http://66.213.69.5/files/original/736cf130fb3c0d45efe5eb7ff02c8ee8.pdf ce9a3eca8d309314dd704e2c26c6aeb8 PDF Text Text The meaning of baptism Cold, mostly cloudy Eastern at Fed Hock CHURCH s 4 WEATHER s 5 SPORTS s 6 C_ZZb[fehjšFec[heo"�E^_e Breaking news at mydailysentinel.com Issue 197, Volume 70 Friday, December 9, 2016 s 50¢ Pomeroy approves Christmas bonuses By Michael Hart Special to the Sentinel POMEROY — Pomeroy Village Council reviewed candidates and resumes, cost saving measures, and emergency infrastructure fixes during its Dec. 5 meeting. Early in the agenda, council members held an executive session to interview a candidate for Village Administrator. Giving her input on the position, Clerk Sue Baker pointed to positive experiences with some previous administrators and their emphasis on well managed systems. “It’s night and day,” she said. “The difference they can make — in compliance, asset management, money they can save, employees working the way they should,” all make the position critical to the Village. Prior to the Dec. 5 meeting, Acting Police Chief Jim Webster and Mayor Bryan Shank requested the office manager of the Pome- roy Police Department seek a replacement for a recently resigned dispatch position. The final candidate’s resume was reviewed by the council, and they moved to confirm the hiring Jess Anne Black. Acting Chief Webster informed the council training and expected changes in employee availability might create scheduling difficulties, so the office manager was given discretion to pursue further hirings. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to business brought by council members. Pomeroy Village intended to distribute $100 holiday bonuses to employees, and Councilperson Ruth Spaun asked if the specific dollar amount affected tax calculations — for example, whether a bonus of $99 versus $100 could accidentally result in less actual money for employees. Council discussed and confirmed the taxed percentage would not change, though Council- man Phil Ohlinger suggested raising the bonuses a nominal amount to offset any taxes. A figure of $105.55 was decided upon to guarantee a flat $100 will be received by employees. “I am just glad to be able to give them this year, as opposed to some other years,” said Councilwoman Maureen Hennessy, who supported the offsetting increase. Hennessy requested a rundown of certain December expenses, which spiked somewhat from previous months. Shank determined some of the costs came from en masse annual and biannual maintenance of county vehicles. While visiting the topic of the village garage, Ohlinger distributed information on modern space heaters for potential use in the building. An aging gas heater is currently utilized, and incurs significant cost most months in winter in Ohio. See BONUSES | 3 John Glenn dies at 95 By Seth Borenstein AP Science Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — John Glenn, whose 1962 flight as the first U.S. astronaut to orbit the Earth made him an all-American hero and propelled him to a long career in the U.S. Senate, died Thursday. The last survivor of the original Mercury 7 astronauts was 95. Glenn died at the James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, where he was hospitalized for more than a week, said Hank Wilson, communications director for the John Glenn School of Public Affairs. John Herschel Glenn Jr. had two major career paths that often intersected: flying and politics, and he soared in both of them. Before he gained fame orbiting the world, he was a fighter pilot in two wars, and as a test pilot, he set a transcontinental speed record. He later served 24 years in the Senate from Ohio. A rare setback was a failed 1984 run for the Democratic presidential nomination. His long political career enabled him to return to space in the shuttle Discovery at age 77 in 1998, a cosmic victory lap that he relished and turned into a teachable moment about growing old. He holds the record for the oldest person in space. More than anything, Glenn was the ultimate and uniquely American space hero: a combat veteran with an easy smile, a strong marriage of 70 years and nerves of steel. Schools, a space center and the Columbus airport were named after him. So were children. The Soviet Union leaped ahead in space exploration by putting the Sputnik 1 satellite in orbit in 1957, and then launched the first man in space, cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, in a 108-minute orbital flight on April 12, 1961. After two suborbital flights by Alan Shepard Jr. and Gus Grissom, it was up to Glenn to be the first American to orbit the Earth. “Godspeed, John Glenn,” fellow astronaut Scott Carpenter radioed just before Glenn thundered See GLENN | 3 INDEX Obituary: 2 News: 3 Church: 4 Weather: 5 Sports: 6 Classifieds: 8 Comics: 9 Church Directory: 10 Mindy Kearns | Courtesy The newly formed Wahama High School Glee Club was one of many groups performing at the annual Bend Area C.A.R.E. Christmas Concert Sunday. The benefit event raised over $800 to help area families in need, and will be used for both gifts and meals. Showing C.A.R.E. at Christmas Annual event raises over $800 for local families By Mindy Kearns Special to the Register BEND AREA — Hundreds of people turned out Sunday to hear the sounds of the season, when the annual Bend Area C.A.R.E. Christmas Concert was held at Wahama High School. But just as important as the entertainment, if not more so, was the over $800 the benefit raised to help area families in need. All proceeds from the concert went to the C.A.R.E. organiza- tion’s “Kids for Christmas” program. The money will be used to help purchase both gifts and meals. The afternoon began with selections by the New Haven Elementary School (NHES) combined fifth and sixth grade band, under the direction of Emily Hall. The group played “Up on the Housetop,” “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” and “Jingle Bells.” “Joy to the World” was the tune performed by members of the Tiger Music Orff Ensemble of NHES, under the direction of both Kimberly Bond and Rachel Reynolds. Mary Roush, Connor Bumgarner, Abby Taylor and Lexi Layne were all soloists featured in the newly formed Wahama Glee Club. The group performed a portion of its holiday program, “Christmas on Broadway.” Under the direction of Rachel Reynolds, she noted that the group is available to perform the Christmas show at company and organiza- tion gatherings. Kimberly Bond led the NHES Chorus in several tunes, including “African Noel,” “O Arbol De Navidad,” “The Festival,” and “Joy to the World.” Their traditional German carol of “O Come Little Children” featured Carson Gibbs and Mikie Lieving on the recorder. The Wahama concert band, also under the direction of Emily Hall, presented the songs “Fireside Christmas,” “Carol of the Bells,” and “Silver Bells.” The finale was a special See EVENT | 3 GPD salutes passed K9 officer By Dean Wright deanwright@civitasmedia.com JOIN THE CONVERSATION What’s your take on today’s news? Go to mydailysentinel. com and visit us on facebook to share your thoughts. GALLIPOLIS — Gallipolis Police Department said goodbye to its first and arguably most beloved canine officer Friday afternoon as the year ends and a new year and chapter begins for his handler. Virago was roughly 16-and-a-half years old before taking his last cruiser ride and receiving a salute from fellow officers in front of the Gallipolis Justice Center after passing on. According to current Gallipolis City Commissioner and past Gallipolis Police Chief Roger Brandeberry, Virago was “the best employee” he ever had. Virago was reportedly active for 11 years of service. Gallia County SheriffElect and Gallipolis Police Officer Lt. Matt Champlin served as Virago’s handler and partner and is currently undergoing training with the Courtesy photo See K9 | 3 Virago stands overlooking the town of Gallipolis. �OBITUARIES/LOCAL 2 Friday, December 9, 2016 MICHAEL TABLER POMEROY — Michael Tabler, 48 of Pomeroy, Ohio, passed away on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 at the Meigs Emergency Department in Pomeroy. He was born on Aug. 17, 1968, in Columbus, Ohio, to Priscilla (Scott) Tabler and the late George Tabler. Michael worked as a nurses aide and a landscaper in the Pomeroy area. He is survived by his mother, Priscilla Tabler; brother, Juan Tabler; four children, Michael A.T. MEIGS COUNTY BRIEFS Tabler, Isaiah Tabler, Terrance Tabler, Mia Little; and step-son, Jacob Laudermilt. He is preceded in death by his father George Tabler. Visitation will be held from 10-10:45 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, at the Anderson McDaniel Funeral home in Pomeroy. A graveside service will follow at 11 a.m. at the Meigs Memory Gardens. A registry is available at www.andersonmcdaniel.com. GLENN TUCKER RACINE — Glenn Tucker, 72, of Racine, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 7:40 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, in the Holzer Meigs Emergency Department. Born in Hartford West Virginia, on Aug. 19, 1944, to the late Russell and Icie Marie Birchfield Tucker. He was an avid fisherman and loved the outdoors, gardening and hunting. Glenn loved his Lord and Savior and he was a member of the Mt. Moriah Church of God. Glenn is survived by his wife, Anna Lee Childress Tucker; three sons, Rodney Childress, of Nebraska, Randy Tucker, of Racine, and Allen (Deanna) Tucker, of Racine; three grandchildren, Lynzee Tucker, Travis and Lacey Childress; three great-grandchildren, Isaiah and Ithan Childress, and Aden Dillard. Three Sisters, Anna (Wilson) Wolfe, of Racine, Chris (Gary) Hickman, of Lucasville, and Becky (Jim Shirey) Hall, of Sila City, N.C., and several nieces and nephews and a host of friends also survive. In addition to his parents, Glenn is preceded in death by his son, Roscoe Childress; two sisters, Bonnie Walker and Cynthia Capehart; six brothers, Rusty Tucker, Gil Tucker, Bob Tucker, Terry Tucker, Bo Tucker, and Gary Tucker; and two grandchildren. In keeping with his wishes there will be no funeral services. A gathering of friends will be from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 11, 2016, at the CremeensKing Funeral Home, Racine. Burial will be in the Letart Falls Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in his memory to the Mt. Moriah Church of God, 26291 Mile Hill Rd, Racine, Ohio 45771. MARK ZIELINSKI BIDWELL — Mark P. Zielinski, 65, Bidwell, Ohio passed away Monday, December 5, 2016 at his residence. He was born January 16, 1951 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, son of the late Raymond and Anita (Kochanski) Zielinski. Mark was a United States Marine Corp veteran, an iron worker and carpenter by trade and an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, trapping and fishing. Whether fishing in the Sebastian Inlet or ginseng hunting in the hills of Ohio, he had a great respect and understanding of the outdoors. Mark was a simple man who took pride in caring for his chickens, homing pigeons and his beloved dogs. He had a gentle, generous soul and took pride in helping his friends and neighbors. His witty sense of humor and intellect could light up a room. He was loving, caring and compassionate. He will be missed terribly by all who knew him, especially his children. He is survived by his children: Anita (Brian Bean) Zielinski-Bean; Scott (Amy Beech) Zielinski; Jennifer (Corey) Longstreth and Ashley Zielinski; five grandchildren; brothers: Paul (Sharen Fulmer) Zielinski and John Zielinski; special nephew, Graeme Zielinski and very special friends: Tim and Jamie Bartee and Justin White. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Peter Zielinski. Memorial services will be noon, Saturday, December 10, 2016 at First Southern Baptist Church, 41872 Pomeroy Pike, Pomeroy, Ohio. Cremation services are under the direction of the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, Gallipolis, Ohio who is honored to serve the Zielinski Family. Comforting messages may be sent to the family at www.mccoymoore.com Singer Greg Lake dies LONDON (AP) — Musician Greg Lake cofounded both King Crimson and Emerson, Lake and Palmer — bands that helped define the sprawling, influential but oftenmaligned genre known as progressive rock. Lake, who died of cancer at 69, was instrumental in bringing classical influences, epic length, mythic scope and 1970s excess into rock ‘n’ roll, winning millions of fans before punk swept in and spoiled the party. Manager Stewart Young said in a statement that Lake died Wednesday after “a long and stubborn battle with cancer.” In Loving Memory of our Wonderful Mother and Grandmother, 60694680 Ada Emma Swan Bissell On her birthday, December 9, You’re always in our hearts and thoughts. We miss you and love you always. Tom, Janet, Tom, Courtney, Jackson and Eden Daily Sentinel merchant support. Judging will be completed by a non-member. RUTLAND — The Village of Rutland will host a craft and vendor show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the Holiday Events Rutland Civic Center. An MIDDLEPORT — Santa will be at the Mid- open house will also take place from 4-7 p.m. dleport Police DepartRUTLAND — The Vilment from noon-2 p.m. on Dec. 10 and 5-7 p.m. lage of Rutland will host on Dec. 14. Cookies and a Middle School Dance at the Rutland Civic drinks will be served. A mailbox will be set up in Center from 7-10 p.m. on Dec. 16. The dance is the main lobby for anyone wishing to mail a let- for grades 6-8 and admister to Santa at the North sion is $2. Concessions Pole. Santa will reply to will be available and a each letter placed in the uniformed officer will be on duty at the event. box. In addition, new Children must be signed toys will be collected to out by an adult. be given to the Meigs MIDDLEPORT — County Department of Job and Family Services. Youth Christmas Play, “Tis the Season”, to be RACINE — Carmelperformed on Sunday, Sutton United MethodDec. 18, at 6:30 p.m. at ist Church will hold its Ash Street Church in annual Live Nativity Middleport, Ohio. Come from 6-8 p.m. on Satshare the evening with urday, Dec. 10 at the us. Leanna Beegle Farm, East of Racine, Ohio, on Tornado Road. Light Fruit Baskets refreshments available. POMEROY — Drew The event is free to the Webster #39 of the public. Signs will be American Legion Pomeposted for directions. roy is taking orders RUTLAND — The fro fruit baskets. Fruit Rutland Village Lighting baskets are $15 each and Contest will be judged will be delivered on Dec. beginning at 6 p.m. on 18. Proceeds benefit Dec. 16. Prizes will be local veterans. To order awarded in three catego- call John Hood 740-992ries: Lighted entrance 6991 or Steve VanMeter way; Religious theme; 740-992-2875. and Non-religious theme. No mixture of religious Red Cross, Fire Department and non-religious will smoke detector program be considered. Location MIDDLEPORT — of coverage in Rutland Volunteer firefighters Village go from the and Red Cross volDean Harris property on unteers will be going Salem Street, and follow- door-to-door in the ing Main street through Middleport area on Satthe village to the old urday, Dec. 10 beginning hilltop grocery. Coverage in mid-morning. The on New Lima Road to firefighters will offer to the Joe Bolin Property install free smoke alarms and on Depot Street to to residents, and Red the Bill Nicholson prop- Cross volunteers will erty. This is sponsored have information on fire by the Rutland Friendly safety and the best plans Gardeners with local to evacuate in case of a Editor’s Note: The Meigs Briefs will only list event information that is open to the public and will be printed on a space-available basis. house fire. This is a free program offered by the American Red Cross and area fire departments. In case of a house fire, residents have only a few moments to escape, and the sounding of a smoke alarm can give people notice and help save lives. Residents not visited on Dec. 10 can call the Red Cross at 740593-5273 to request the information and smoke alarms. A volunteer will visit as time allows. Plat Books available POMEROY — Meigs County 4-H Committee has Plat Books for sale for $25. Funds support the 4-H program in the county by providing funds for supplies, camp and college scholarships, learning opportunities and more. To purchase a Plat Book, you can stop by the Extension Office on Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., mail $30 (for book, shipping & handling) to Meigs County 4-H Committee, 113 East Memorial Dr, Suite E, Pomeroy, OH 45769 or visit the Meigs County Recorder’s Office in the Court House. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Stumbo, Meigs County 4-H Youth Development Educator, at stumbo.5@osu.edu or 740-992-6696. Immunization Clinic POMEROY — The Meigs County Health Department will conduct an Immunization Clinic from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. on Tuesdays at 112 E. Memorial Drive in Pomeroy. Please bring child(ren)’s shot records. Children must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian. A $15 donation is appreciated for immunization administration; however, no one will be denied services because of an inability to pay an administration fee for state-funded childhood vaccines. Please bring medical cards and/or commercial insurance cards, if applicable. Zostavax (shingles); pneumonia ; influenza vaccines are also available. Call for eligibility determination and availability or visit our website at www. meigs-health.com to see a list of accepted commercial insurances and Medicaid for adults. Chili Dinner POMEROY — An all you can eat chili dinner will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11 at Court Street Grill to benefit the Pomeroy Blues and Jazz Society. Menu will include chili, hot dogs, sauce, sloppy joes, peanut butter sandwiches and desserts. Holiday Concert MIDDLEPORT — Riverbend Arts Council, 290 N. 2nd Ave., Middleport, Ohio, will present the band, “RIVERJAM”, playing the sounds of the 60’s and 70’s, Big Band Music, and Holiday Favorites from 7-10 p.m. on Dec. 17. Refreshments included. Tickets are on sale at King Hardware, Middleport and Clark’s Jewelry Store, Pomeroy and at the door. Singles are $15 and Couples are $25. Red Cross Blood Drives LANGSVILLE — Dec. 21 from 1-6:30 p.m. at Star Grange 778, 35300 Salem School Lot Road. POMEROY — Dec. 28 from 1-6:30 p.m., Mulberry Community Center, 260 Mulberry Avenue. MIDDLEPORT — Dec. 30 from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Church of Christ Family Life Center, 437 Main Street. Wahama Concert Choir invited to capitol By Mindy Kearns The Wahama choir will be singing “Ding Dong! Merrily on High,” “A Christmas Lullaby,” MASON — The “Dark is the Silent Wahama High School Concert Choir has been Night,” “Enniscorthy Carol,” and “Eternal chosen as one of 14 Father Strong to Save.” groups to perform SatReynolds said the choir urday in Charleston as part of the “First Lady’s was chosen as the result of a lengthy application Festival of Songs.” process and was notiThe free concert will take place from 10 a.m. fied of their acceptance to 4 p.m. in the Culture earlier this month. The complete schedCenter Theater at the ule includes: 10 a.m. State Capitol. Under Welcome – Commisthe direction of Rachel sioner Randall Reid Reynolds, the Wahama Smith; 10:05 a.m. First choir will perform at Lady Joanne Jaeger 10:50 a.m. Tomblin; 10:10 a.m. The festival, sponAppalachian Children’s sored by the West Chorus; 10:30 a.m. Virginia Division Cabell Midland High of Culture and History (WVDCH) and the School Collegium Musicum; 10:50 a.m. West Virginia Higher Wahama Junior/Senior Education Policy ComHigh School Concert mission, will be taped as part of a special part- Choir; 11:10 a.m. Lewis County High nership with the West School Minutemen Virginia Library Commission. It will then air Melodics; 11:30 a.m. Shady Spring Middle Christmas morning on Library Channel televi- School Choir; 11:50 a.m. George Washingsion stations throughton High School Unacout the state. companied Minors; First Lady Joanne 12:10 Intermission; 1 Jaeger Tomblin and WVDCH Commissioner p.m. Welcome – ComRandall Reid-Smith will missioner Randall speak to begin the pro- Reid-Smith; 1:05 p.m. First Lady Joanne Jaegram. ger Tomblin; 1:10 p.m. “Each year, I am Preston High School delighted to join ComMadrigal Choir; 1:30 missioner Randall Reid-Smith and the staff p.m. Chapmanville Regional High School at the Culture Center Chamber and Concert to celebrate the joy of Choirs; 1:50 p.m. Tolmusic,” said Tomblin. sia High School Choir “This event brings and Select Ensemble; excitement to the holiday season with perfor- 2:10 p.m. Woodrow Wilson High School mances that showcase Theatre Performance/ the spirit and talent of Vocal Ensemble; 2:30 our state’s youth citip.m. Intermission; 2:50 zens.” Special to the Register Mindy Kearns/Courtesy The Wahama High School Concert Choir, under the direction of Rachel Reynolds, has been chosen to perform at the “First Lady’s Festival of Songs,” Saturday in the Culture Center Theater at the State Capitol in Charleston. The local choir will perform at 10:50 a.m. p.m. Mingo Central Comprehensive High School Central Singers Women’s Ensemble; 3:10 p.m. Capital High School VIPs; 3:30 p.m. Mingo Central Comprehensive High School Central Singers Mixed Ensemble; 3:50 p.m. Cabell Midland High School Rhythm in Red. (Information for this article was partially provided through a press release by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.) Civitas Media, LLC (USPS 436-840) Telephone: 740-992-2155 Publishes every Sunday and Tuesday through Friday. Subscription rate is $131.61 per year. Prices are subject to change at any time. CONTACT US PUBLISHER Bud Hunt, Ext. 2109 bhunt@civitasmedia.