TVC-Ohio opponents. The Bulldogs will have their first scrimmage on November 25th against Shrine. The first game of the season will take place on December 2nd, against Morgan High School. Last year, they defeated Morgan in their first game 61-51.
Last year, 7 players were lost to the graduating class, leaving big shoes to fill for the underclassman. 2 incoming freshmen, Joey Burrow and Ryan Leurhman, are coming in at 6’2 and 6’3 respectively. Last year the team consisted of seven seniors and six juniors. Coach Skinner had strengthened his roster this year by adding two freshmen and one sophomore while keeping five juniors and seniors each. Having ten upperclassman with experience will help demonstrate leadership to the underclassman. Ten players on the roster are standing at six feet tall or taller. The combination of athletic talent and height on this team will help contribute to success.
One player that will be especially hard to replace is Dean Maffin. Maffin was their starting shooting guard and team captain last year. Covering the point guard position this year will be Devon Sharp. Sharp is a returning started and will be a huge asset to the team this year. He is an excellent player and has the athletic talent to help lead the team to victory. Joshua Skinner is also a returning starter, but his playing time will be limited due to a football injury. The team has great depth within their roster and is looking to lead to an exciting season for the Bulldogs.