Our boys’ basketball team kicked off their season on November 20th with their first practice back.
Going into this season, our boys’ basketball team faces adversity with an inexperienced team after losing eight players in total, six of them being seniors, and two varsity starters who transferred out of Park.
“We had a good season, but we obviously graduated a lot, six seniors, lost eight players in total, but we kept the schedule the same. There are a few new opponents on it, but we’re still playing Parkersburg South, Spring Mills, Morgantown, St. Clairsville, and rivals, Brooke and John Marshall, so it’s very similar. We picked up George Washington. We’re going to play Marietta at Marietta College. The girls and us are going down for a little holiday classic for that. We are Wheeling Park, we’re supposed to play a good schedule. Just because we lost a lot of kids, we’re not going to change that, “ said Coach Jebbia.
Despite losing a handful of players, our boys will not let that affect their mindset.
“I think a lot of guys are going to step up and we are going to have a good season. I have been shooting and lifting every day. By looking at our team this year, we might not have the most athletic or skilled players, but not one team out there is going to work harder than us,” said JD Williams, junior on the varsity team.
Kolten Whitmire is one of the few returning varsity players, and he is looking forward to a great season.
“I think this season will go pretty well, even though we are a young team with only one senior, there are going to be opportunities for people to step up and show what they’ve got. Our team goal I’d say is to continue to improve each and every game and practice. Another goal is to play in the OVAC championship and make it down to the state tournament. My personal goals are to push my teammates day in and day out and try to be the best teammate I can be,” said Whitmire.
Kolten and JD started a team TikTok account to build team chemistry off the floor. It is full of fun memories and dances.
“I believe our good team chemistry on and off the floor will take us a long way,” said Whitmire.
“The best teams are player-led teams, so when the kids can hold each other accountable and stay positive with each other, it’s a good thing, “ said Coach Jebbia
The lonesome senior is Nate Simon. Simon is returning from a two-year break from basketball.
“We have one senior, Nate Simon. The two players who played the most last year were JD Williams and Josh Hoffman, they’re obviously returning. Kolton Whitmire will step in and play some too, and then Sincear Galberth is another junior, so we have a good junior class. There are going to be ups and downs, just like there are with any season, but I think as these kids gain experience and continue to grow and get better each week, I think it can be a good season. They just need some game experience,” said Coach Jeb.
Their home opener is the annual Sam Andy Classic Friday, December 13th at Wesbanco Arena versus Brooke at 8 p.m. Coach Jebbia is assisted by Gene Ammirante.