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Julia Schultz, Ext. 2104 jschultz@civitasmedia.com EDITOR Beth Sergent, Ext. 1992 bsergent@civitasmedia.com CIRCULATION MANAGER Tyler Wolfe, Ext. 2092 twolfe@civitasmedia.com MANAGING EDITOR Sarah Hawley, Ext. 2555 shawley@civitasmedia.com SPORTS EDITOR Bryan Walters, Ext. 2101 bwalters@civitasmedia.com 111 Court St., Pomeroy, OH, 45769 Periodical postage paid at Pomeroy, OH POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Daily Sentinel, 111 Court St., Pomeroy, OH, 45769. �LOCAL Daily Sentinel Friday, December 9, 2016 3 AP Photo | Jay LaPrete U.S. Sen. John Glenn talks with astronauts on the International Space Station via satellite before a discussion titled “Learning from the Past to Innovate for the Future” in Columbus, Ohio in 2012. Glenn, who was the first U.S. astronaut to orbit Earth and later spent 24 years representing Ohio in the Senate, has died at 95. Glenn those same sensations I had back in those days during launch and all.” Glenn said he was From page 1 often asked if he was afraid, and he replied, off a Cape Canav“If you are talking about eral launch pad, now a National Historic Land- fear that overcomes mark, to a place America what you are supposed to do, no. You’ve trained had never been. At the very hard for those time of that Feb. 20, flights.” 1962, flight, Glenn was Glenn’s ride in the 40 years old. cramped Friendship 7 With the all-business capsule had its scary phrase, “Roger, the moments, however. Senclock is operating, we’re underway,” Glenn sors showed his heat shield was loose after radioed to Earth as he three orbits, and Misstarted his 4 hours, 55 minutes and 23 seconds sion Control worried he might burn up during in space. Years later, he re-entry when temexplained he said that peratures reached 3,000 because he didn’t feel like he had lifted off and degrees. But the heat shield held. it was the only way he Even before then, knew he had launched. Glenn flew in dangerous During the flight, skies. He was a fighter Glenn uttered a phrase that he would repeat fre- pilot in World War II quently throughout life: and Korea who flew low, “Zero G, and I feel fine.” got his plane riddled “It still seems so vivid with bullets, flew with baseball great Ted Wilto me,” Glenn said in a 2012 interview with The liams and earned macho Associated Press on the nicknames during 149 combat missions. And 50th anniversary of the as a test pilot he broke flight. “I still can sort aviation records. of pseudo feel some of K9 Malinois and purchased from a kennel in Holland in Europe. He was named after the Yamaha From page 1 Virago motorcycle for his high speed personalstate before finally ity. Champlin noted that swearing in as the new Virago was exceptional Gallia County Sheriff for 2017. Champlin said in his abilities in both the patrol and narcothe served a year-andics detection aspects of a-half on the road as a policing. He said canine patrolman and started units typically have with the department in strong aspects in one Sept. 1999. Champlin or the other and Virago acquired Virago in Feb. excelled in both. 2001, went to training “Probably the two in March of that year most notable seizures I and certified Virago as had with him, one came a professional police on September 13, 2001 canine on April 20, … with the Ohio State 2001. Virago was 11 Patrol where we got 2 months old when certikilos of cocaine out of fied for the first time. a traffic stop on U.S. Champlin admitted 35 and then the second Virago was young and that it is typical to shoot seizure … we assisted between 13 months and the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office. He actuthree years of age for a police dog certification, ally located a duffle bag full of cash in excess depending upon the dog’s maturity and cog- of $120,000 and then nitive abilities. The pair packaged closely with marijuana. When they trained with the Newdid the search warrant, ark Division of Police this guy had hidden a Canine Unit. bag full of money in the Virago was a Belgian Mindy Kearns | Courtesy Percussionists Jackson Hall, left, and Jay Sayre of the Wahama White Falcon Concert Band, are pictured as they perform at Sunday’s benefit Bend Area C.A.R.E. Christmas Concert. The concert was held in the school gymnasium and featured hundreds of elementary and high school singers and musicians. Event Merrily on High,” “A Christmas Lullaby,” “Dark is the Silent Night,” “Enniscorthy From page 1 Carol,” “Eternal Father Strong to Save,” and arrangement of “Christmas Spectacular “Amen! Go Tell it on March,” which the band the Mountain.” “Reindeer Rap” featured the performed at both the New Haven and Mason choir’s males, while the females sang “Amy Christmas parades on Grant Christmas,” with Saturday. The Wahama concert Brandie Vickers as solochoir ended the concert ist. Director Rachel Reynwith several numbers, olds said the choir will including “Ding Dong! be singing Saturday in Charleston at the West Virginia First Lady’s Festival of Songs. (More information on this event will follow in a later edition of the Point Pleasant Register.) During the group transitions, the Wahama Visual Arts Department had a slide show of artwork by students. Several works of art were also on display in the hallway and lobby of the gymnasium. Accompanying the high school choir were Barbara Mitchell on piano and Mike Harbour on bass, winds and percussion. Kenny Bond, Rachel Reynolds and Emily Hall also provided percussion throughout the afternoon. Bonuses son. Several potential water and sewage leak locations were added to the water department’s itinerary based on Anderson’s report. Pending a full quote from Weber and further paperwork from the administrator candidate, the council intends to declare a special meeting early next week although a date for that meeting has not been announced. stadium.” Competitions consist of building and vehicle narcotic searches, open area searches, article searches, apprehension and obedience exercises. Champlin said he felt the Gallipolis department respected Virago and “had nothing but positive things” to say about him. “We used him as a public relations tool,” said Champlin. “I’ve been to schools all over Gallia County and church groups and civic organizations. It was nothing for somebody to pick up the phone and call us to bring him to a daycare or a vacation Bible school. He was part of the family that we called the Gallipolis Police Department. He was expected in the office. If I came in, he came in. He was part of our brotherhood. To say he was an asset is an understatement.” Champlin said that everyone had a favorite Virago story that they liked to tell, but one of his favorites was when the pair of them discovered the cash in Meigs County. “I refer back in the police business we train and we train and we train for the little things in life to make a difference for the people and our communities,” said Champlin. “In the dog business, it’s the same thing. We train tirelessly and endlessly to make these dogs perfect and to make them shine … When you have success with something that you’ve trained so hard in and you see your canine partner excel with something that you’ve worked together so hard to perfect, I would have to say that’s probably one of my proudest moments.” From page 1 Councilman Don Anderson brought to the council’s attention a variety of infrastructure items, the most critical woods and Virago actually detected the odor of marijuana possibly 50 or 60 yards down an embankment in the woods.” Champlin said in every way he felt Virago was an “exceptional member our family.” He said it was not uncommon for fellow officers in the department to say Virago was like the “Michael Jordan” of canine units. “You know, this was the dog that could apprehend a fleeing suspect and an hour later he would curl up in the middle of the floor with my kids,” said Champlin.”He was the best house pet you could ask for. He was just truly a member of our family. I can remember when my daughter was six months. I have pictures of her curled up laid against his belly and they were taking a nap together. To call him a member of the family was pure understate- centered on the Lincoln Terrace slip. While a guardrail will be added to the area in the spring, the village informally agreed to purchase a concrete barrier from contractor D.V. Weber assuming ‘’the price is reasonable,” said Ander- ment. He was family.” Not only was Virago a member of the GPD, he and Champlin were also recognized for efforts in competition. The pair competed inside the U.S. Police Canine Association. The organization holds regional competitions. Officers participating compete with canine units from Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia. Those who compete in regional competitions either qualify or rank for the national competition. “The last year we actually competed in that was 2005,” said Champlin. “We qualified at the regional competition and we actually went to the national competition where we competed against dogs from all over the United States and Canada and that was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. We competed inside the Atlantic City Surfs minor league baseball Mindy Kearns is a freelance writer for Ohio Valley Publishing who can be reached at mindykearns1@ hotmail.com. Michael Hart is a freelance writer for The Daily Sentinel. Dean Wright can be reached at 740446-2342, ext. 2103. Close to Home Catering & Bakery can help you with your Holidays Luncheons-Dinners-Parties-Receptions WE COVER THEM ALL “Catering A Good Deed” Meigs Council on Aging ����&��.FNPSJBM�%SJWF��t��1PNFSPZ �0IJP Dean Wright | Daily Tribune Gallipolis Police Department salutes the service of their canine companion as a cruiser carrying Virago passes for a final time. www.meigscoa.com 60694026 740-992-2161 or 740-992-7863 �CHURCH 4 Friday, December 9, 2016 Daily Sentinel SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES Exploring the meaning of ‘baptism’ Somewhere around 1930, L.O. Sanderson, who was then a minister in the church of Christ at Springfield, Missouri, asked his friend, Thomas O. Chisholm, a minister in the Methodist church to write a song, using Romans 6:3-18. In some autobiographical notes, Sanderson confesses that he had been corresponding with Chisholm about doctrinal matters and wanted to see the other’s understanding of the text. For his part, as a song writer, Chisholm was motivated by a desire to use as much scripture as possible, avoiding flippancy. The result of this collaboration was the hymn entitled “A New Creature,” or sometimes, “Buried With Christ,” with words by Chisholm and the music by Sanderson. The first line of this hymn is as follows: “Buried with Christ, my blessed redeemer, dead to the old life of folly and sin.” This beautiful sentiment does indeed perfectly capture the words of Romans 6, wherein the apostle Paul wrote, “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3-4; NKJV) The English word, “Baptism,” is, unfortunately, a word that has seen much abuse in its use and corruption. There are many who, when they think of the word, envision a smattering of water or oil being splashed on a face, or perhaps a cupful of the same being poured the cross, wrapped upon the head, but in linen, and buried it is important to in a tomb. It was understand that not laid on the when the word is ground, covered used in the New only by a handful Testament, it of dirt, rather it means something completely differJonathan was encased in the ent. McAnulty earth, fulfilling the The word BapContributing words of Jonah, “I went down to the tism, in the biblical columnist moorings of the text means always, mountains; the a burial or immerearth with its bars closed sion. In the context of a water baptism, such as is behind me forever.” most common in the New (Jonah 2:6a; NKJV; cf. Matthew 12:39) But in Testament, it literally further fulfillment of the meant the submersion of the body completely into prophet, Jesus did not water. Paul’s Roman read- remain in the tomb, rather ers, knowing the meaning He rose to new life. “Yet You have brought up my of the word, would have life from the pit, o Lord, had no trouble understanding the full implica- my God.” (Jonah 2:6b; tion of what Paul was say- NKJV) Jesus told His disciples, ing in Romans 6:3-4 when following His resurreche talked about being tion, “He who believes buried with Christ. and is baptized will be Christ had been crucified, and had died on the saved,” (Mark 16:16) and commanded that they cross. Thereafter, His baptize would-be-disciples body was removed from in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:20) Thereafter, on the day of Pentecost, when asked by the Jews, “What shall we do,” the inspired preacher, Peter, commanded them “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins.” (Acts 2:37-38) This command was not a command to be sprinkled, or to have water poured over them, but to be buried in the water, just as Jesus had been buried in the tomb. As Paul so eloquently explained it to the Roman church: there, in that watery grave, the penitent believer would die to their old self, and rising from the water, they would have a new life, even as Jesus had newness of life. There was not a single Christian in the first century apostolic church which would not have understood this. In fact, it wasn’t really until the 13th century, over 1200 years after the establishment of the church, that sprinkling as an act of “baptism” began to be widely practiced in the Roman Catholic Church. However, for those that want to do Bible things the Bible way, the word still means what it always meant: a burial. Those who want to walk in a new life with Christ, need to ask themselves if they have first been buried with Christ in order to rise to that new life. The church of Christ would be happy to study with you further on this and other topics and invite you to worship with us at 234 Chapel Drive, Gallipolis, Ohio. Jonathan McAnulty is minister of Chapel Hill Church of Christ. GOD’S KIDS KORNER A HUNGER FOR MORE Who are you? A Christmas poem continue to look I bet most of for someone else? the know the song Are you really the “Twinkle, Twinkle Messiah?” Little Star.” It’s a Jesus told them, fun song to sing “Go back and tell and may even have John what you been sung to you have seen and as a lullaby when Ann heard. The blind you were a baby. Moody We also see lots Contributing are made to see, the lame are able of stars in decora- columnist to walk, lepers are tions this time of being cured, the year. They help us remember the star over deaf can hear, and even the dead are raised to Bethlehem when Jesus life.” was born. One of the names The people who lived in Jesus’ day were given to Jesus is “Bright Morning Star.” (Revelawatching and waiting for the Messiah who had tion 22:16) Jesus is not a wishing star to whom been promised by the prophets. Many of them we just say a prayer and watched the stars in the make a wish. He is a star of hope. Our hope is in sky looking for a sign that would announce the the living God, who is the Savior of all people. coming of the Messiah. Isn’t that wonderful that As you know, a star did we have a Savior that appear announcing the helps and guides all of us birth of Jesus Christ. every day of the year? He The shepherds saw it is our own shining star! the night Jesus was Let’s say our prayer. born. Then the wise Heavenly Father, as we men saw that star, folsee the many stars in the lowed it, and found the decorations of this seaBaby Jesus. son may we be reminded In our Bible reading that Jesus is the “Bright today, (Matthew 11: 1-11) John the Baptist is Morning Star” and that in prison. He had heard when we put our hope reports about the mirac- and trust in Him, our future is bright and ulous things that Jesus secure. In Jesus’ name was doing, so he sent we pray. Amen. some of his followers to ask Jesus, “Are you the one that we’ve been Ann Moody is pastor of Wilkesville First Presbyterian Church. waiting for, or should we “One of the names given to Jesus is ‘Bright Morning Star.’ (Revelation 22:16) Jesus is not a wishing star to whom we just say a prayer and make a wish. He is a star of hope.” — Ann Moody All folks everywhere, the small and the tall, ….Have been given a summons, given a call To come out of darkness and deadness of soul ….And enter His brightness and a life that is whole. As we forsake the former and acquire the new, ….A destiny is waiting for me and for you. A life full of purpose and full of pizzazz ….Is this sublimest of gifts, the best that God has. So why would we tarry? And why would we run? ….Why not embrace the gift of His Son? See, sin is a slavemaster. Sin is a pain. ….Holding to sin leaves us nothing to gain. But that’s what sin is – forsaking God’s glory. ….We exchange Him for “self” and tell our own story Of how great life is without all His meddling, ….Sampling the options that our world is peddling. Our lot is so sad if He’d leave us to that. ….We might as well quit and lay ourselves flat With our hands folded neatly holding a lily. ….When you’re spiritually dead, who cares to look silly? But into the muck of human despair, ….The Father sent us His Son, His divine heir Of all His glory, majesty, love: ….The Word of Lord and make a the Father sent new start. from above. Becoming His From heaven to child is what it’s cradle, and cradle about; to live ….Being made ….A life among new from within Thom mortals in order to without. to give Placing your Mollohan Us hope beyond Contributing trust in Jesus hope. And then on columnist alone, that tree ….And knowing ….Paid off our you have a heavsin debt and from sin set enly home. us free. As long as we’re keepAnd then even facing ing it straight in our down death in this duel, heads, ….Immanuel arose for….And aren’t quick to ever to rule forget it when asleep in Over all of creation; He our beds, is now king, I do not mind saying ….Over heaven and that Christmas is great, earth – over everything. ….And that the fun that Now tell me again… we have is something why we spend all our first rate. love But let’s remember it’s a time to bow down ….On things that per….And give Jesus all ish, that don’t come from glory and give Him the above? crown Is the fact that He loves us such a small Of all of our love and thing tender emotion. ….That we don’t mean ….To Him let us give the words to the songs our earnest devotion. that we sing? Let’s turn our eyes to That we live out our Bethlehem’s light, lives however we choose? ….Away from the dark….That it does not mat- ness and away from the ter the joy that we lose? night. Let’s open our hearts That the point of Christmas is commercial- to the hope He can give ….And turn from stubization, born self in order to live ….And of the hope With all of the purpose found in Christ we’ve no a child of the King realization? ….Can know. Then to Let us instead take the our lives He will bring hope that He’s sent, All of heaven’s great ….Before all of the time of His invite we’ve spent. glory which only is And let us discern that known ….In a life that is sown the way to God’s heart, ….Is to receive Jesus as up with the Son of God’s own. Though we wrap up our presents, put them under the tree, ….Feelings of hope, joy, and peace overflow within me. May your heart also know Immanuel’s light, ….Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! “…An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a Son. And he called His name Jesus” (Matthew 1:20-25 ESV, see also Isaiah 7:14). Thom Mollohan and his family have ministered in southern Ohio the past 21 years. He is the author of The Fairy Tale Parables, Crimson Harvest, and A Heart at Home with God. He blogs at “unfurledsails. wordpress.com”. Pastor Thom leads Pathway Community Church and may be reached for comments or questions by email at pastorthom@pathwaygallipolis. com. Jesus Christ is God’s perfect star, brings light into the world The stars of the night sky are wondrous to view. It is a compelling experience to observe them in their particular configurations and to consider their designated Gospel meanings. God ordained the arrangement of the stars to dramatize His holy plan of redemption. It is the prerogative of God alone to use the stars for His purposes. The Star of Bethlehem serves as an example, for God designated that special star to guide the Magi to Jesus Christ. Incidentally, Jesus Christ Himself is referred to as a star. Revelation 22:16 calls Him the “bright and morning star.” Jesus Christ brings Heaven’s light to the darkness of the world. It is said that a perfect star has five points. By contrast, God’s perfect star is Jesus Christ, who has five perfect points. Isaiah 9:6 makes it clear, “And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Consider the following. The first point of God’s Perfect Star, Jesus The second point Christ, is “WONof God’s Perfect DERFUL.” He was Star, Jesus Christ, wonderful in His is “COUNSELOR.” character, because Counseling is lives were touched instruction that and re-directed leads to the distoward righteouscovery of what is ness and Godliness Rev. Ron good and best for by the One who Branch cared so lovingly. Contributing our lives. Jesus was counselor and He was wonderful columnist teacher supreme. in the quality of It has been proven His love, because He always sought for oth- through the ages that those who adhere to His ers rather than for Himdivine counseling experiself. He was wonderful ence the best in life. in the constancy of His For example, He counpurpose, because He was sels that the path of selfutterly consumed with fulfillment is not found the purpose of man’s by self-seeking, but by redemption. self-giving. He counsels that material gain is not the major goal of life. He who is embroiled in the heated pursuit of materialism will ultimately receive little value from it. Conversely, Christ counsels, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Furthermore, He counsels that man’s greatest need is salvation, which God gives through faith and commitment to Christ. He said, “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” Salvation is the gift of God which must be and can be embraced and valued by all. The third point of God’s Perfect Star, Jesus Christ, is “THE MIGHTY GOD.” Jesus is the great Immanuel, God with us. As the Mighty God, His divine power was manifest throughout His earthly ministry. He controlled the forces of nature. He cured diseases. He cast out demons. He called the dead back to life. Has it ever occurred to you that, as the Mighty God, Jesus Christ broke up See STAR | 5 �WEATHER/LOCAL Daily Sentinel Friday, December 9, 2016 5 MEIGS COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS Monday, Dec. 12 BEDFORD TWP. — MEIGS COUNTY CHURCH CALENDAR E.M.I. Mission Seminar RACINE — An E.M.I. Mission Seminar will be held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Kountry Resort Campground, 44705 Resort Road, Racine. The seminar is to help promote Evangelistic Ministries Inc. outreach especially focused on India and Antigua (West Indies). Refreshments will be served during the presentation. For more information call Mark Nix at 740-444-2900. 