Sports
Federal Hocking Looks to Rebuild
By: Erik Threet
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The Federal Hocking Lancers strut into the 2015-16 campaign with a young team, a new coach and a fresh outlook.
The Lancers find themselves rebuilding for the future notching just 30 wins in the past three seasons. Head coach Jamie Justus is preparing the team for another challenging season, largely due to the team’s young roster. The Lancers return just three seniors.
“We have to have the attitude and effort,” Justus said. “It’s all about respecting the process.”
Federal Hocking started the growing process in their preseason matchup with the River Valley Raiders. Without star senior point guard A.J. Cobb, the Lancers failed to find a flow to their offense. The Raiders forced stops and converted easy buckets in transition as they went on to win the matchup 25-13.
The Lancers missed Cobb’s talent due to a class trip. However, going forward Cobb and center Carter Russell will act as the main pieces fitting together the core of the Lancer puzzle. These two will be important in determining how fast the team grows.
“Playing smart and playing to our skill sets,” Justus explains. “We have to use our athleticism to our advantage.”
They have an opportunity to use their athleticism to get early wins. In the Lancers home opener, they host the Southern Tornadoes. Shortly after, the team travels to compete against the South Gallia Rebels. Both games appear to be winnable for the Lancers, meaning this will be a primetime opportunity to flash their athleticism.
Federal Hocking will open the season on the road against the Nelsonville- York Buckeyes on Nov. 27.