Redskins need new starters to step up

PORT CLINTON — Port Clinton has a new coach, a renovated gym and a big hole to fill in the middle of its lineup. Jared Rhode was elevated to head coach after PC legend Ryan Hicks took a college job. Rhode will lean on talented senior point guard Jackson Beasley to soften the loss of All-SBC big man Adam Thorbahn, who is now playing football at the University of Findlay. Beasley averaged 14.6 points and 7.5 rebounds and shot 55 percent from 2-point range. The athletic point guard already has several NCAA Division III offers and will be the focal point for the Redskins. "He plays at our above the rim and can shoot it well beyond the arc. We run a lot of stuff to get him the ball," Rhode said. "He has put a lot of time into basketball and he's most definitely a college player. He'll be our leader at point guard and play off the ball, too." Beasley made 33 3-pointers and shot 72 percent from the free throw line. The Redskins finished 12-10 overall last season and went 5-5 in the SBC Bay Division. After Beasley, the top returning scorer is 6-foot-4 senior Travis Yarnell, who averaged 3.8 points and 2.5 rebounds off the bench last season. James Crowe is another returning senior who will see plenty of action. "He has the ability to shoot the ball and stretch the floor," Rhode said of Crowe, who, like Yarnell, played in 17 games last season. Senior Eli Cole and junior Noah Knecht also figure to push for starting jobs. Sophomore Aidan Finn, Aidan Haynes and Romney Turner will be other key contributors. "We have a lot of seniors but only a few have a lot of varsity experience," Rhode said. "They just played behind good players. They worked hard and this year is their time to show they are capable players." The Redskins don't have a lot of experience, but they do have good size. "There's a chance we can start five guys who are all 6-2 or bigger," Rhode said. "We'll mix in some zone when our personnel dictates that." Replacing Thorbahn, who led PC in scoring, rebounding and assists, won't be easy. "He's a great leader and I'm certainly proud to have coached him," Rhode said. "He set a great example for these kids to follow. While we'll miss him, I hope we can fill his role with a number of different players." Owen Auxter, Cam Gillum and Nolan Chambers also were part of a strong senior class last season. PC's gym got an impressive makeover with a new floor, fresh paint and bleachers. "Our new gym is beautiful. We have maybe the best facilities in the league," Rhode said. Willard and Margaretta will be the favorites in the Bay, but Rhode hopes his Redskins are competitive. "We know there are two very good teams in this league, but we expect to win some games," he said. "We're focused on establishing a culture of hard work, accountability and pride in our program. Anything less is unacceptable. In time, that will take care of itself." No. Name Pos. Ht. Yr. 1 Kyle Biers G 5-9 12 3 Josh Oliver F 6-1 12 5 Jackson Beasley G 6-2 12 11 Deshaun Glimmer G 5-11 12 15 Tre Armenderiz G 5-10 10 21 Romney Turner F 6-211 23 Noah Knecht F 6-1 11 25 Kyle Abernathy F 6-1 10 31 James Crowe G 6-2 12 33 Aiden Haynes F 6-1 11 35 Travis Yarnell C 6-4 12 41 Aiden Finn F 6-2 10 43 Dylan Bolyard F 6-1 12 51 Eli Cole F 6-1 12