10 at the Leanna Beegle Farm, East of Racine, Ohio, on Tornado Road. Light refreshments available. The event is free to the public. Signs will be posted for directions. Star semane, the Mighty God wrestled spiritually for all humanity. At Gabatha, the Mighty God permitted Himself to be ashamed and abused. At Golgatha, the Mighty God lay down His life as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of man. On the Cross, He once-and-forall defeated the defiance and damnation of death, every funeral service He attended? Death was and is powerless in His grasp! As the Mighty God, His divine power was manifest on the way to the Cross. At Geth- TODAY 8 AM WEATHER 2 PM 31° 28° HEALTH TODAY AccuWeather.com Asthma Index™ Temperature The AccuWeather.com Asthma Index combines the effects of current air quality, pollen counts, wind, temperature, dew point, barometric pressure, and changes from past weather conditions to provide a scale showing the overall probability and severity of an asthma attack. AccuWeather.com Cold Index™ (in inches) 24 hours ending 3 p.m. yest. 0.00 Month to date/normal 0.57/0.89 Year to date/normal 42.86/40.28 Snowfall (in inches) 24 hours ending 3 p.m. yest. 0.0 Month to date/normal 0.0/0.6 Season to date/normal Trace/1.4 Today 7:35 a.m. 5:06 p.m. 2:16 p.m. 2:10 a.m. Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset Sat. 7:36 a.m. 5:07 p.m. 2:54 p.m. 3:19 a.m. MOON PHASES Full Last New Dec 13 Dec 20 Dec 29 First Jan 5 SOLUNAR TABLE The solunar period indicates peak feeding times for fish and game. Today Sat. Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Major 7:10a 7:57a 8:46a 9:39a 10:35a 11:36a 12:07a Minor 12:57a 1:44a 2:32a 3:24a 4:20a 5:21a 6:24a The AccuWeather.com Cold Index combines the effects of local weather with a number of demographic factors to provide a scale showing the overall probability of transmission and symptom severity of the common cold. 2 0-2 Low; 3-4 Moderate; 5-6 High; 7-8 Very High; 9-10 Extreme WEATHER TRIVIA™ Q: Where is the coldest place on Earth? SUN & MOON Major 7:36p 8:25p 9:15p 10:08p 11:06p ---12:39p Minor 1:23p 2:11p 3:01p 3:54p 4:51p 5:51p 6:54p WEATHER HISTORY A snowstorm hit New York City’s northern and western suburbs on Dec. 9, 1786. Morristown, N.J., received 21 inches, and New Haven, Conn., had 17 inches. SUNDAY Mostly sunny and cold AIR QUALITY 300 500 Primary pollutant: Particulates Air Quality Index: 0-50, Good; 51-100, Moderate; 101-150, Unhealthy for sensitive groups; 151-200, Unhealthy; 201-300, Very unhealthy; 301-500, Hazardous. Source: Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services OHIO RIVER Levels in feet as of 7 a.m. yesterday Location Willow Island Marietta Parkersburg Belleville Racine Point Pleasant Gallipolis Huntington Ashland Lloyd Greenup Portsmouth Maysville Meldahl Dam Flood Stage 37 34 36 35 41 40 50 50 52 54 50 50 51 Level 12.86 17.66 21.81 13.06 13.31 25.38 13.07 25.51 34.02 12.34 18.00 33.30 16.70 Portsmouth 32/19 24-hr. Chg. +0.62 +0.45 +0.22 -0.19 +0.22 +0.98 +0.74 -0.03 -0.25 -0.18 +0.80 -0.70 -0.40 Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2016 MONDAY TUESDAY Rain in the morning; otherwise, cloudy Logan 30/18 THURSDAY 39° 18° Times of rain Cloudy, a snow shower possible; colder Marietta 32/21 Murray City 30/18 Belpre 33/21 Athens 31/19 St. Marys 33/21 Parkersburg 33/20 Coolville 32/20 Elizabeth 33/21 Spencer 31/21 Buffalo 32/21 Milton 32/20 St. Albans 32/20 Huntington 33/20 NATIONAL FORECAST 110s 100s Seattle 42/37 90s 80s 70s 60s 50s 40s 30s 20s San Francisco 10s 62/54 0s -0s -10s Los Angeles 66/56 T-storms Rain Showers Snow Flurries Ice Cold Front Warm Front Stationary Front The Rev. Ron Branch is pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Mason, W.Va. 34° 13° Partly sunny and not as cold NATIONAL CITIES Ironton 32/19 Ashland 32/20 Grayson 32/19 Daily stock reports are the 4 p.m. ET closing quotes of transactions Dec. 8, 2016, provided by Edward Jones financial advisors Isaac Mills in Gallipolis at (740) 441-9441 and Lesley Marrero in Point Pleasant at (304) 6740174. Member SIPC. WEDNESDAY 50° 20° Wilkesville 32/19 POMEROY Jackson 33/21 32/18 Ravenswood Rio Grande 33/22 33/20 Centerville POINT PLEASANT Ripley 31/18 GALLIPOLIS 33/22 33/21 33/22 South Shore Greenup 32/19 31/18 33 0 50 100 150 200 Lucasville 32/19 Lord and Savior. The light of God’s Perfect Star has come to us. It is a compelling experience to let His perfect light shine in your life. God has arranged His Perfect Star purposely to make a difference. Cloudy and chilly; a little p.m. rain McArthur 31/18 Waverly 31/18 He has brought peace to untold numbers of believers. As the Prince of Peace, He is the only hope that the world has for peace. There will never be peace for this troubled world until there is peace in the human heart. And, there will never be peace in the human heart until Christ is enthroned as 49° 32° Adelphi 31/19 Chillicothe 31/19 Sears Holding (NASDAQ) - 12.76 Wal-Mart (NYSE) 70.34 Wendy’s (NYSE) 13.85 WesBanco (NYSE) 42.54 Worthington (NYSE) - 58.85 43° 35° Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows. 0 A: The South Pole. The annual mean temperature is -72 F. Precipitation SATURDAY Cold today with clouds and sun. Partly cloudy and cold tonight. High 33° / Low 22° Statistics through 3 p.m. yesterday 38°/33° 47°/30° 73° in 1966 9° in 1977 PEACE.” At His birth, the angel announced peace on earth. From that moment onward, Jesus brought peace wherever He went. He told the tempestuous winds and waves, “Peace. Be still.” As the Prince of Peace, Jesus gives a peace that passes all understanding. As the Prince of Peace, EXTENDED FORECAST 8 PM ALMANAC High/low Normal high/low Record high Record low hell, and the grave. The fourth point of God’s Perfect Star, Jesus Christ, is “EVERLASTING FATHER.” The word “father” is the tenderest revelation of God. Jesus made it perfectly clear, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father”. The fifth point of God’s Perfect star, Jesus Christ, is “PRINCE OF 35° 24° 25° Thursday, Dec. 29 LETART TWP. — The regular meeting of the Letart Township Trustees will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the Letart Township Building. Immediately following the regular meeting the Letart Township Organizational Meeting will be held. JP Morgan (NYSE) - 85.12 Kroger (NYSE) 34.19 Ltd Brands (NYSE) - 75.12 Norfolk So (NYSE) 110.02 OVBC (NASDAQ) 26.20 BBT (NYSE) 46.98 Peoples (NASDAQ) - 31.00 Pepsico (NYSE) 102.15 Premier (NASDAQ) - 20.75 Rockwell (NYSE) 137.61 Rocky Brands (NASDAQ) - 11.23 Royal Dutch Shell 52.76 AEP (NYSE) 60.18 Akzo (NASDAQ) 20.90 Big Lots (NYSE) 55.50 Bob Evans (NASDAQ) - 54.77 BorgWarner (NYSE) - 41.63 Century Alum (NASDAQ) - 9.52 City Holding (NASDAQ) - 68.20 Collins (NYSE) 94.68 DuPont (NYSE) 74.68 US Bank (NYSE) 51.90 Gen Electric (NYSE) - 31.53 Harley-Davidson (NYSE) - 61.57 Bible Study PORTLAND — A Bible study will be held on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. at the Portland Community Center with Rev. Tom Curtis. Everyone welcome. MIDDLEPORT — Pastor Billy Zuspan of the First Baptist Church of Middleport has begun an in-depth Bible study of The Revelation during the Sunday and Wednesday evening services at 7 p.m. at 211 S. 6th Ave., Middleport, Ohio. If you have questions, please call 740-992-2755 and leave a message. Guest Speaker SYRACUSE — Norman Taylor will the guest speaker at the Syracuse Community Church, Second Street, at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 11. Wednesday, Dec. 28 POMEROY — A blood drive will be held at the Mulberry Community Center from 1-6:30 p.m. Please call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule and appointment. STOCKS share the evening with us. Christmas Play MIDDLEPORT — Youth Christmas Play, Live Nativity “Tis the Season”, to be RACINE — CarmelSutton United Methodist performed on Sunday, Church will hold its annu- Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m. at Ash Street Church in al Live Nativity from 6-8 Middleport, Ohio. Come p.m. on Saturday, Dec. From page 4 Wednesday, Dec. 21 LANGSVILLE — An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held from 1-6:30 p.m. at the Star Grange Hall, 35300 Salem School Lot Road, Langsville. Free homemade food for all donors. Call 740-669-4245, 1-800RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule and appointment. will be provided. Everyone is welcome. Guset speaker will be Stephanie Kreuz, Grassroots Manager and Midwest Regional Coordinator for Heritage Action for America. POMEROY — The Meigs County Board of Health Meeting will take place at 5 p.m. in the conference room of the Meigs County Health Department. Executive Committee will be held at 10 a.m. at the Best Western, 701 Pike Street, Marietta, Ohio. The purpose of this meeting is for the Executive Committee to select projects for Round 31 funding under the Ohio Public Works Commission State Capital Improvement and Local Transportation Improvement Programs Tuesday, Dec. 13 (SCIP/LTIP). If you have POMEROY — The questions regarding this Meigs Tea Party meeting meeting, please contact will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Wednesday, Dec. 14 the Senior Citizens CenMARIETTA — A meet- Michelle Hyer at (740) 376-1025. ter, Pomeroy, Ohio. Snacks ing of the District 18 The regular meeting of the Bedford Township Trustees will be 7 p.m. at the Bedford Township Hall. MIDDLEPORT — Middleport Church of Christ will have a final registration for Upward Basketball and Cheerleading at their Family Life Center from 6-8 p.m. Clendenin 30/17 Charleston 32/20 Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day. Winnipeg 1/-12 Billings 9/5 Minneapolis 16/4 Chicago 24/14 Denver 45/22 Kansas City 27/19 Montreal 27/13 Detroit 35/22 Toronto 32/20 New York 40/28 Washington 42/29 Today Sat. Hi/Lo/W 48/31/s 19/6/pc 43/25/s 43/31/s 41/25/s 9/5/sf 40/34/sn 37/22/pc 32/20/c 44/20/s 40/27/pc 24/14/pc 32/18/pc 35/22/sf 32/19/sf 45/31/s 45/22/pc 25/16/pc 35/22/sf 79/68/sh 51/35/s 30/16/pc 27/19/s 59/43/pc 37/22/s 66/56/pc 35/21/pc 73/67/c 16/4/c 36/20/s 48/36/s 40/28/pc 39/25/s 63/49/pc 40/27/s 70/48/pc 34/22/sf 34/15/pc 44/22/s 43/22/s 31/19/s 47/40/sh 62/54/sh 42/37/r 42/29/s Hi/Lo/W 55/35/s 12/1/s 48/30/s 42/29/pc 40/22/s 19/12/sn 41/28/sn 32/23/s 35/24/s 45/23/s 44/28/pc 24/19/sn 33/26/s 31/23/sf 31/23/pc 52/47/c 51/25/pc 32/24/sn 31/22/pc 80/69/c 55/51/c 32/26/pc 39/29/pc 62/48/pc 43/34/c 68/59/c 37/30/s 75/71/sh 18/11/sn 42/30/s 53/44/s 38/28/pc 50/40/pc 72/55/s 38/25/pc 72/51/pc 32/23/pc 28/15/pc 46/23/s 42/23/s 37/31/c 46/36/sh 59/49/sh 46/39/r 42/28/s EXTREMES YESTERDAY National for the 48 contiguous states Atlanta 43/25 High Low El Paso 53/34 Chihuahua 59/35 City Albuquerque Anchorage Atlanta Atlantic City Baltimore Billings Boise Boston Charleston, WV Charlotte Cheyenne Chicago Cincinnati Cleveland Columbus Dallas Denver Des Moines Detroit Honolulu Houston Indianapolis Kansas City Las Vegas Little Rock Los Angeles Louisville Miami Minneapolis Nashville New Orleans New York City Oklahoma City Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh Portland, ME Raleigh Richmond St. Louis Salt Lake City San Francisco Seattle Washington, DC 85° in Miami, FL -33° in Casper, WY Global High Low Houston 51/35 Monterrey 53/39 Miami 73/67 111° in Kununurra, Australia -59° in Kyusyur, Russia Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice. 60647073 Editor’s Note: The Daily Sentinel appreciates your input to the community calendar. To make sure items can receive proper attention, all information should be received by the newspaper at least five business days prior to an event. All coming events print on a space-available basis and in chronological order. Events can be emailed to: TDSnews@ civitasmedia.com. �Sports 6 s��<3.+CM��/-/7,/<��M� �� �+36C�#/8>38/6 Eastern fends off Lady Lancers, 61-36 By Alex Hawley minutes, as Federal Hocking (1-3, 0-1) took a 4-3 lead. EHS regained the lead on an and-1 layup at the 2:38 mark of the TUPPERS PLAINS, Ohio — The Eastern girls basketball first, and followed it up with a team opened Tri-Valley Confer- trifecta to push the lead to 9-4. The Lady Lancers sank their ence Hocking Division play with a bang, as the Lady Eagles first three-pointer of the game defeated Tri-Valley Conference to cut the lead to 9-7 with 1:31 left in the period, but EHS Hocking Division guest Fedcountered with its third triple eral Hocking by a 61-36 final margin, on Wednesday night in of the first and led 12-7. Federal Hocking scored in Meigs County. the opening minute of the The Lady Eagles (3-0, 1-0 second period — cutting the TVC Hocking) claimed the deficit to 12-9 — but the Lady game’s first points with a Lancers didn’t score again for three-pointer, but it was their over four minutes. In that time, only field goal in the first five ahawley@civitasmedia.com Alex Hawley/OVP Sports Eastern junior Elizabeth Collins works in the post during the Lady Eagles’ 61-36 victory over Federal Hocking, on Wednesday in Tuppers Plains. Eastern built its lead up to 22-9, but FHHS ended the coldspell with a three-pointer. Eastern ended the half with a 6-0 run and headed to the locker room with a 28-12 lead. In the first five minutes of the second half, Eastern outscored its guest 12-to-8, increasing the lead to 42-20. FHHS answered with a 7-1 run, but the Lady Eagles scored the final four points of the third and led 47-27 with eight minutes to go. The Lady Lancers were never closer than 20 in the See EASTERN | 7 Flyers soar past Lady ‘Cats By Paul Boggs pboggs@civitiasmedia.com ASHTON, W. Va. — Unfortunately for host Hannan, it’s slow start set the tone. That’s because the Lady Wildcats trailed 12-4 following the opening quarter — and continued to fall behind en route to suffering a 47-28 girls basketball loss against Ironton St. Joseph on Wednesday. The Lady Flyers then led 21-12 at halftime, as they also outscored Hannan 26-16 in the second half — posting 13 points apiece in each canto. The Lady Wildcats, with nine and seven points in each of the final two stanzas, never reached double digits in any of the entire four periods. With the loss, Hannan remains winless at 0-5, while St. Joseph raised its record to 3-2. For the female Flyers, Morgan Turner turned in a game-high 20 points. She finished with nine total field goals, including the club’s pair of three-pointers, and also sank 4-of8 free throws. She scored five points in each of the opening two quarters, then added eight points in the third — as St. Joseph staked a 34-21 advantage after three. Kaitlin Sheridan scored nine points on two field goals and 5-of-10 free throws, and led the female Flyers with six steals — as the team tallied a total of 23. Ashley Bartram, on three field goals and a foul shot, scored seven points — and tied teammate Lauren Bush with nine rebounds. She also dished out three assists. Bush and Riley registered two field goals apiece for four points, as Riley ripped down eight rebounds — and tied Turner in steals with five. Of St. Joseph’s 42 rebounds, two-thirds (28) of them were on the offensive end. Only four players posted points for Hannan, which made just a dozen total field goals and 4-of11 free throws. Madison Staggs scored 12 points to lead the way, netting five field goals and a pair of foul shots. Lyndsey Holley had four buckets for eight points, while Julie Frazier finished with six on two field goals and 2-of-2 freebies. Cassidy Duffer with a basket rounded out the Wildcat scoring. Paul Boggs can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2106 OVP SPORTS SCHEDULE Friday, December 9 Boys Basketball Point Pleasant at Gallia Academy 7:30 Miller at Southern, 7:30 Trimble at Eastern, 7:30 Jackson at Meigs, 7:30 Athens at River Valley, 7:30 Wahama at Belpre, 7:30 Girls Basketball Ironton St. Joseph at Ohio Valley Christian, 6 p.m. Wrestling Wahama at Point Pleasant Jason Eades Memorial Duals, 6 p.m. Saturday, December 10 Boys Basketball River Valley at Southern, 7:30 Meigs vs. Oak Hill at URG, 6 p.m. Hannan at Elk Valley Christian, 2 p.m. Gallia Academy vs Bethel-Tate at URG, 2 p.m. Girls Basketball Hurricane at Point Pleasant, 7 p.m. Jackson at Eastern, 7:15 Wrestling Wahama at Point Pleasant Jason Eades Memorial Duals, TBA Meigs, River Valley at Warren, 9:30 Alex Hawley/OVP Sports Marshall senior Gary Thompson (59) along with Chase Hancock (37) sack the Akron quarterback, during a non-conference game at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, on September 17. Marshall lands 8 on All-CUSA team By Alex Hawley ahawley@civitasmedia.com IRVING, Texas — A sure sign that the future looks bright. The Marshall football team landed eight players on the 2016 Conference USA all-league teams, including four on the allfreshman team. Conference USA released its all-league first team, second team, honorable mention list and all-freshman team on Tuesday, and the lists were voted on by the 13 coaches within the conference. Marshall — which went 3-9 this fall, with a 2-6 conference record — was the only league team without a player on the first or second team, but the Herd landed four honorable mentions and four all-freshman team honors. For the second straight season, defensive lineman Gary Thompson and tightend Ryan Yurachek were named all-conference honorable mention. Thompson — a redshirt senior from La Mesa, California, — came up with 43 tackles, eight tackles for a loss and five sacks this fall. Thompson is the lone senior honoree for the Herd, and he finishes his college career with 150 tackles and 19 sacks. Yurachek — a junior from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — hauled in 28 passes for 298 yards and five scores this season. Yurachek has caught at least one pass in 29 consecutive games. Joining Thompson and Yurachek as all-conference honorable mentions are defensive lineman Ryan Bee and defensive back Rodney Allen. Bee — a redshirt sophomore from Ashland, Ohio — recorded 54 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks this season. Bee was a Conference USA all-freshman team selection last year. Allen — a redshirt junior from Dallas, Texas — came up with 76 tackles, 12 pass break-ups, two interceptions and a team-best four forced fumbles this season. On the all-rookie team for the Herd were redshirt freshmen Ty Tyler and Levi Brown, as well as true freshmen Chris Jackson and Matt Beardall. Tyler — a defensive end from Punta Gorda, Florida — posted 22 tackles, seven tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks this fall. Tyler found the endzone twice for the MU defense, scoing on a pair of fumble recoveries. Brown — an offensive lineman from Franklin, Georgia — started the first 11 games of the year for MU. Jackson — a defensive back from Tallahassee, Florida — recorded 41 tackles, four tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, nine pass break-ups and two interceptions in his inaugural campaign. Beardall — a long snapper from Merritt Island, Florida — missed the first three games of the year, but appeared in the final nine for the Herd. On Wednesday, Conference USA announced its awards. Louisiana Tech coach Skip Holtz was named Coach of the Year, after leading the Bulldogs to an 8-5 record, including 6-2 in league. The Bulldogs represented the west division in the Conference USA title game, in which they fell to Western Kentucky. LTU quarterback Ryan Higgins was named conference Most Valuable Player, completing 300of-456 passes for 4,208 yards and 37 touchdowns. Bulldogs wide receiver Carlos Henderson earned both the Offensive Player of the Year and Special Teams Player of the Year awards, becoming the first player in Conference USA history to win both awards in the same season. The Defensive Player of the Year award went to Florida Atlantic defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who posted 50 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks this campaign. The Freshman of the Year award went to University of Texas at San Antonio linebacker Josiah Tauaefa, who recorded a school-record 104 tackles this fall. The league’s Newcomer of the Year honor went to Western Kentucky quarterback Mike White, who led the Hilltoppers to a second straightconference title. White completed 67.4 percent of his passes for 4,027 yards and 38 touchdowns in his junior season. Alex Hawley can be reached at 740446-2342, ext. 2100. 2016 All-Conference-USA Football Team FIRST TEAM OFFENSE QB – Ryan Higgins, Sr., Louisiana Tech RB – I’Tavius Mathers, Sr., Middle Tennessee; Aaron Jones, Jr., UTEP OL – Darrell Brown, Sr., Louisiana Tech; Cameron Tom, Sr., Southern Miss; Will Hernandez, Jr., UTEP; Max Halpin, Sr., WKU; Forrest Lamp, Sr., WKU TE – Hayden Plinke, Sr., UTEP WR – Carlos Henderson, Jr., Louisiana Tech; Trent Taylor, Sr., Louisiana Tech; Richie James, So., Middle Tennessee; Taywan Taylor, Sr., WKU DEFENSE DL – Larry Ogunjobi, Sr., Charlotte; Trey Hendrickson, Sr., Florida Atlantic; Jaylon Ferguson, So., Louisiana Tech; Dylan Bradley, Sr., Southern Miss LB – TJ Ricks, Sr., Old Dominion; Emmanuel Ellerbee, Jr., Rice; Josiah Tauaefa, Fr., UTSA; Keith See TEAM | 7 �SPORTS Daily Sentinel Friday, December 9, 2016 7 Thomas still a pillar for Browns Bengals looking to pick off Cleveland CINCINNATI (AP) — Whoever starts at quarterback for the winless Browns will be facing a defense that’s among the best in the league at taking the ball away. It’s one of the things that’s gone right in Cincinnati’s lost season. The Bengals are tied for second in the NFL with 14 interceptions, one behind San Diego. And it’s not only the interceptions that stand out. The Bengals (4-7-1) also among the best at knocking down passes at the line of scrimmage. End Carlos Dunlap has 14 passes defensed, six more than any other lineman in the NFL and only three short of the league lead overall. The entire line is adept at getting their hands on passes as they leave the quarterback’s hand. “He’s got these arms that are all over the place,” Browns coach Hue Jackson said on Wednesday, referring to Dunlap. “Guys are tipping balls, knocking balls down.” The NFL doesn’t keep detailed statistics for passes defensed, so it’s difficult to put Dunlap’s accomplishment in historical perspective. No Bengals lineman has ever led the team in that category. Dunlap had four passes defensed during a 32-14 win over the Eagles on Sunday, including a misdirected pass that was intercepted by linebacker Vontaze Burfict. It was one of Cincinnati’s three interceptions. “A lot of teams are trying to eliminate the rush by quick-throwing, so you get your hand on the ball and (Burfict) can come down with the ball and that’s a win for the defense,” Dunlap said. The Browns have thrown 12 interceptions — only seven teams have more — while using six different quarterbacks because of injuries. Cincinnati’s defense is playing better heading into its rematch with the Browns (0-12) , allowing 19 points or fewer in three straight games, its best such stretch of the season. Team WR – Zach Pascal, Sr., Old Dominion WR – Nicholas Norris, From page 6 Sr., WKU DEFENSE DL – Rashaad CowBrown, Sr., WKU ard, Sr., Old Dominion; DB – Xavier Woods, Oshane Ximines, So., Old Sr., Louisiana Tech; JerDominion; Marcus Davemy Cutrer, Sr., Middle enport, Jr., UTSA; OmariTennessee; D’Nerius us Bryant, Sr., WKU Antoine, Sr., Southern LB – Anthony Wint, Miss; Branden Leston, Jr., FIU; Jordan Harris, Sr., WKU Sr., Louisiana Tech; Alvin SPECIAL TEAMS K – Canon Rooker, Jr., Jones, Jr., UTEP DB – Kishawn Middle Tennessee McClain, Jr., North P – Eric Keena, Sr., Texas; Brandon AddiNorth Texas son, Jr., Old Dominion; KR – Carlos HenderMichael Egwuagu, Sr., son, Jr., Louisiana Tech PR – Nacarius Fant, Jr., UTSA; Joe Brown, Jr., WKU WKU SPECIAL TEAMS LS – William Eads, Sr., K – Jonathan Barnes, Middle Tennessee Jr., Louisiana Tech; Parker Shaunfield, So., SECOND TEAM Southern Miss OFFENSE P – Jake Collins, So., QB – Mike White, Jr., WKU WKU KR – Kylen Towner, Jr., RB – Ito Smith, Jr., Southern Miss; Anthony WKU; Trent Taylor, Sr., Louisiana Tech Wales, Sr., WKU LS – Darrell Travis, Sr., OL – Joseph Brunson, Louisiana Tech Sr., Louisiana Tech; O’Shea Dugas, So., Louisiana Tech; Daniel SteHONORABLE MENTION phens, Sr., Middle TenOFFENSE nessee; Troy Butler, Sr., QB – Brent Stockstill, Old Dominion; Darrell So., Middle Tennessee; Williams, Jr., Sr., WKU David Washington, Sr., TE – Jonnu Smith, Sr., Old Dominion; Nick MulFIU lens, Sr., Southern Miss Eastern (72.2 percent) free throw attempts, while Federal Hocking was 8-of-16 (50 From page 6 percent) from the stripe. fourth period, as Eastern FHHS was 12-of-44 (27.3 percent) from the field, ended the game with a including 4-of-18 (22.2 14-to-9 run, capping off percent) from three-point the 61-36 victory. range. “I’m always happy Eastern held a 33-to-24 in victory, but I feel advantage on the glass, there were a lot of opportunities that we let including a 14-to-7 edge in offensive rebounds. go,” first-year Eastern “That was a crucial head coach Jacob Parker part for us that we talked said. “We came out about before the game,” flat in the first half, in Coach Parker said of his my opinion, but the team’s rebounding. “I girls responded well at flat-out told the girls that halftime. We came out and looked more like the I would be very upset if we did not control team that we needed to the boards. We are a look like.” For the game, Eastern physically bigger team, but at times I felt like shot 21-of-50 (42 Federal Hocking was percent) from the field, actually beating us on the including just 6-of-22 boards. In the end, we (27.3 percent) from beyond the arc. The Lady won the boards and I’m very pleased with that.” Eagles made 13-of-18 BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Amid the rubble of another demoralizing, soul-crushing season in Cleveland, Joe Thomas endures. The towering tackle. Despite the Browns’ 0-12 record, despite a knee injury that keeps him from practicing, and despite not knowing which quarterback he’ll be playing in with on a week-to-week basis, Thomas has continued his remarkable streak of not missing a start (156 and counting) or snap (9,864 and counting) in his career. Beyond that, he’s a civic treasure, which is why for the third time in the past 10 years, Thomas is the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, given for playing excellence and community service. “It’s really special,” Thomas said Wednesday. And really deserved. For Browns coach Hue Jackson, there has been one reward in a painful, winless season: getting to know Joe Thomas. “If there’s been a silver lining in all this,” Jackson said, “it’s the time and conversations that I’ve been around him. Because he’s taught me a lot, what being a pro truly is.” Thomas has been the standard for excellence since his arrival as a first-round pick in 2007. But with the Browns in the midst of another rebuilding project, the 32-year-old will continue to be mentioned in trade rumors. He was nearly dealt to Denver before the 2015 deadline, and his name will likely pop up again both before and during next year’s draft. Not if Jackson has any say. “That is not happening. Or I am going with him,” Jackson said. “I guarantee you that. I am going with him. No, Joe Thomas means too much to this organization and to this football team.” Thomas, who has racked up nine straight Pro Bowl invitations — the first offensive lineman in history to do so — and has been voted to the AP’s AllPro team eight times, including six first-team honors, laughed when told about Jackson’s promise. “Oh, that’s nice of him,” Thomas said. “Where we going, the Bahamas? I’m in.” Thomas has adopted Cleveland as his home. He’s raising his family here, and it’s where he wants to spent the rest of his career, however long that may be. The 6-foot-6, 312-pounder has no intention of stopping, and won’t consider leaving the game until he knows it’s time. “It really doesn’t change for me,” said the father of three. “I want to play as long as the Browns want me, as long as I’m healthy enough to play and as long as I still love it. I know as of right now all those things are still there and I still love this game even more than I did when I was a rookie. “I think that’s going to be kind of the checklist whenever the time comes, but right now I don’t see anything changing.” As Jackson attempts to change the culture around the Browns, Thomas represents the ideal player: durable, selfless and consistent. He epitomizes class on and off the field, serving as a role model to younger players. Wide receiver Andrew Hawkins has spent three seasons with Thomas and has grown to appreciate him. “It’s an honor to play with him, one of the best left tackles ever to play the game,” he said. “He’s everything you want in a first-round pick. When you are making those selections, that’s the kind of career, that’s the kind of attitude, the kind of work ethic, the kind of perseverance that you’re getting. If you get one of those guys you’re lucky. “I’ve seen him fight through injuries. He doesn’t complain. He doesn’t gripe. He doesn’t take plays off. Hue always says football players should display courage at all times and Joe is the definition of that.” And yet the awards and admiration can’t mask a sad truth for Thomas. Since going 10-6 his rookie season, the Browns are 37-103, a record almost too startling to believe. Jackson has made it his mission to change that. “I want us to do right by him,” he said. “Right by that is, let’s go get this man some wins. He deserves that. He deserves to be on a winning football team and have a chance to chase playoffs and championships. Joe Thomas means a lot to me personally and a lot to this organization and this team and this city.” RB – Kalif Phillips, Sr., Charlotte; Alex Gardner, Jr., FIU; Devin Singletary, Fr., Florida Atlantic; Jarred Craft, Jr., Louisiana Tech; Ray Lawry, Jr., Old Dominion OL – Nate Davis, So., Charlotte; Dieugot Joseph, Sr., FIU; Michael Montero, Sr., FIU; Dillon DeBoer, Sr., Florida Atlantic; Antonyo Woods, Jr., Florida Atlantic; Chandler Brewer, So., Middle Tennessee; Josh Chester, Sr., Middle Tennessee; Maurquice Shakir, Sr., Middle Tennessee; Jordan Murray, So., North Texas; Sam Rice, Sr., North Texas; Calvin Anderson, So., Rice; Trey Martin, Jr., Rice; Jevonte Domond, Sr., UTSA TE – Kam McKnight, So., Louisiana Tech; Ryan Yurachek, Jr., Marshall; Julian Allen, Jr., Southern Miss WR – Austin Duke, Sr., Charlotte; Thomas Owens, Jr., FIU; Kalib Woods, Jr., Florida Atlantic; Dennis Andrews, Sr., Middle Tennessee; Ty Lee, Fr., Middle Tennessee; Jonathan Duhart, Jr., Old Dominion; Allenzae Staggers, Jr., Southern Miss; Josh Stewart, Jr., UTSA DEFENSE DL – Brandon Banks, Sr., Charlotte; Aaron Brown, Sr., Louisiana Tech; Deldrick Canty, Jr., Louisiana Tech; Ryan Bee, So., Marshall; Gary Thompson, Sr., Marshall; Chris Hale, Sr., Middle Tennessee; Shaquille Huff, Sr., Middle Tennessee; Jimal McBride, Sr., Middle Tennessee; Steven Rhodes, Sr., Middle Tennessee; Bunmi Rotimi, Jr., Old Dominion; Xavier Thigpen, Jr., Southern Miss; Chris Johnson, Jr., WKU LB – Nick Cook, Sr., Charlotte; Treyvon Williams, Jr., FIU; Azeez Al-Shaair, So., Florida Atlantic; Russell Farris, Jr., Louisiana Tech; Chris Melton, So., Middle Tennessee; D.J. Sanders, Jr.., Middle Tennessee; Joshua Wheeler, Jr., North Texas; Anthony Wilson, Sr., Old Dominion; Alex Lyons, Sr., Rice; Elijah Parker, Sr., Southern Miss; Nick Usher, Sr., UTEP; Joel Iyiegbuniwe, So., WKU; T.J. McCollum, Jr., WKU DB – Niko Gonzalez, Jr., FIU; Raekwon Williams, Jr., Florida Atlantic; Jalen Young, So., Florida Atlantic; Secdrick Cooper, Jr., Louisiana The Lady Eagles also held a 17-to-8 advantage in assists and a 10-6 advantage in steals. Eastern committed 14 turnovers in the win, while FHHS gave the ball away 18 times. “When the running game is there and it’s working, it’s nice to see,” Coach Parker said. “There are times when we have to slow the game down, we have to play the game at a slower pace and work the basketball to get good looks at the basket. That’s a learning curve, but I’m confident that we’ll learn from it and go on.” EHS senior Laura Pullins led the way for the victors with a doubledouble effort of 25 points and 12 rebounds, both of which were game-highs. on Thursday, the Lady Saturday. Becca Pullins scored 13 Eagles will host Jackson Alex Hawley can be reached at 740points off of the bench in a non-league tilt on for the Lady Eagles, 446-2342, ext. 2100. while Hannah Bailey and Madison Williams each scored six points. Jess Parker and Elizabeth Collins both scored four points, Alyson Bailey OUR BEST SELLER! added two, while Kelsey Stew’s Choice Casto chipped in with Gift Basket $�ZRRGHQ�FUDWH�¿�OOHG�ZLWK� one point. GHOLFLRXV�6PRNHG�*RXGD�� 9HUPRQW�&KHGGDU��0XOWL� Parker and Williams VHHG�)ODWEUHDGV��&UDQEHUU\� )LWQHVV�0L[��3LVWDFKLRV�� both finished with team&KRFRODWH�&KLS�&RRNLHV�� highs of four assists and &DUDPHO�3RSFRUQ��3UHW]HO� %LWHV��0LQL�&KRFRODWH� three steals, with Parker 7UXIÀ�HV��DQG�)UHVKO\�*URXQG� &RIIHH� — Eastern’s 5-foot, 4-inch sophomore point 99 $ guard — recording seven #101 rebounds and the game’s lone blocked shot. Destiny Tabler led the Lady Lancers with 13 points and five rebounds. Federal Hocking and Eastern will meet in a gift box again on January 19, in with every order of Stew’s Choice Gift Basket. Use code: BROWNIE81 at checkout. Stewart. Offer ends 12/31/16 After visiting Miller Tech; Prince Sam, Sr., Louisiana Tech; Rodney Allen, Jr., Marshall; Nate Brooks, So., North Texas; Eric Jenkins, Jr., North Texas; Tabari McGaskey, Sr., Rice; Jordan Moore, Sr., UTSA; Leverick Johnson, Jr., WKU SPECIAL TEAMS K – Austin Taylor, Sr., FIU; Greg Joseph, Jr., Florida Atlantic; Trevor Moore, Jr., North Texas; Skyler Simcox, So., WKU P – Dalton Schomp, Sr., Florida Atlantic; Jack Fox, So., Rice; Tyler Sarrazin, Sr., Southern Miss; Alan Luna, Jr., UTEP KR – Chris Montgomery, Jr., Charlotte; Kerrith Whyte, Fr., Florida Atlantic; Tyler Wilson, Fr., North Texas PR – Terry Juniel, So., UTEP LS – Keaston Sinicki, Sr., Charlotte; Sam Medlock, Sr., FIU; Reed Buce, Jr., Old Dominion; Matt Bayliss, Jr., UTSA; Nolan Dowling, Sr., WKU ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM OFFENSE QB – Mason Fine, North Texas RB – Devin Singletary, Florida Atlantic; Quinton Baker, WKU OL – Ethan Reed, Louisiana Tech; Levi Brown, Marshall; Devin Hannan, Old Dominion; Ty Pollard, Southern Miss; Greg Long, UTEP TE – Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic WR – Stantley Thomas, FIU; Ty Lee, Middle Tennessee DEFENSE DL – Eric Kendzior, Louisiana Tech; Ty Tyler, Marshall; Tyshun Render, Middle Tennessee; LaDarius Hamilton, North Texas; Chris Richardson, UTEP LB – Tyriq Harris, Charlotte; Jayson VanHook, UTEP; Josiah Tauaefa, UTSA DB – Ben DeLuca, Charlotte; Ephraim Kitchen, Louisiana Tech; Chris Jackson, Marshall; Justin Rogers, UTEP SPECIAL TEAMS K – Brad Davis, Old Dominion P – Bailey Cate, Old Dominion KR – Kerrith Whyte, Florida Atlantic PR – Darrell Brown, Old Dominion LS – Matt Beardall, Marshall h 59 Net wt. 3 lbs. 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ASK ABOUT OUR 3 YEAR PRICE GUARANTEE AND GET INCLUDED FOR A YEAR 800-697-0129 Call for more details 12/09 2016 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc. 4 9 1 �10 Friday, December 9, 2016 Daily Sentinel MEIGS COUNTY CHURCH DIRECTORY Fellowship Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic Van Zandt and Ward Road. Pastor: James Miller. Sunday school, 10:30 a.m.; evening, 7:30 p.m. The Refuge Church 7898 St. Rt. 7, Cheshire, Ohio. Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Pastor: The Rev. Jordan Bradford. Emmanuel Apostolic Tabernacle, Inc. Loop Road off New Lima Road, Rutland. Pastor: Marty R. Hutton. Sunday services, 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, 7 p.m. *** Assembly of God Liberty Assembly of God Dudding Lane, Mason, W.Va. Pastor: Neil Tennant. Sunday services, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. *** Baptist Carpenter Independent Baptist Church Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; preaching service, 10:30 a.m.; evening service, 7 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m. Cheshire Baptist Church Pastor: Mel Mock. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m.; evening service, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 6:30 p.m. Call: 740-367-7801. Hope Baptist Church (Southern) 570 Grant Street, Middleport. Pastor: Gary Ellis. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. Rutland First Baptist Church Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:45 a.m. Pomeroy First Baptist East Main Street, Pomeroy. Pastor: Jon Brocket. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. First Southern Baptist 41872 Pomeroy Pike. Pastor: David Brainard. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:45 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. First Baptist Church Sixth and Palmer Street, Middleport. Pastor: Billy Zuspan. Sunday school, 9:15 a.m.; worship, 10:15 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. Racine First Baptist Pastor: Ryan Eaton. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:40 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. Silver Run Baptist Pastor: John Swanson. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; evening, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday services, 6:30 p.m. Mount Union Baptist Pastor: Randy Smith. Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; evening, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday services, 6:30 p.m. Old Bethel Free Will Baptist Church 28601 Ohio 7, Middleport. Pastor Everett Caldwell. Sunday service, 10 a.m.; Tuesday and Saturday services, 6 p.m. Hillside Baptist Church Ohio 143 just off of Ohio 7. Pastor: Rev. James R. Acree, Sr. Sunday unified service. Worship, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday services, 7 p.m. Victory Baptist Independent 525 North Second Street, Middleport. Pastor: James E. Keesee. Worship, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Wednesday services, 7 p.m. Faith Baptist Church Railroad Street, Mason. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday services, 7 p.m. Forest Run Baptist Pomeroy. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 11:30 a.m. Mount Moriah Baptist Fourth and Main Street, Middleport. Pastor: Rev. Michael A. Thompson, Sr. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:45 a.m. Antiquity Baptist Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:45 a.m.; Sunday evening, 6 p.m. Rutland Freewill Baptist Salem Street, Rutland. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 11:30 a.m.; evening service and youth meeting, 6 p.m.; Pastor Ed Barney. Second Baptist Church Ravenswood, W.Va. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m.; evening, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. First Baptist Church of Mason, W.Va. W.Va. Route 652 and Anderson Street. Pastor: Robert Grady. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; morning church, 11 a.m.; evening, 6 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m. *** Catholic Sacred Heart Catholic Church 161 Mulberry Ave., Pomeroy. Pastor: Rev. Mark Moore. (740) 992-5898. Saturday confessional 4:45-5:15 p.m.; mass, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday confessional, 8:45-9:15 a.m.; Sunday mass, 9:30 a.m.; For Mass schedule visit athenscatholic.org. *** Church of Christ Westside Church of Christ 33226 Children’s Home Road, Pomeroy. (740) 992-3847. Sunday traditional worship, 10 a.m.; Bible study following worship; Contemporary Worship Service, 6 p.m.; Wednesday meeting, 6 p.m.; Bible study, 7 p.m. Hemlock Grove Christian Church Pastor Diana Carsey Kinder, Church school (all ages), 9:15 a.m.; church service, 10 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m. Pomeroy Church of Christ 212 West Main Street. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday services, 7 p.m. Middleport Church of Christ Fifth and Main Street. Pastor: David Hopkins. Youth Minister Mathew Ferguson. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; blended worship, 8:45 a.m.; contemporary worship 11 a.m.; Sunday evening 6 p.m.; Wednesday services, 7 p.m. Keno Church of Christ Pastor: Jeffrey Wallace. First and Third Sunday. Worship, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday school, 10:30 a.m. Bearwallow Ridge Church of Christ Pastor: Bruce Terry. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday services, 6:30 p.m. Zion Church of Christ Harrisonville Road, Pomeroy. Pastor: Russel Lowe. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Wednesday services, 7 p.m. Tuppers Plains Church of Christ Worship service, 9 a.m.; communion, 10 a.m.; Sunday school, 10:15 a.m.; youth, 5:50 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m. Bradbury Church of Christ 39558 Bradbury Road, Middleport. Minister: Justin Roush. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. Rutland Church of Christ Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship and communion, 10:30 a.m. Bradford Church of Christ Ohio 124 and Bradbury Road. Minister: Russ Moore. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; Sunday evening service, 6 p.m.; Wednesday adult Bible study and youth meeting, 6:30 p.m. Hickory Hills Church of Christ Tuppers Plains. Pastor: Mike Moore. Bible class, 9 a.m.; Sunday worship, 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday Bible class, 7 p.m. Reedsville Church of Christ Pastor: Jack Colgrove. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship service, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 6:30 p.m. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday worship, 10:30 a.m. *** Christian Union Hartford Church of Christ in Christian Union Hartford, W.Va. Pastor: Mike Puckett. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Wednesday services, 7 p.m. *** Church of God Mount Moriah Church of God Mile Hill Road, Racine. Pastor: James Satterfield. Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; evening service, 6 p.m.; Wednesday services, 7 p.m. Rutland Church of God Pastor: Larry Shreffler. Sunday worship, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday services, 7 p.m. Syracuse First Church of God Apple and Second Streets. Pastor: Rev. David Russell. Sunday school and worship, 10 a.m.; evening services, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday services, 6:30 p.m. Church of God of Prophecy O.J. White Road off Ohio 160. Pastor: P.J. Chapman. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m.; Wednesday services, 7 p.m. *** Congregational Trinity Church 201 E. Second St., Pomeroy. Worship, 10:25 a.m. Pastor Randy Smith. *** Episcopal Grace Episcopal Church 326 East Main Street, Pomeroy. Holy Eucharist, 11 a.m. *** Holiness Independent Holiness Church 626 Brick Street, Rutland. Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Worship Service, 10:30 a.m.; Evening Service, 6 p.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m. Community Church Main Street, Rutland. Pastor: Steve Tomek. Sunday worship, 10 a.m.; Sunday services, 7 p.m. Danville Holiness Church 31057 Ohio 325, Langsville. Pastor: Paul Eckert. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday worship, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Wednesday prayer service, 7 p.m. Calvary Pilgrim Chapel State Route 143. Pastor: Mark Nix. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m. Rose of Sharon Holiness Church Leading Creek Road, Rutland. Pastor: Rev. Dewey King. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday worship, 7 p.m.; Wednesday prayer meeting, 7 p.m. Pine Grove Bible Holiness Church One half mile off of Ohio 325. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m. Wesleyan Bible Holiness Church 75 Pearl Street, Middleport. Pastor: Matt Phoenix. Sunday: worship service, 10:30 a.m.; Sunday evening service, 6 p.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m. 740-691-5006. *** Latter-Day Saints Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Ohio 160. (740) 446-6247 or (740) 4467486. Sunday school, 10:20-11 a.m.; relief society/priesthood, 11:05 a.m.-12 p.m.; sacrament service, 9-10-15 a.m.; homecoming meeting first Thursday, 7 p.m. *** Lutheran Saint John Lutheran Church Pine Grove. Pastor Linea Warmke. Worship, 9 a.m.; Sunday school, 10 a.m. Our Savior Lutheran Church Walnut and Henry Streets, Ravenswood, W.Va. Pastor: David Russell. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m. Saint Paul Lutheran Church Corner of Sycamore and Second streets, Pomeroy. Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m. *** United Methodist Graham United Methodist Pastor: Richard Nease. Worship, 11 a.m. Bechtel United Methodist New Haven. Pastor: Richard Nease. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; Tuesday prayer meeting and Bible study, 6:30 p.m. Mount Olive United Methodist Off of 124 behind Wilkesville. Pastor: Rev. Ralph Spires. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Thursday services, 7 p.m. Alfred Pastor: Gene Goodwin. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Chester Pastor: Angel Crowell. Worship, 9 a.m.; Sunday school, 10 a.m. Joppa Pastor: Denzil Null. Worship, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday school, 10:30 a.m. Long Bottom Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. Reedsville Pastor: Gene Goodwin. Worship, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday school, 10:30 a.m.; first Sunday of the month, 7 p.m. Tuppers Plains Saint Paul Pastor: Judy Adams. Sunday school, 9 a.m.; worship, 10:15 a.m.; Bible study, Tuesday 10 a.m. Asbury Syracuse. Pastor: Wesley Thoene. Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m.; Wednesday services, 7:30 p.m. Flatwoods Pastor: Angel Crowell. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 11:15 a.m. Forest Run Pastor: Wesley Thoene. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 9 a.m. Heath 339 S. 3rd Ave., Middleport. Pastor: Rebecca Zurcher. Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. Asbury Syracuse Pastor: Wesley Thoene. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. New Beginnings Pomeroy. Pastor: Alethea Botts. Worship, 10 a.m.; Sunday school, 9:15 a.m.; evening worship, 6 p.m. worship every fourth Sunday; Bible study, 7:15 p.m. Wednesdays; DARE 2 Share youth group, every Sunday morning during worship. Rocksprings Pastor: Angel Crowell. Sunday school, 9 a.m.; worship, 8 and 10 a.m. Rutland Pastor: Mark Brookins. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m.; Thursday services, 7 p.m. Salem Center Pastor: John Chapman. Sunday school, 10:15 a.m.; worship, 9:15 a.m.; Bible study, Monday 7 p.m. Bethany Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 9 a.m.; Wednesday services, 10 a.m. Carmel-Sutton Carmel and Bashan Roads, Racine.. Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study, noon. Morning Star Sunday school, 11 a.m.; worship, 10 a.m. East Letart Pastor: Bill Marshall. Sunday school, 9 a.m.; worship, 10 a.m.; First Sunday evening service, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. Racine Pastor: Rev. William Marshall. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m.; Tuesday Bible study, 7 p.m. Coolville United Methodist Church Main and Fifth Street. Pastor: Helen Kline. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 9 a.m.; Tuesday services, 7 p.m. Bethel Church Township Road 468C. Pastor: Phillip Bell. Sunday school, 9 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. Hockingport Church Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. Torch Church County Road 63. Sunday school, 9:30 am.; worship, 10:30 a.m. *** Free Methodist Laurel Cliff Laurel Cliff Road. Pastor: Bill O’Brien. Sunday school, 9:30; morning worship, 10:30; evening worship, 6 p.m.; Wednesday Bible Study, 7 p.m. *** Nazarene Point Rock Church of the Nazarene Route 689 between Wilksville and Albany. Pastor: Larry Cheesebrew. Sunday School, 10 a.m.; worship service, 11 a.m.; evening service, 6 p.m.; Wednesday service, 6 p.m. New Hope Church of the Nazarene 980 General Hartinger Parkway, Middleport. Pastor Bill Justis and Pastor Daniel Fulton. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; morning worship, 11 a.m.; evening worship, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday evening Bible study, 6:30 p.m.; men’s Bible study, 7 p.m. Reedsville Fellowship Pastor: Russell Carson. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:45 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Wednesday services, 7 p.m. Syracuse Church of the Nazarene Pastor: Daniel Fulton. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m., worship, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday and Sunday evenings, 7 p.m. Chester Church of the Nazarene Pastor: Will Luckeydoo. Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday morning service, 10:30 a.m.; Sunday evening service, 6 p.m. Rutland Church of the Nazarene Pastor: Ann Forbes. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m.; Sunday evening, 6 p.m. *** Non-Denominational Christ Temple Fellowship Church 28382 State Route 143, Pomeroy. Services are 6 p.m. Sunday with Pastor Dennis Weaver. For information, call 740-6983411. Common Ground Missions Pastor: Dennis Moore and Rick Little. Sunday, 10 a.m. Team Jesus Ministries 333 Mechanic Street, Pomeroy. Pastor: Eddie Baer. Sunday worship, 10:30 a.m. New Hope Church Old American Legion Hall, Fourth Ave., Middleport. Sunday, 5 p.m. Syracuse Community Church 2480 Second Street, Syracuse., Sunday evening, 6:30 p.m. A New Beginning (Full Gospel Church). Harrisonville. Pastors: Bob and Kay Marshall. Thursday, 7 p.m. Amazing Grace Community Church Ohio 681, Tuppers Plains. Pastor: Wayne Dunlap. Sunday worship, 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m. Oasis Christian Fellowship (Non-denominational fellowship). Meeting in the Meigs Middle School cafeteria. Pastor: Christ Stewart. Sunday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Community of Christ Portland-Racine Road. Pastors: Dean Holben, Janice Danner, and Denny Evans. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday services, 7 p.m. Bethel Worship Center 39782 Ohio 7 (two miles south of Tuppers Plains). Pastor: Rob Barber; praise and worship led by Otis and Ivy Crockron; (740) 667-6793. Sunday 10 a.m.; Affiliated with SOMA Family of Ministries, Chillicothe. Bethelwc.org. Ash Street Church 398 Ash Street, Middleport. Pastor: Mark Morrow. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; morning worship, 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday service, 6:30 p.m.; youth service, 6:30 p.m. Agape Life Center (Full Gospel church). 603 Second Ave., Mason. Pastors: John and Patty Wade. (304) 773-5017. Sunday 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. Abundant Grace 923 South Third Street, Middleport. Pastor: Teresa Davis. Sunday service, 10 a.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m. Faith Full Gospel Church Long Bottom. Pastor: Steve Reed. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m.; Friday fellowship service, 7 p.m. Harrisonville Community Church Pastor: Theron Durham. Sunday, 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. Middleport Community Church 575 Pearl Street, Middleport. Pastor: Sam Anderson. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; evening, 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday service, 7:30 p.m. Faith Valley Tabernacle Church Bailey Run Road. Pastor: Rev. Emmett Rawson. Sunday evening, 7 p.m.; Thursday service, 7 p.m. Syracuse Mission 1141 Bridgeman Street, Syracuse. Sunday School, 10 a.m.; evening, 6 p.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m. Dyesville Community Church Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Morse Chapel Church Worship, 5 p.m. Faith Gospel Church Long Bottom. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:45 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Full Gospel Lighthouse 33045 Hiland Road, Pomeroy. Pastor: Roy Hunter. Sunday school, 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday evening, 7:30 p.m. South Bethel Community Church Silver Ridge. Pastor: Linda Damewood. Sunday school, 9 a.m.; worship, 10 a.m. Second and fourth Sundays; Bible study, Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Carleton Interdenominational Church Kingsbury. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship service, 10:30 a.m.; evening service, 6 p.m. Freedom Gospel Mission Bald Knob on County Road 31. Pastor: Rev. Roger Willford. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 7 p.m. Fairview Bible Church Letart, W.Va., Route 1. Pastor: Brian May. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 7 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m. Faith Fellowship Crusade for Christ Pastor: Rev. Franklin Dickens. Friday, 7 p.m. Calvary Bible Church Pomeroy. Pastor: Rev. Blackwood. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday service, 7:30 p.m. Stiversville Community Church Pastor: Bryan and Missy Dailey. Sunday school, 11 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. Rejoicing Life Church 500 North Second Ave., Middleport. Pastor: Mike Foreman. Pastor Emeritus: Lawrence Foreman. Worship, 10 a.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m. Clifton Tabernacle Church Clifton, W.Va. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 7 p.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m. Full Gospel Church of the Living Savior Route 338, Antiquity. Pastor: Jesse Morris. Saturday, 2 p.m. Salem Community Church Lieving Road, West Columbia, W.Va. (304) 675-2288. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday evening, 7 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m. Hobson Christian Fellowship Church Pastor: Herschel White. Sunday 7 p.m. Wednesday, 7 p.m. Restoration Christian Fellowship 9365 Hooper Road, Athens. Pastor: Lonnie Coats. Sunday worship, 10 a.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. House of Healing Ministries (Full Gospel) Ohio 124, Langsville. Pastors: Robert and Roberta Musser. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m. Hysell Run Community Church 33099 Hysell Run Road, Pomeroy, Ohio; Pastors Larry and Cheryl Lemley. Sunday School 9:30 a.m.; morning worship 10:30 a.m.; Sunday evening service, 7 p.m.; Sunday night youth service, 7 p.m. ages 10 through high school; Thursday Bible study, 7 p.m.; fourth Sunday night is singing and communion. Endtime House of Prayer Ohio 681, Snowville; Pastor Robert Vance. Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship 11 a.m.; Bible Study, Thursday 6 p.m. *** Pentecostal Pentecostal Assembly Tornado Road, Racine. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; evening, 7 p.m.; Wednesday services, 7 p.m. *** Presbyterian Harrisonville Presbyterian Church Pastor: Rev. David Faulkner. Sunday worship 9:30 a.m. Middleport Presbyterian Pastor: Jim Snyder. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship service, 11 a.m. Pastor Jim Snyder. (740) 645-5034. *** United Brethren Eden United Brethren in Christ Ohio 124, between Reedsville and Hockingport. Pastor Peter Martindale. Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m. Mount Hermon United Brethren in Christ Church 36411 Wickham Road, Pomeroy. Pastor: Adam Will. Adult Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.; Worship and Childrens Ministry – 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday Adult Bible Study and Kingdom Seekers (grades 4-6) 6:30 p.m. www.mounthermonub.org. *** Wesleyan White’s Chapel Wesleyan Coolville Road. Pastor: Rev. Charles Martindale. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m. 60693806 �60691419 Winter Sports Preview MEIGS GALLIA N MASON 60691935 �Blue Devils hope potential posts wins By Paul Boggs pboggs@civitasmedia.com 2 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview CENTENARY, Ohio — According to Gary Harrison, and even arguably on paper, his Gallia Academy High School boys basketball team has all the ingredients this season. Now, it’s just a matter of meshing all aspects together — and even more importantly translating them into victories. The Gallia Academy head coach Harrison, during the Blue Devils’ annual media day activities, said bluntly he believes he has his best overall squad in his now fourth year. And, despite the graduation loss of six players — including six-foot four-inch three-time all-Southeast District honoree Wes Jarrell — Harrison has high hopes his group can turn around a 7-16 record from a year ago. “You’re going to see a totally different type of team than what we’ve had the past three years I’ve been here. We can post because we’re big. We’re long. We can get out and run. We have guards that can shoot. We going to screen and roll,” said Harrison. “We’re a different team. Just different kids. We’re going to be able to score. This is probably the most athletic team that we’ve had. And we can go eight or nine deep, which is something that I haven’t had for GAHS boys schedule December 2 at Meigs, 7:30 9 vs. Point Pleasant, 7:30 10 vs. Bethel Tate (At Rio Grande), 2 p.m. 13 vs. Chesapeake, 7:30 16 vs. Rock Hill, 7:30 20 at Jackson, 7:30 23 vs. South Gallia, 7:30 January 3 at Ironton, 7:30 6 at Coal Grove, 7:30 10 vs. South Point, 7:30 13 vs. Fairland, 7:30 17 at River Valley, 7:30 20 at Portsmouth, 7:30 24 at Chesapeake, 7:30 27 at Rock Hill, 7:30 31 vs. Ironton, 7:30 February 3 vs. Coal Grove, 7:30 7 at South Point, 7:30 10 at Fairland, 7:30 11 at Point Pleasant, 7:30 14 vs. Jackson, 7:30 17 vs. Portsmouth, 7:30 Paul Boggs/OVP Sports Pictured are members of the 2016-17 Gallia Academy varsity boys basketball team. In front, from left, are Dondre Armstrong, Justin McClelland, Cory Call, Miles Cornwell and Gage Harrison. In back, from left, are Blaine Carter, Justin Peck, Zach Loveday, Kaden Thomas and Evan Wiseman. the first three years.” Much of the coach’s assessment is valid. The Blue Devils — despite only 10 on the entire varsity roster — do blend size, speed, shooting ability and athleticism. Still, there is a mix of youth, inexperience — and an unanswered question of lockdown defense. “We’re big and long and quick, and if we can lock people down defensively like I think we can, we’re going to be in a lot of ballgames,” said Harrison. “We’re going to be there where we can compete day in and day out.” The Blue Devils did graduate six seniors, including Jarrell, who averaged 16.3 points per game. Jarrell, in addition to earning all-Ohio Valley Conference first-team honors, was tabbed Division II second team allSoutheast District by the Associated Press. He had been selected to the AP all-district third team in the GAHS boys roster 2 Miles Cornwell* . . . Sr. G 5-10 10 Justin McClelland* . . So. G 6-1 11 Evan Wiseman* . . . . .Jr. G 6-1 12 Kaden Thomas . . . . . .Jr. G 6-1 15 Blaine Carter . . . . . . . So. F 6-2 21 Dondre Armstrong . . Sr. G 5-9 22 Cory Call . . . . . . . . . . . So. F 6-1 33 Gage Harrison . . . . . . .Jr. G 6-1 35 Justin Peck* . . . . . . . . Jr. C 6-5 44 Zach Loveday . . . . . . .Fr. C 6-11 Head coach: Gary Harrison (4th season) * — indicates varsity returnee previous two years. Gallia Academy also graduated two other starters, Kole Carter and Devin Henry, as Carter claimed all-Southeast District Special Mention. Only four Blue Devils return, but 5-10 senior Miles Cornwell and 6-1 junior Evan Wiseman come back as starting guards. Justin McClelland — a 6-1 sophomore — saw spot time on the varsity level last season, while 6-5 junior center Jason Peck returns after missing most of last year’s second half. “We’re bringing back some kids that know how to play, but we’re also young,” said Harrison. The youngest — of course — is freshman Zach Loveday, standing a towering six-foot, 11-inches tall. Loveday will start at center, and already is being hyped thanks largely to his height. “Zach is young. He brings a lot to the table,” said Harrison. “It’s hard for a freshman to come in and transition to varsity. But by having him and his size for the next four years, he is the kind of kid that comes along and changes your program. He is a great defender. We’re still working on his offense, but he is going to get better at that. He is also a great passer for being sixfoot-11. The thing that I like the most is that he jells well with the other kids and they like him. They like each other and to me, that chemistry is so important.” The second five consist of senior Dondre Armstrong, juniors Gage Harrison and Kaden Thomas, and sophomores Blaine Carter and Cory Call. While depth and offensive ability appear to be Gallia Academy’s strengths, Harrison has his most important focus on the Blue Devils’ defense. “I know we can score, but it’s going to come down to whether we can play defense,” he said. “We have to lock people down, get out in transition and score. We’re not a pressing type team, but we’re pretty good out in the open floor, so we want to speed things up defensively.” The Blue Devils do indeed need to defend, given Gallia Academy’s opposition in the OVC. Fairland is the defending champion and prohibitive favorite for a repeat, while Chesapeake, Portsmouth and Ironton are all serious challengers. The Blue and White’s nonleague slate consists of all local schools — once against Meigs, River Valley and South Gallia, and twice against both Point Pleasant and Jackson. Harrison — however — has his foremost thoughts upon his team, one which he believes has unbelievable upside. “Coaching this club is going to be probably the most fun that I’ve had. They are a great group and they want to play,” he said. “They want to learn every day, so we’re very excited. There is a lot of potential I believe.” Paul Boggs can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2106 �Meigs taking momentum into 2016-17 season By Alex Hawley ahawley@civitasmedia.com ROCKSPRINGS, Ohio — After 18 wins last season, the Marauders set their focus to maintaining success. The 2016-17 Meigs boys basketball team has nine varsity returnees from last year’s 18-5 squad, which finished tied for third in the Tri-Valley Conference Ohio Division, at 8-4. It was the best league finish for MHS since the 2010-11 season, when the Maroon and Gold shared second place in the league. Of the Marauders’ nine returnees, seniors Luke Musser, T.J. Williams, Dillon Mahr and Jared Kennedy are each entering their third varsity seasons. Musser was an all-district special mention selection last season, averaging 10 points per game. As a sophomore, Musser averaged 12 points per game and earned both a third team all-district spot and a first team all-league spot. “We’re going to be different, we’re going to be faster and we have a lot of team speed,” thirdyear MHS head coach Ed Fry said. “Luke Musser is a fantastic shooter. Our defense has looked really good in our scrimmages, Dillon Mahr is just a machine at the defensive end of the floor. He is relentless and makes a lot of good things happen. “T.J. Williams has been with us and we’re going to rely on him for some outside shooting,” Fry added. “We’re going to rely on Jared Kennedy in the middle for rebounding and inside scoring.” Entering their second seasons for the Marauders are juniors Christian Mattox, Zach Helton, Bailey Caruthers and Devon Hawley, as well as sophomore Zach Bartrum. “We’re developing some depth and that’s going to be critical,” said Fry. “Christian Mattox is back and he can score. I’m very pleased with how Zach Helton has stepped up, he’s strong, he’s fast, he’s very athletic and that’s going to help us a lot. Devon Hawley has looked better than I’ve seen him, going back to his freshman year.” Fry also noted that Caruthers and Bartrum, as well as MHS boys roster 1 Christian Mattox* . . . .Jr. 6-1 G 3 Weston Baer . . . . . . . .Fr. 6-1 G 10 Zach Helton* . . . . . . . Jr. 6-0 F 11 Dillon Mahr* . . . . . . .Sr. 6-0 G 12 Bailey Caruthers* . . .Jr. 6-1 G 14 Luke Musser* . . . . . . Sr. 6-2 G 15 Zach Bartrum* . . . . So. 6-0 G 20 Jared Kennedy* . . . . Sr. 6-4 C 30 Devon Hawley* . . . . . . Jr. 6-1 F 32 T.J. Williams* . . . . . . .Sr. 6-0 G 42 Garrett Buckley . . . . . Sr. 6-2 C Head Coach: Ed Fry (3rd season) * — indicates varsity returnee freshman Weston Baer are expected to be key components to the Marauders’ back court. Along with Baer, Meigs has just one other newcomer, in senior center Garrett Buckley. “I’ve been after Garrett Buckley to play, and he finally See MHS BOYS BB | 39 LITTLE, SHEETS & BARR, LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Douglas W. Little Jennifer L. Sheets Michael L. Barr* *also admitted in WV & the Southern District Courts of OH & WV 211-213 East Second Street PO Box 686 Pomeroy, Ohio 45769 740-992-2151 740-992-6689 740-992-2186 Fax-740-992-5168 www.littlesheetsbarr.com 60691542 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 3 MHS boys schedule December 2 vs. Gallia Academy . . . . . 7:30 6 vs. Warren . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 9 vs. Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 10 vs. Oak Hill at URG . . . 6 p.m. 13 vs. Alexander. . . . . . . . . . 7:30 16 at River Valley . . . . . . . . . 7:30 20 vs. Nelsonville-York . . . . 7:30 27-29 at King of the Smokies Tournament . . . . . . . . . . TBA January 3 at Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 6 at Athens . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 10 at Southern . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 13 at Vinton County . . . . . . 7:30 17 at Point Pleasant . . . . . . 7:30 20 vs. Wellston . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 27 at Alexander . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 31 vs. Athens . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 February 3 vs. Vinton County . . . . . 7:30 7 at Nelsonville-York . . . . . 7:30 10 at Wellston. . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 17 vs. River Valley . . . . . . . . 7:30 Alex Hawley/OVP Sports Pictured above are members of the 2016-17 Meigs varsity boys basketball team. Kneeling in the front row, from left, are Dillon Mahr, Zach Helton, Weston Baer, Tyler Williams, Christian Mattox and Zach Bartrum. Standing in the back row, from left, are assistant coach Paul Jewell, head coach Ed Fry, Devon Hawley, Garrett Buckley, Jared Kennedy, Luke Musser, Bailey Caruthers and assistant coach Jared Vlastuin. �Point boys aiming for successful campaign By Bryan Walters bwalters@civitasmedia.com 4 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — Glad to be back. After four up-and-down seasons at the Class AAA ranks, the Point Pleasant boys basketball team is anxiously awaiting its return to the double-A level this winter. Before entering the triple-A level four years ago, the Big Blacks had built up a program that had made consecutive Class AA state tournament runs. PPHS followed with a pair of winning campaigns in its first two seasons with the big boys, but the last two winters have been a little harsher as the Big Blacks have mustered only seven wins — which includes a 4-19 campaign a year ago. Point Pleasant lost five players — Bradley Gibbs, Trey Tucker, Trenton Tucker, Brandon Henderson and Jason Sayre — to graduation, but the Big Blacks will have plenty of experience returning as the Red and Black embark on a successful return to the Class AA ranks. With four starters and eight varsity returnees back for the 2016-17 season, fifth-year PPHS coach Josh Williams feels that this winter can be a solid step in returning the program back to its previous heights. “We have eight seniors and PPHS boys schedule December 6 at Winfield . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 9 at Gallia Academy . . . . . . 7:30 14 at Nicholas County . . . . 4 p.m. 16 at IOGA Tournament . . . . . TBA 20 vs. Nitro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 23 at River Valley . . . . . . . . . 7:30 27 at Wahama . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 30 at Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 January 3 at St. Albans . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 12 vs. Hannan . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 13 vs. Lincoln County. . . . . . 7:30 17 vs. Meigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 20 vs. Ravenswood . . . . . . . . 7:30 28 vs. Southern . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 February 4 at Ravenswood . . . . . . . . 7:30 7 vs. Winfield . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 11 vs. Gallia Academy . . . . . 7:30 13 vs. South Point. . . . . . . . . 7:30 15 at Nitro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 21 at Lincoln County . . . . . . 7:30 24 vs. Wahama . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 Bryan Walters/OVP Sports Pictured above are members of the 2016-17 Point Pleasant varsity boys basketball team. Sitting in front, from left, are Brady Hill, Evan Thompson, Matthew Martin, Douglas Workman, Parker Rairden, Braydon Ralbusky, Austin Liptrap, Will Harbour and manager Gabe Atha. Standing in back are Camron Long, Casey Lowery, Bradyn Canterbury, Cason Payne, Trace Derenberger, Kade Oliver, Levi Mitchell, Jason Bechtle, Braxton Yates and PPHS head coach Josh Williams. a good nucleus of experience here to help the new guys get adjusted to the varsity level, so I do feel good about that headed into the season. The guys that are returning will be a big help in showing the younger guys how we go about doing things to be successful at this level,” Williams said. “It’s nice in the fact that we have four starters returning, but we also have some very capable newcomers on the roster. We should have some depth to work this year, which should be a real plus.” Point Pleasant will have a total of 18 players within its varsity and junior varsity ranks, and half of the eight seniors have been involved with the program throughout their high school careers. With a good blend of leadership, experience and roster depth, Williams is PPHS boys roster 1 Jason Bechtle . . . . . . Jr 6-0 G 2 Brady Hill . . . . . . . . . . Sr 5-9 G 5 Cason Payne . . . . . . . So 6-2 G 10 Braydon Ralbusky . . Sr 5-10 G 11 Parker Rairden. . . . . . .Sr 6-1 G 12 Austin Liptrap . . . . . . .Sr 6-3 F 15 Braxton Yates . . . . . . . Fr 5-11 G 20 Camron Long . . . . . . . Fr 5-11 G 21 Evan Thompson. . . . . Sr 5-8 G 22 Douglas Workman. . . Sr 6-4 G 23 Levi Mitchell . . . . . . . So 6-2 C 24 Bradyn Canterbury . . So 6-2 F 25 Will Harbour . . . . . . . . Sr 6-2 C 30 Casey Lowery. . . . . . . . Fr 6-1 G 33 Matthew Martin . . . . . .Sr 6-3 F 34 Evan Cobb . . . . . . . . .So 6-0 G 44 Kade Oliver . . . . . . . . . .Fr 6-2 C 50 Trace Derenberger . . So 6-5 C Head Coach: Josh Williams (5th season) * — indicates varsity returnee optimistic that the program is already starting to build itself back into what it once was. That is what makes this 201617 campaign so important. The Big Blacks have to be competitive on a regular basis in order to be a winner. “Our expectations are higher than over the last few years, no doubt. We should pick up some more wins and be more competitive in our games, but we are going in expecting to win this season,” Williams said. “Realistically, a .500 or better record would be a huge step in the right direction for us. That’s not setting the bar low because we haven’t been there over the last few years. It would also be a sign of us being consistently competitive, and that’s the biggest goal for us this year.” Returning from last year are seniors Matthew Martin, Parker Rairden, Braydon Ralbusky and Will Harbour, juniors Trace Derenberger and Jason Bechtle, and sophomore Cason Payne. Workman, Rairden, Payne and Bechtle all return talent to the guard positions, while Martin, Ralbusky, Harbour and Derenberger bring strength and size to the front court spots. A ninth player, senior forward Austin Liptrap, was a member of the varsity squad his sophomore season. The newcomers to the varsity squad are seniors Brady Hill and Evan Thompson, sophomores Bradyn Canterbury, Levi Mitchell and Evan Cobb, and freshmen Camron Long, Casey Lowery, Kade Oliver and Braxton Yates. Hill, Thompson, Long, Lowery, Yates and Cobb add depth to back court spots, while Canterbury, Oliver and Mitchell bring some versatility to the forward and center positions. With a little bit of everything to work with this season, Williams acknowledges that this is the perfect group to return to the Class AA level with. He also thinks the transition back to the double-A level will be a huge boost for his troops. “We just feel like we are back where we belong. We had some real success at the double-A level before being moved up over the last four years, so we are hoping to rekindle a little bit of that,” Williams said. “It’s really exciting to just think about the atmosphere at double-A games and how the communities tend to get behind the programs with a little more enthusiasm. It makes for a good atmosphere for the kids to play in and it’s something that adds to the competitiveness. “I think it provides us a chance to be more competitive throughout the course of the year, but I also think it will provide an environment that most of these kids haven’t experienced yet in their careers. We’re excited about being back in the double-A ranks and what it can mean for the program.” Point Pleasant will play its first four games on the road, as well as eight of its first nine overall. The Big Blacks open the home schedule on December 20 against Nitro. Bryan Walters can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2101. �Raiders hoping for bounce back season By Alex Hawley ahawley@civitasmedia.com BIDWELL, Ohio — Simply put, these aren’t last year’s Raiders. With just three varsity returnees and a new head coach, the 2016-17 River Valley boys basketball team will have a much different look than the 5-18 squad of last season. RVHS senior Jacob Dovenbarger is entering his third varsity season, while juniors Dustin Barber and Patrick Brown are both on the Silver and Black for a second varsity campaign. The other 10 varsity Raiders — including two seniors, one junior, four sophomores and three freshmen — are entering their first season. Along with 10 new players, River Valley will welcome first-year head coach Bryan Drummond, a 1998 RVHS graduate, who was the Lady Raiders varsity assistant last winter. “It’s a challenge switching over to the boys side, it’s not a whole lot different, but it’s a little bit of a different game,” Drummond said. “I’ve been coaching girls for the past 15-of-16 years. It’s not a huge transition, it’s still basketball, just a little different pace. It’s fundamentally the same thing.” 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 Prior to returning to RVHS last year, Drummond had been a shooting coach and the basketball academy director for the WNBA’s Tulsa Shock. He has also spent time as a shooting coach in Huntington, after beginning his coaching career in the Gallia County Local School District. Drummond — who replaces Jeremy Peck after a 17-30 record in two seasons at RVHS — will have his hands full replacing six seniors off of last year’s RVHS team, in Tyler Twyman, Kirk Morrow, Mark Wray, Haiden Burdette, Jacob Morris and Dayton Hardway. Twyman, who became just the second-ever Raider to reach 1,000 career points, was named all-district RVHS boys roster 0 Jarret McCarley. . . . .Jr. 6-1 G 1 Jordan Burns . . . . . . . Fr. 6-1 F 2 Layne Fitch. . . . . . . .So. 5-6 G 3 Rory Twyman . . . . . .So. 5-6 G 5 Tre Craycraft . . . . . .Sr. 5-11 G 10 Dustin Barber* . . . . Jr. 5-10 F 11 Brandon Call Fr. . . . . . . . 6-2 F 12 Patrick Brown* . . . . .Jr. 6-2 F 14 Chase Caldwell . . . . . Fr. 5-7 F 21 Ian Polcyn . . . . . . . Sr. 6-4 F-C 23 Bradyn Eblin. . . . . . So. 6-0 G 32 Jacob Dovenbarger* . . . . . Sr. 6-6 C 33 Jacob Campbell . . . So. 6-0 F Head Coach: Bryan Drummond (1st Season) * — indicates varsity returnee third team, while Morrow was named all-league for the Silver and Black. The Raiders will be relying heavily on Dovenbarger to lead the inexperienced group, while senior Tre Craycraft and junior Jarret McCarley are expected to be key newcomers. “We’re going to have speed, and we hope to be aggressive offensively and defensively,” See RVHS BOYS BB | 40 Bend Area Chiropractic Center Experience Pain Relief Through Chiropractic And Massage Therapy Dr. Kelsey M. Henry Christa Duvall, LMT Most Insurances Accepted www.drkelseychiro.com 1065 S. 2nd Street | Mason, WV 1-304-773-5773 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 5 RVHS boys schedule December 2 at Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 vs. Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . 9 vs. Athens . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 at Southern . . . . . . . . . . . 13 at Wellston . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 vs. Meigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 at Vinton County . . . . . . . 23 vs. Point Pleasant . . . . . . 27 vs. South Point. . . . . . . . . 30 vs. Federal Hocking . . . . . January 3 at South Gallia . . . . . . . . . 5 at Ohio Valley Christian . 6 at Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . 14 at Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 vs. Gallia Academy . . . . . 20 vs. Nelsonville-York . . . . . 24 at Athens . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 vs. Warren . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 vs. Alexander . . . . . . . . . . February 7 vs. Vinton County . . . . . . 10 at Nelsonville-York . . . . . 17 at Meigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alex Hawley/OVP Sports Pictured above are members of the 2016-17 River Valley varsity boys basketball team. Sitting in the front row, from left, are Bradyn Eblin, Jacob Campbell, Jarret McCarley, Dustin Barber, Chase Caldwell and Layne Fitch. Standing in the back row are assistant coach Stephen Brown, assistant coach Stephen Roderick, Tre Craycraft, Jordan Burns, Ian Polcyn, Jacob Dovenbarger, Brandon Call, Patrick Brown and Rory Twyman. �Southern aiming for more traditional season By Alex Hawley ahawley@civitasmedia.com 6 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview SHS boys schedule December 6 at Federal Hocking . . . . . . 9 vs. Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 vs. River Valley . . . . . . . . . . 13 at Wahama . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 vs. Trimble . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 vs. South Gallia . . . . . . . . . 23 at Ravenswood . . . . . . . . . 30 vs. Nelsonville-York . . . . . . January 6 at Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 vs. Meigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 at Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 vs. Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . 20 at Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 vs. Wahama . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 at Trimble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 at Point Pleasant . . . . . . . . 31 vs. Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 3 at South Gallia . . . . . . . . . . 7 vs. Federal Hocking . . . . . . 10 at Ironton St. Joseph . . . . 14 at Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 vs. Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 SHS Courtesy Photo Pictured above are members of the 2016-17 Southern varsity boys basketball team. Sitting in the front row, from left, are Jonah Hoback, Tylar Blevins, Dylan Smith, Clayton Wood and Eli Hunter. Standing in the back row are Blake Johnson, Kody Greene, Brayden Cunningham, Crenson Rogers, Trey Pickens and Weston Thorla. SHS head coach Jeff Caldwell. “I think we were playing really good basketball in the last 5-of6 games of the year, last year. I’m hoping that these guys keep working hard and hopefully we’ll get off to a much better start this year.” Of Southern’s 11 players, four SHS boys roster 0 Dylan Smith* . . . . . . Jr. 5-11 G 2 Tylar Blevins* . . . . . Sr. 6-1 G 4 Blake Johnson* . . . Sr. 6-1 G 10 Clayton Wood* . . . . Sr. 5-9 G 12 Eli Hunter* . . . . . . . Sr. 5-10 G 20 Weston Thorla* . So. 6-1 G-F 22 Kody Greene* . . . . . Sr. 6-0 F 24 Jonah Hoback* . . . Jr. 5-10 G 32 Brayden Cunningham* . . . . So. 6-4 C 34 Crenson Rogers* . . Sr. 6-3 C 42 Trey Pickens* . . . . . . Sr. 6-2 F Head Coach: Jeff Caldwell (10th season) * — indicates varsity returnee Dailey Tire 60690959 RACINE, Ohio — The time is now for the Tornadoes. Every player on the Southern boys basketball team has previous varsity experience and — with seven seniors — the Tornadoes are looking to cause a commotion at the top of the Tri-Valley Conference Hocking Division. The 2015-16 Tornadoes — which had no seniors — finished 6-18 after a 10-game losing skid to start the season. The Purple and Gold did win three of their final four games, however, and were eliminated by an 18-win South Gallia team by just two points, in the sectional final. “We hope to pick up where we left off last year,” said 10th-year “Expert Tire Sales and Service” are entering their third varsity seasons in the Purple and Gold. Seniors Blake Johnson, Crenson Rogers and Kody Greene, as well as junior Dylan Smith are each entering their third varsity season for SHS. Tylar Blevins is also beginning his third varsity season, but second at Southern, as he was a member of the Meigs Marauders’ varsity team in his sophomore season. Smith and Rogers — both of whom have been in the SHS starting lineup for two seasons — were both named all-league last winter. Rogers also took home a second team all-district honor, while Blevins was named all-district special mention. “With Crenson, Tylar and Dylan, we expect a lot out of those guys,” said Caldwell. “When you have seven seniors, I like to think of all of them as leaders. These guys have come up through the program and we’re looking for a good year out of all of them.” Entering their second varsity seasons are seniors Clayton Wood, Eli Hunter and Trey Pickens, as well as, junior Jonah Hoback and sophomores Weston Thorla and Brayden Cunningham. “Every year we go into it looking to get better as we go and be playing our best around late January, when you’re getting ready to go into tournaments,” Caldwell said. “Because we’re a veteran group, I expect us to get off to a better start this year. With all the guys coming back, we are wanting to have a winning season and I think they’re hungry to have a good season.” Southern finished 5-11 in the See SHS BOYS BB | 42 CHARLESTON ACOUSTICS of Gallipolis Your Commercial Interior & Specialty Supplier DELIVERY SERVICE / BOOM SERVICE 740-446-8473 www.daileytire.com 1740 Eastern Ave. Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 Owners John & Sandy Dailey Mike Bastiani Mitch Williams Brad Rose 60689749 �New-look Rebels to change pace By Paul Boggs pboggs@civitasmedia.com MERCERVILLE, Ohio — For the South Gallia High School boys basketball team, it’s definitely —even drastically —a change of pace. Given the six significant graduation losses, and as a result a youth movement underway, the Rebels are assuredly in a transition season — with only three players of any varsity experience returning. After an 18-6 campaign that featured a Division IV sectional championship, and with a senior class that set a school record for most four-year victories, South Gallia head coach Larry Howell has an altogether new challenge for this year’s club. SGHS boys schedule December 2 at Symmes Valley . . . . . . 3 at South Webster . . . . . . 6 vs. Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 at Trimble . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 vs. Waterford . . . . . . . . . . 20 at Southern . . . . . . . . . . . 23 at Gallia Academy . . . . . . January 3 vs. River Valley . . . . . . . . . 6 at Federal Hocking . . . . . 10 vs. Wahama . . . . . . . . . . . 13 vs. Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 at Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 vs. Trimble . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 at Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . 31 vs. Federal Hocking . . . . . February 3 vs. Southern . . . . . . . . . . . 4 vs. Symmes Valley. . . . . . 7 at Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 at Wahama . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 vs. Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 at Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 Paul Boggs/OVP Sports Pictured are members of the 2016-17 South Gallia varsity boys basketball team. In front, from left, are Joey Woodall, Bryceton Folden, Lucas Chung, Curtis Haner, Bryce Nolan, A.J. Woodall and Jared Ward. In back, from left, are Brandon Rutt, Caleb Henry, Josh Henry, Colton Bowers, Tristan Janey, Austin Day, Harley Lay, Austin Stapleton and Eli Ellis. “The goal right now is just to stay in games and hopefully as we get more experience, we’ll figure out how to win those games,” said Howell. “We’re relying a lot on our defense and SGHS boys roster Lucas Chung . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Sr. G Joey Woodall . . . . . . . . . . 5-8 Sr. F Harley Lay . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Sr. F Josh Henry* . . . . . . . . . . 6-1 Sr. G Austin Stapleton . . . . . . .6-1 Jr. G Curtis Haner* . . . . . . . . . 5-6 Jr. G Brandon Rutt . . . . . . . . . .6-0 Jr. F Colton Bowers . . . . . . . . . 6-1 Jr. F Tristan Janey . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 So. F Eli Ellis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-0 So. G Bryce Nolan . . . . . . . . . .5-9 So. G A.J. Woodall . . . . . . . . . . .5-6 So. G Caleb Henry* . . . . . . . . 6-0 So. G Bryceton Folden . . . . . . . 5-8 So. F Austin Day . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3 Fr. C Jared Ward . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5 Fr. G Head coach: Larry Howell (4th season) * — indicates varsity returnee 6WRU\�/DZ�2IÀFH taking care of the basketball. If we do those two things, we can stay in games. If we can’t do those two things, we’re going to have trouble.” The Rebels seldom endured difficulty last year, spearheaded by South Gallia’s first-ever — boys or girls — Tri-Valley Conference Hocking Division Player of the Year. That was Joseph Ehman, who averaged 20.1 points per game in being named Division IV Associated Press all-Southeast District first team — along with the Division IV District 13 Coaches Association POY. The Rebels also lost Landon Hutchinson — a 1,000-point scorer and three-time AP all-SE District honoree. Hutchinson was also a twotime TVC-Hocking selection, as his brother Kane Hutchinson made all-SE District Special Mention. Also graduated are sizable forwards in six-foot seven-inch D.J. Drenner and six-foot fiveinch Dominick Johnson, along with guard Corey Rhodes. The first notable impact, Howell explained, was the drop in numbers to 16 in the entire Rebel program. “Our numbers are down, and that is surprising after the season we had last year,” said Howell. “But the kids we have here are working their butts off.” Whom the Rebels have are four seniors, four juniors, two freshmen and six sophomores. The only returning players with any varsity experience are senior Josh Henry, sophomore Caleb Henry and junior Curtis Haner. Among the key moveups from the reserve roster are juniors Colton Bowers and Austin See SGHS BOYS BB | 42 Steven L. Story Attorney at Law Licensed in OH, WV, and KY ZZZ�VWRU\ODZRIÀFH�QHW Open 7 days a week/6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Turn at caution light on Co. Rd. 5 216 East Main Street, Suite 200 PO Box 72 Pomeroy, OH 45769 Millie’s Restaurant ��� ��� ���� s � ��� ��� ���� s &AX ��� ��� ���� �������� ����� "RADBURY 2D� s -IDDLEPORT /( 740-992-7713 60691059 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 7 s (OME COOKED MEALS FRESH DAILY s &AMILY !TMOSPHERE s &RIENDLY COUNTRY SETTING s #ATERING SERVICE AVAILABLE s &AMOUS (OMEMADE PIES �White Falcons a blend of youth, experience By Bryan Walters bwalters@civitasmedia.com 8 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview MASON, W.Va. — With a little hustle, the White Falcons are hoping to hide a very large void on their 2016-17 roster. Actually, make that a lot of hustle. The Wahama boys basketball team will be picking up the pace on both ends of the floor this winter as the Red and White try to overcome the loss of eight seniors to graduation while also aiming to improve on a 9-15 campaign a year ago. WHS — which finished fifth in the TVC Hocking last year with a 7-9 mark — enters this season with only three players over 6-foot-2 in height, with the tallest of the 21 preseason roster members standing in at 6-foot-3. The White Falcons, however, will have a handful of starters and six varsity returnees on the roster to go along with several incoming players that have been honing their skills at the lower levels over the past few years. WHS coach Ron Bradley — who enters his fourth season — acknowledges that his squad has a few question marks headed into the 2016-17 campaign, but he is also confident in knowing that roughly a third of his roster knows what it takes to be successful at the varsity level. He’s also hoping that that percentage will improve in the WHS boys schedule December 6 at Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 9 at Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 13 vs. Southern . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 16 at Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 20 vs. Federal Hocking . . . . . . . 7:30 27 vs. Point Pleasant . . . . . . . . 7:30 29 at Hannan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 30 vs. Buffalo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 January 6 vs. Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 10 at South Gallia . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 12 vs. Ravenswood . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 17 vs. Trimble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 20 vs. Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 24 at Southern . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 26 at Wirt County . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 27 vs. Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 31 at Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 February 3 at Federal Hocking . . . . . . . 7:30 7 vs. Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 10 vs. South Gallia . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 14 at Trimble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 24 at Point Pleasant . . . . . . . . . 7:30 Bryan Walters/OVP Sports Pictured are members of the 2016-17 Wahama varsity boys basketball program. Sitting in front, from left, are Jacob Lloyd, Randy Lantz, Philip Hoffman, Mason Hildreth, Travis Kearns and Noah Litchfield. Standing in back are Brayden Davenport, Nathan Day, Skyler Estep, Ryan Beckner, Tyler Bumgarner, Hunter Board, Isaiah Pauley, Adam Groves, Cooper Peters, Abram Pauley, Jonathan Frye, Zach Roush, Anothony Ortiz, Christopher Courtney and Kody Hollis. upcoming weeks and months ahead. “We are definitely not large in stature and we have about a half dozen or so kids that we consider full-time varsity players headed into the season, so we do have a few concerns headed in,” Bradley said. “The good thing about this roster is that we do have some quality experience in six of those guys. We are blessed with six starters in a lot of ways, but we are going to need two or three people to step up and give us some quality minutes as the season goes on.” In lacking a true inside WHS boys roster Randy Lantz . . . . . . . . . . Sr 6-0 G Philip Hoffman* . . . . . . . .Sr 6-2 F Mason Hildreth* . . . . . . .Sr 6-2 F Travis Kearns* . . . . . . . . Sr 6-0 G Noah Litchfield* . . . . . . Jr 5-11 G Isaiah Pauley . . . . . . . .Jr 6-0 G-F Skyler Estep . . . . . . . . . . .Jr 5-6 G Anthony Ortiz . . . . . . . . . Jr 5-9 G Jacob Lloyd . . . . . . . . .So 6-1 G-F Nathan Day . . . . . . . . . . So 5-6 G Ryan Beckner . . . . . . . . . So 5-7 G Tyler Bumgarner . . . . . . So 5-9 G Cooper Peters . . . . . . So 6-0 G-F Jonathan Frye . . . . . . . .So 5-11 G Christopher Courtney . So 5-8 G Brayden Davenport . . . . .Fr 5-4 G Hunter Board . . . . . . . . .Fr 5-10 G Adam Groves . . . . . . . . . . Fr 6-3 F Abram Pauley . . . . . . .Fr 6-0 G-F Zach Roush . . . . . . . . . .Fr 5-10 G Kody Hollis . . . . . . . . . . . .Fr 5-4 G Head Coach: Ron Bradley (4th season) * — indicates varsity returnee. presence on either end of the floor, Bradley notes that the key for his team will be causing havoc with their quickness — with a main emphasis on the defensive side of the floor. “We’ve been working really hard on our defense this winter and I think it will show when we take the court,” Bradley said. “That’s one thing that we will really have to do well because we will need to force some turnovers to get some offense from our defense.” The White Falcons will have four veteran seniors to lean on for experience and leadership, as well as a pair of underclassmen who are back from a season ago. Returning from last winter are seniors Philip Hoffman, Mason Hildreth and Travis Kearns, junior Noah Litchfield and sophomore Jacob Lloyd. Hoffman, Hildreth and Lloyd bring some much needed experience on the inside, while Litchfield and Kearns bring experience to the guard spots. Senior Randy Lantz also brings varsity experience to the guard mix after transferring in from the Federal Hocking school district. Between those half-dozen perimeter options, Bradley sees a great deal of potential on the offensive end of the floor. Outside of those six, however, a majority of the remaining roster will be new to the varsity level. The biggest concern between the newcomers and the returnees is getting everyone on the same page on a regular basis. “I think we have six guys who are capable of putting up double digits on any given night, but sometimes the shots don’t fall and some guys will hopefully be able to pick up the slack,” Bradley said. “The main thing that we can do is focus on what we can control, which is executing in all areas of the game. Sometimes that’s hard for a young team to remember, so we can’t get caught up in worrying about anything except executing our game plan.” Hoping to round out the varsity roster this winter are juniors Skyler Estep, Isaiah Pauley and Anthony Ortiz, sophomores Nathan Day, Ryan Beckner, Tyler Bumgarner, Cooper Peters, Jonathan Frye and Christopher Courtney, and freshmen Drayden Davenport, Hunter Board, Adam Groves, Abram Pauley, Zach Roush and Kody Hollis. Groves, at 6-foot-3, is the lone true inside player from the 15 newcomers, while both Pauleys and Peters also add options to the frontcourt. Davenport, Day, Estep, Beckner, Bumgarner, Board, Frye, Roush, Ortiz, Courtney and Hollis add significant depth to the guard position. The main goal for Bradley and his team this year is to See WHS BOYS BB | 41 �Eagles looking for breakthrough season By Alex Hawley ahawley@civitasmedia.com TUPPERS PLAINS, Ohio — You don’t have to have big numbers to post big results. The Eastern boys basketball team has just five upper classmen and four varsity returnees, and the Eagles — who have suffered through five consecutive losing campaigns — will have its hands full replacing five seniors off of last year’s 6-16 team. The four returning Eagles include seniors Jett Facemyer and Corbett Catlett, as well as juniors Owen Arix and Brayden Holter. Facemyer is entering his fourth varsity campaign, Catlett has two previous years of varsity experience, while Arix and Holter are both entering their second varsity seasons. Jett Facemyer averaged 23.7 points per game last fall, earning second team all-district and first team all-league honors. Jett was an all district special mention as a freshman. “We’re moving Jett from the Alex Hawley/OVP Sports Pictured above are members of the 2016-17 Eastern varsity boys basketball team. Sitting in the front row, from left, are Kaleb Hill, Blaise Facemyer, Nate Durst and Brayden Holter. Standing in the back row are Sharp Facemyer, Corbett Catlett, Jon Wolfe, Jett Facemyer, Owen Arix and Nick Browning. point to the wing and we’re going to try to get him more looks offensively,” said third-year EHS head coach Jeremy Hill. “We think that Sharp Facemyer is going to alleviate the bulk of the ball handling responsibilities, that Jett has always had in the Good luck this Winter Season! Manufacturer of Pro Haul Dumpbodies past as the point guard. We think that we’re going to be able to get Jett more looks this way and we haven’t had top-notch ball handlers, like we have in Sharp.” Along with Sharp Facemyer, who is a sophomore, Eastern will have senior Jon Wolfe, junior Kaleb Hill and sophomores Blaise Facemyer, Nate Durst and Nick Browning entering their first varsity seasons. The EHS newcomers will be trying to fill the void that See EHS BOYS BB | 42 Best of Luck! EXCAVATI N W NG O R C AND Complete Line of Light and Heavy Duty Truck Parts Repairs on All Makes of Trucks and Trailers Chrome Accessories STONE YARD We have all your Limestone and Gravel Needs! 2150 Eastern Ave Gallipolis, OH 45631 (740)-446-0351 60645876 SFS TRUCK SALES 5885 St. Rt. 218 Gallipolis 740-256-6456 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 9 • General Contractor • Dozer • T/Hoe • Trucking 60690957 FREE Estimates �Do Defenders have an encore in them? By Paul Boggs pboggs@civitasmedia.com 10 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview GALLIPOLIS, Ohio — So what will the Defenders do for an encore? Well, how about a run at a second straight state championship. That’s what the Ohio Valley Christian School boys basketball squad seeks to accomplish this season, as the Defenders aim to defend their first-ever Ohio Christian School Athletic Association state title. And, eighth-year OVCS head coach Steve Rice re-emphasized such. “I try to get my guys to never be satisfied with anything they’ve done and always strive to be better,” said Rice. “Hopefully, we can build on last year and play to the best of our ability this year— and not just be happy with our outcome last year.” Although, it will be difficult to top last season. The Defenders racked up a 21-6 record, upset an Ohio High School Athletic Association school in Wellston, and captured their first boys basketball state title since 2004. That season, OVCS competed under the Association of Christian Schools International banner. This year, the Defenders sport 11 players, including five returnees as four key individuals OVCS boys schedule December 2 at Calvary Christian . . . 7:30 5 at Covenant Christian . 7:30 8 vs. Cross Lanes Christian 7:30 13 at Wayne County . . . . . . 7:30 15 vs. Hannan . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 16-17 at Covenant Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . TBA 20 at Wood County Christian 7:30 22 vs. Teays Valley Christian 7:30 January 5 vs. River Valley . . . . . . . . 7:30 10 at Cross Lanes Christian 7:30 13 at Sugar Creek Christian 7:30 17 at Wellston . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 20 at Teays Valley Christian 7:30 27 vs. Sugar Creek Christian 7:30 31 vs. Wood County Christian . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 February 3 vs. Covenant Christian . 7:30 7 vs. Calvary Christian. . . 7:30 13 at Hannan . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 Paul Boggs/OVP Sports Pictured are members of the 2016-17 Ohio Valley Christian School boys basketball team. In front, from left, Justin Beaver, Bryce Gruber, Arden Peck and Andrew Dub. In back, from left, are head coach Steve Rice, Hollis Morrison, Elijah McDonald, Austin Ragan, Michael Gruber, Asher Peck and Nate Dub. Absent when the photo was taken was Jeremiah Case. graduated. None of those graduation losses was more significant than six-foot, five-inch standout center Marshall Hood — the unanimous Ohio Valley Publishing 12 Boys Player of the Year. Hood starred as a scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker for OVCS — averaging 18 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots per game. The Defenders also graduated starting forward Dillon Ragan — along with key substitutes Justin Sizemore and Andrew Sims. However, Rice returns his second, third and fourth-leading scorers from last season — in seniors Elijah McDonald and Austin Ragan and sophomore Justin Beaver. All three started a year ago, as the 5-8 McDonald will be the starting point guard — with the six-foot tall Ragan and Beaver joining him in the backcourt. OVCS boys roster 2 Michael Gruber* . . . 6-0 Sr. G 5 Austin Ragan* . . . . . 6-0 Sr. G 11 Bryce Gruber* . . . . .5-8 8th G 12 Arden Peck . . . . . . . . .5-6 Fr. G 14 Justin Beaver* . . . . .6-0 So. G 20 Hollis Morrison . . . . . 5-7 Sr. F 22 Asher Peck . . . . . . . . . 5-7 Jr. G 24 Andrew Dub . . . . . . . .6-1 So. F 32 Elijah McDonald* . . 5-8 Sr. G 33 Nate Dub. . . . . . . . . . .5-9 Sr. F Jeremiah Case . . . . . 5-11 So. F Head Coach: Steve Rice (8th season) * — indicates varsity returnee Michael Gruber, another six-foot senior, can play either guard or small forward. Bryce Gruber, an eighthgrader, is the fifth returnee from last year’s title team. “We have three returning starters and another returner that got a lot of playing time. Then we have six new players this year, some with experience, that should be able to help our team,” said Rice. The headliner of that halfdozen is 5-7 senior Hollis Morrison, a transfer from River Valley. Rice said Morrison is expected to pick up some scoring slack, and even contribute on the boards. Rice said for fans to expect the Defenders to play primarily “small-ball”. “We’ll play a lot different this year because we have a much smaller team. We’ll probably be playing more of a four-guard set,” said the coach. “Defensively, we have to force teams into bad situations more, instead of relying on someone six-foot-five on the back end to block shots when we make mistakes. We also have to have some guys pick up the slack as far as rebounding.” The team’s tallest player is six-foot, one-inch sophomore Andrew Dub — one of the newcomers along with his brother Nate Dub (5-9, senior). Other first-year Defenders include guards Asher Peck (5-7, jr.) and Arden Peck (5-6, fr.) — and 5-11 sophomore forward Jeremiah Case. Rice said the six newcomers offer offensive and defensive depth — and can offset the club’s early-season concern of a lack of height. “Our biggest worry coming into this season is rebounding,” he said. “We’re emphasizing in practice to make sure we’re getting our box-out assignments down and we’re able to box out as a team. We definitely have more depth right now, but we’ll have to see once games get started. It looks like we may play up to nine players this year, where we really only played six or seven last year —seven most of the time if we were healthy.” The Defenders will need to stay healthy if they are to reach the OCSAA state tournament again. Besides its regular christian school competition, OVCS will also play Wellston and River Valley of the OHSAA — and Wayne County and Hannan twice from West Virginia. Rice said that despite the perception the Defenders did graduate some quality players, he believes his team has an encore performance in it. “I’ve got high expectations for this team,” he said. “I think we might be a little overlooked for what we lost to graduation from last year, but I think we may have more scorers on the team that can help make up for not as much defense and rebounding.” Paul Boggs can be reached at (740) 446-2342, ext. 2106 �Wildcats aiming for more in 2016-17 season By Bryan Walters bwalters@civitasmedia.com ASHTON, W.Va. — Improved numbers could lead to improved numbers. After claiming a dozen wins in his first three campaigns, fourth-year Hannan boys basketball coach Ross Thornton believes that the 2016-17 campaign can be one of great improvement within the program. With two seniors, four starters and nine varsity returnees back from a squad that went 6-15 a year ago, Thornton also has reason to believe that his optimism isn’t without merit. “We’ve won two, four and six games over my first three seasons, so I am expecting us to continue to get better this year. I would really like for us to at least finish .500 or put together a winning season,” Thornton said. “This group seems to be a little hungrier and they are willing to work a little harder, so Bryan Walters/OVP Sports Pictured above are members of the 2016-17 Hannan varsity boys basketball team. Standing in front, from left, are Justis Powers, Luke Tilka, Corey Hudnall, Josh McCoy, Malachi Cade, Dalton Coleman and Andrew Gillispie. Standing in back are HHS head coach Ross Thornton, Matthew Qualls, Chase Nelson, Chandler Starkey, Logan Nibert, Nathan McQueen and assistant coach Frank Hudnall. Absent from photo was Christian Holland. they are definitely motivated for what can be a successful year.” The Wildcats have to replace the losses of Isaiah Burgess, Cole Poore and Ryan Gerlach to graduation, but only Burgess — the team’s leading scorer — was part of the starting unit last winter. The 2016-17 version of the Wildcats will have a pair of fouryear veterans in seniors Corey Hudnall and Josh McCoy, both of whom bring vast amounts of experience to the forward positions. Also returning from last year’s squad are juniors Malachi Cade and Nathan McQueen, as well as sophomores Dalton Coleman, See HHS BOYS BB | 43 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 11 60689457 �Raider swimmers double in numbers By Paul Boggs pboggs@civitasmedia.com BIDWELL, Ohio — By doubling its numbers, the River Valley High School swim team can hopefully double its fun. That’s because in its 10th season as a program, the Raiders raised their total participants to 20 — up from 10 a year ago as head coach Robyn Schlater starts her second season. “Our numbers are doubled from last year, so we have a lot of kids to choose from,” said Schlater. “I think we’re going to place better at meets than we ever have. Having 10 people, your chances of placing aren’t as high. But with 20, you RVHS swim roster Seniors Abby Campbell Savannah Halfhill* Cheyenne Huffman* Bailey Rhodes* Garrett Young* Nick Yongue* Juniors Alyssa Bennett Wyatt Bragg* Jenna Burke Will Edgar Sarah Moffett George Rickett* Kaylee Schultz Alexandra Sochaczewski Jessica Sorbara Sophomores Ethan Browning Freshmen Ethan Cline Samantha Halfhill Elisabeth Moffett Head coach: Robyn Schlater (2nd season) * — indicates varsity returnee Paul Boggs/OVP Sports Pictured are members of the 2016-17 River Valley varsity swimming and diving team. In front, from left, are George Rickett, Jenna Burke, Savannah Halfhill, Cheyenne Huffman, Abby Campbell and Alexandra Sochaczewski. In middle, from left, are assistant coach Kyle Rhodes, Samantha Halfhill, Garrett Young, Elisabeth Moffett, Nick Yongue, Will Edgar, Wyatt Bragg, Sarah Moffett and head coach Robyn Schlater. In back, from left, Kaylee Schultz, Alyssa Bennett, Ethan Cline, Ethan Browning, Bailey Rhodes and Jessica Sorbara. have a better chance at doing better at meets and placing higher. I’m excited about that. Last year, we didn’t really have a chance against these teams that had 30 or 40 kids.” And, with more numbers comes more placers — and another opportunity for various Raiders to qualify for the district meet. Of the 20 total, there are 11 girls and nine boys — as seven swimmers in all return with five of them being seniors. Schlater said in raising the numbers, “we did a lot of recruiting in the hallways and we got a boost from this being an Olympic year and people watching swimming and taking a liking to it.” 12 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview Good Luck to All Winter Sports!! */(. � 4/29!. � */3( BURNETT Phone: 740-446-2866 Fax: 740-446-2806 GOOD LUCK Ductwork Sales & Layouts Custom Sheet Metal Shop Fabrications Furnace & Air Conditioner Equipment 1011 Millcreek Rd. Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 60689459 Last year, the boys qualified a district relay team — with three of them returning this season. That quartet consisted of now seniors Garrett Young, Nick Yongue and Bailey Rhodes, as junior George Rickett replaces the graduated Chase Nance. In fact, the only other Raider which graduated was Ben Moody. On the girls side, there were only three Lady Raiders last season, but they will also compete in relay races this year — given the uptick in numbers. Schlater said the foursome for that relay is likely senior Cheyenne Huffman, junior Sarah Moffett, freshman Elisabeth Moffett and junior Alyssa Bennett. Individually, Schlater said Sarah Moffett has a chance to qualify for the district in three events — the 200m freestyle, the 100m freestyle and the 100m breaststroke. Speaking of the 100m breaststroke, Young has a shot to make the district in that event. “I have a lot of good swimmers and they all have different specialties that they do,” said Schlater. “We have a really good chance at going to districts again this year.” But before districts begin, See RVHS SWIM | 40 HAFFELT’S MILL OUTLET, INC. Your Floor Covering Specialists, So You Don’t Have To Be! 740-446-2107 Marlin & Nancy Rose, Owners 4247 State Route 160, Gallipolis, OH www.haffeltsmilloutlet.com 60690958 �Experienced Lady Marauders prepared for 2016-17 By Alex Hawley ahawley@civitasmedia.com MHS girls schedule December 1 vs. Southern . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 at Point Pleasant . . . . . . . . 12 vs. Nelsonville-York . . . . . . 15 at Wellston . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 at Athens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 vs. River Valley . . . . . . . . . . 27-28 at Parkersburg Holiday Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . January 4 at Logan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 vs. Vinton County . . . . . . . 9 vs. Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 at Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 vs. Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 vs. Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 at Nelsonville-York . . . . . . 26 vs. Wellston . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 at South Gallia . . . . . . . . . . 30 vs. Athens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 TBA 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:15 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 Alex Hawley/OVP Sports Pictured above are members of the 2016-17 Meigs girls basketball team. Kneeling in the front, from left, are Bre Colburn, Jacynda Glover, Madison Hendricks, Madison Fields, Lydia Edwards, Kelsey Starcher and Alyssa Smith. Standing in the back row are head coach Jarrod Kasun, Kylee Blanks, Danielle Morris, Courtney Jones, Marissa Noble, Alli Hatfield, Devin Humphrey, Kassidy Betzing, Taylor Swartz and assistant coach Heath Hudson. hopefully peaking toward the tournament.” Kasun was an assistant coach at Fort Frye for under coach Dan Liedtke for approximately 15 years and has coached AAU basketball for the past eight MHS girls roster 10 Lydia Edwards . . . . . So. 5-1 G 12 Courtney Jones* . . . .Sr. 5-7 F 14 Jacynda Glover . . . .So. 5-3 G 20 Bre Colburn* . . . . . . Sr. 5-3 G 22 Taylor Swartz . . . . . .So. 5-4 G 23 Marissa Noble* . . . . So. 5-7 G 24 Madison Fields* . . .So. 5-2 G 30 Kassidy Betzing*. . . So. 5-7 G 32 Madison Hendricks* Jr. 5-2 G 33 Alyssa Smith . . . . . . So. 5-1 G 34 Kelsey Starcher . . . . .Fr. 5-1 G 40 Devin Humphreys* . . Jr. 5-7 F 42 Danielle Morris* . . . Sr. 5-8 C 52 Kylee Blanks. . . . . . .So. 5-9 C 53 Alli Hatfield*. . . . . Sr. 5-6 F-C Head Coach: Jarrod Kasun (1st Season) * — indicates varsity returnee Sophomores Kassidy Betzing, Madison Fields and Marissa Noble are each returning for their second season in the Maroon and Gold. Betzing and Fields both earned first team all-league honors last winter, averaging 8.6 and 8.3 points per game respectively. Betzing — who also averaged a team-best 4.4 assists per game — was an alldistrict third team selection, while Fields was earned an alldistrict special mention nod. “We’re lucky to have a couple of girls that started as freshmen last year, in Kassidy Betzing and Madison Fields,” Kasun said. “They’re going to be our main two handlers of the ball.” The Lady Marauders will have to replace just three seniors off of last year’s squad, in Sadie Fox, Haiden English and Halley Barnes. See MHS GIRLS BB | 39 ATTENTION CLASS OF 2016 Oil and Gas Wells Drilling and Operation GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS P.O. Box 369, Racine, OH 45771 740-949-2512 Customized and locally made! 255 Mill Street QUALITY PRINT SHOP Spencer R. Carpenter Vice President 60691534 Serving the area’s graduates since 1948 Middleport OH 45760 740-992-3345 Mon.-Fri 8:30am to 5pm 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 13 J.D. Drilling Company James E. Diddle President years, on both the boys and girls sides. Of the Lady Marauders’ nine varsity returnees, seniors Bre Colburn and Danielle Morris have the most experience with three previous years of varsity basketball. Entering their third varsity seasons for MHS are seniors Courtney Jones and Alli Hatfield, as well as juniors Madison Hendricks and Devin Humphreys. Hatfield led the Lady Marauders in rebounding last winter, averaging 6.6 per game. “We have four solid seniors,” Kasun said. “Bre Colburn has been hurt all preseason, but Danielle Morris, Alli Hatfield and Courtney Jones have provided leadership, along with our two juniors Devin Humphreys and Madison Hendricks. We’re going to be young, but I think we’re going to have enough players with a lot of experience.” 60691938 ROCKSPRINGS, Ohio — The Lady Marauders are hoping experience pays off in the 201617 season. The Meigs girls basketball team has nine players back from last seasons’ 10-win team, which finished tied for fourth in the Tri-Valley Conference Ohio Division. The Lady Marauders will have a different head coach this year, as Jarrod Kasun has replaced Scott Cleland, who coached the Maroon and Gold to a 10-13 record in his only season at Meigs. “I enjoy working with the kids at Meigs and we’re hoping to have a great season,” Kasun said. “We’re trying to break down a lot of things, whether it be man-to-man defense or basic ball movement. I want us to be improving all season and �60691846 14 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview �2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 15 �Lady Knights aiming for respect this year By Bryan Walters bwalters@civitasmedia.com contribute,” Fields said. “We really want to push the pace and try to create some points with our defense. That’s our plan for the year and we will need a lot of players to keep up that kind of pace. “We do plan to get out and run as much as we can because it will be to our advantage. We want to test our opponent’s conditioning to our own. The girls have worked really hard and they are ready to get after it.” The Lady Knights will have 15 total players on the roster and depth at all five positions on the floor, which should be a big asset in trying to get the program back to a competitive level. Returning to the squad are seniors Michaela Cottrill, Aislyn Hayman, Morgan Roush and Ashlie Flory, as well as sophomores Hannah Smith, Porsha Mayo, Allison Henderson, Peyton Campbell, Lanea Cochran winter can be. “I feel good about this year going in because we have some experience and some depth, and we have some newcomers that are going to be able to PPHS girls roster Aislyn Hayman* . . . . . . . Sr 5-8 C Michaela Cottrill* . . . . . . Sr 5-5 G Morgan Roush* . . . . . . . Sr 5-6 C Ashlie Flory* . . . . . . . . . . Sr 5-2 G Luiza da Costa . . . . . . . . .Sr 6-0 F Isabelle Wagelmans . . . . .Sr 5-8 F Grace Sprouse . . . . . . . . .Sr 5-6 F Hannah Smith* . . . . . . . So 5-0 G Porsha Mayo* . . . . . . . . . So 5-1 G Allison Henderson* . . . . So 5-3 G Peyton Campbell* . . . . . So 5-5 G Lanea Cochran* . . . . . . .So 5-11 C Cierra Beatty* . . . . . . . . So 5-6 F Morgan Miller . . . . . . . . . .Fr 5-2 G Kelly Marr Fr . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7 F Head Coach: John Fields (5th season) * — indicates varsity returnee Christopher E. Tenoglia Attorney at Law Help Right Here At Home nd 740-992-6368 200 E. 2 �6WUHHW�3RPHUR\��2+�Ř�WHQODZ#VXGGHQOLQNPDLO�FRP and Cierra Beatty. Smith, Cottrill, Flory, Mayo, Henderson and Campbell bring some valuable experience to the guard positions, while Hayman, Roush, Cochran and Beatty do the same for the front court spots. The newcomers to the varsity ranks include a pair of foreign exchange students in seniors Luiza da Costa and Isabelle Wagelmans, as well as senior Grace Sprouse. All three add another dimension to the inside game. The Lady Knights will also have a pair of promising freshmen in guard Morgan Miller and forward Kelly Marr, both of whom are expected to be in the mix for contributions. Fields acknowledges that this might be the most talented team he has had in his five years at the See PPHS GIRLS BB | 41 TNT PIT STOP Mesothelioma • Lung Cancer Wrongful Death CONVENIENCE STORES 60691056 16 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview PPHS girls schedule November 29 at Poca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. December 1 vs. Gallia Academy . . . . . 7:30 3 at Buffalo . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 6 at Nitro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 8 vs. Meigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 10 vs. Hurricane . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 14 at IOGA Tournament . . . . 5:40 16 at IOGA Tournament . . . . . TBA 21 at Lincoln County . . . . . 7 p.m. 28 at Sissonville . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. January 2 at Gallia Academy . . . . . . 7:30 5 vs. Sissonville. . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 18 at Hurricane . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 20 vs. Lincoln County. . . . . 7 p.m. 24 at Riverside . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 31 vs. Poca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. February 2 vs. Nitro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 4 at Winfield . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 7 vs. Buffalo . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 11 vs. Winfield . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 14 vs. Hannan . . . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. Bryan Walters/OVP Sports Pictured are members of the 2016-17 Point Pleasant varsity girls basketball team. Sitting in front, from left, are Hannah Smith, Luiza da Costa, Michaela Cottrill, Aislyn Hayman, Morgan Roush, Ashlie Flory, Isabelle Wagelmans and Porsha Mayo. Standing in back are PPHS head coach John Fields, Morgan Miller, Allison Henderson, Peyton Campbell, Lanea Cochran, Grace Sprouse, Kelly Marr, Cierra Beatty and assistant coach Darrell McCoy. Middleport, OH 4ZSBDVTF �0) Chester, OH St Rt 7 4U�3U����t���OE�"WF��t��)BSUJOHFS�1LXZ 4U�3U���� 740-985-3350 ����������t������������t���������� ������������ 60691057 POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — A chance at redemption. After struggling through four years at the Class AAA level — including a 4-19 campaign last winter — the Point Pleasant girls basketball program is poised for a more successful run in its return to the double-A ranks. With seven seniors and 10 varsity returnees back for the 2016-17 campaign, one can begin to understand the reason for optimism surrounding the Lady Knights’ program. With depth, experience and new atmosphere that can allow the program to thrive, fifthyear PPHS coach John Fields is looking forward to what this �Chemistry key to Lady Raiders’ success By Paul Boggs pboggs@civitasmedia.com BIDWELL, Ohio —Ashley Davies did admit there will be growing pains. But because of quality chemistry, those pains may go away quicker than one might think. Davies, in taking over as the head coach for a young and inexperienced River Valley High School girls basketball squad, does believe in the growth process — and therefore she explained her honest excitement in developing the program. “I’m excited to see this team grow. I’m extremely blessed with this group of girls. This is an amazing group of girls,” she said. “One thing that we have RVHS girls schedule November 28 at Gallia Academy . . . . . . 7:30 December 1 at Fairland. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 3 vs. Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:30 8 vs. Wellston . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 12 at Athens . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 15 vs. Alexander . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 19 vs. Coal Grove . . . . . . . . . 7:30 22 at Meigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 29 at Oak Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 January 5 vs. Nelsonville-York . . . . . 7:30 7 vs. Federal Hocking . . . . . 2:30 12 at Vinton County . . . . . . . 7:30 14 at South Gallia . . . . . . . . . 1:30 16 at Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 19 at Wellston . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:30 23 vs. Athens . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 26 at Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 February 2 vs. Meigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 4 vs. Gallia Academy . . . . . 7:30 6 at Nelsonville-York . . . . . 7:30 9 vs. Vinton County . . . . . . 7:30 Paul Boggs/OVP Sports Pictured are members of the 2016-17 River Valley varsity girls basketball team. In front, from left, are Beth Gillman, Kaylee Tucker, Jaden Neal, Savannah Reese, Kaylee Gillman and Cierra Roberts. In back, from left, are assistant coach Jenna Ward, head coach Ashley Davies, Erin Jackson, Jessica Steele, Maggie Campbell, assistant coach Beth Misner and team manager Beverly Hess. is good team chemistry. The girls are always encouraging each other and they are always wanting everybody else to succeed. It’s not just about themselves. They are buying into the team aspect. That’s been a big thing here at the beginning. Right now, we’re on the right track.” RVHS girls roster 1 Cierra Roberts* . . . 5-0 So. G 2 Erin Jackson* . . . . . 5-7 Sr. G 10 Jaden Neal* . . . . . . . 5-6 Jr. G 15 Savannah Reese . . . 5-3 Fr. G 23 Kaylee Tucker . . . . . 5-2 Fr. G 25 Beth Gillman* . . . . .5-2 So. G 32 Maggie Campbell* . 5-6 Sr. F 42 Jessica Steele . . . . . 5-9 Sr. C 45 Kaylee Gillman . . . . 5-3 Fr. G Head coach: Ashley Davies (1st season) * — indicates varsity returnee Davies has spent the past decade in the Lady Raider program, including the past three years as the junior varsity coach for Sarah Evans-Moore. Evans-Moore stepped down at the end of last season, coinciding with the graduation of her daughter from River Valley — three-time allSoutheast District honoree and two-time Tri-Valley Conference Ohio Division selection Leia Moore. The Lady Raiders also graduated three other seniors, including all-district Special Mention and TVC-Ohio pick Shelby Brown. Davies inherits an inexperienced varsity squad, despite half of the nine-player roster returning. She said she is familiar, however, with all of the Lady Raiders except the three freshmen — and is counting heavily upon her three seniors to lead the way. Those three seniors are forward Maggie Campbell (5-6), guard Erin Jackson (5-7) and center Jessica Steele (5-9), as Campbell and Jackson join junior Jaden Neal (5-6) as the top returnees. Two sophomores — Beth Gillman (5-2) and Cierra Roberts (5-0) — return as well, as Gillman gets the call as the starting point guard. The freshmen trio consists of guards Kaylee Gillman (5-3) Kaylee Tucker (5-2) and Savannah Reese (5-3). “We’re a very young team with only three seniors and the rest of the nine girls are See RVHS GIRLS BB | 40 Celebrate your team’s achievement with a personalized award. We offer timely and accurate engraving services at competitive rates. 5SBEJUJPOBM�5SPQIJFT�t�4QPSUT�5SPQIJFT 7JDUPSZ�$VQT�t�1MBRVFT $VTUPN�"XBSET�t/BNF�1MBUFT� #VTJOFTT�$BSE�)PMEFST�t�%FTL�"DDFTTPSJFT� Corporate Gifts Locker 219 60691800 60691429 ����.BJO�4USFFU�t�.JEEMFQPSU �0)������ ������������ 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 17 Trophies & Engraving �Lady Tornadoes looking to maintain success By Alex Hawley ahawley@civitasmedia.com 18 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview RACINE, Ohio — After ending a 12-year sectional title drought last winter, the Lady Tornadoes hope to keep the pace in 2016-17. The Southern girls basketball team went 16-7 last fall, finishing third in the Tri-Valley Conference Hocking Division for the third straight year, while advancing to the district tournament for the first time since 2004. “Our ultimate goal it to cut the net,” said third-year Lady Tornadoes head coach Kent Wolfe. “For some programs the goal might be a little higher, but for Southern girls basketball — with winning a sectional last year for the first time in 12 years — we just want to have that same experience again. That week between the Symmes Valley sectional final to the South Webster district semifinal was probably one of the best times I’ve had as a coach, because the girls had never been through that.” Southern’s 2016-17 roster is made up of four seniors, five juniors and two freshmen. Three of the SHS seniors are entering their fourth year of varsity basketball, in Faith Teaford, Sierra Cleland and Macie Michael. Teaford has been named All-Ohio twice in her career, SHS girls schedule December 1 at Meigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 3 at Pike Eastern . . . . . . . 7:30 5 vs. Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 8 vs. Wahama . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 12 at Federal Hocking . . . . . 7:15 15 at Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 19 vs. Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 22 at Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 28 vs. Sciotoville East . . . . . 7:15 January 5 at Trimble . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 7 vs. Portsmouth Clay . . . . 7:15 9 vs. South Gallia . . . . . . . . 7:15 12 vs. Federal Hocking . . . . . 7:15 19 at Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 21 at Wahama . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 23 vs. Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 26 at Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 30 at Williamstown . . . . . . . . 7:15 February 2 vs. Waterford . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 6 vs. Trimble . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 9 at South Gallia . . . . . . . . . 7:15 SHS Courtesy Photo Pictured above are members of the 2016-17 Southern varsity girls basketball team. Sitting in the front row, from left, are Macie Michael, Faith Teaford, head coach Kent Wolfe, Sierra Cleland and Ashley Acree. Standing in the back row are Josie Cundiff, Lauren Lavender, Paige VanMeter, Lauren Lavender, Baylee Wolfe, Phoenix Cleland and Jaiden Roberts. earning an honorable mention spot as a sophomore and a special mention nod as a junior. Last winter, Teaford averaged 16.9 points per game to lead the Purple and Gold and earned her second straight all-TVC honor. “Realistically, we have one returning starter with Faith Teaford, who has been through a lot in three years,” said Coach Wolfe. “We have Sierra Cleland, who played her best ball game in the last game of the year, and we’re hoping that rubs off. Macie Michael was playing very well, but halfway through the year, against Belpre, she tears an ACL, so she hasn’t had a lot of experience.” Along with the three returning seniors, juniors Jaiden Roberts, Shelbi Daily, Lauren Lavender and Josie Cundiff each saw limited varsity time last winter. “We’re going to be very inexperienced with our guards, but I’m very proud of the way SHS girls roster 1/11 Phoenix Cleland . . . Fr. 5-5 G 3/24 Baylee Wolfe . . . .Fr. 5-4 G-F 10 Jaiden Roberts* . .Jr. 5-1 G 11/35 Ashley Acree . . . . Sr. 5-6 F 12 Paige VanMeter . . .Jr. 5-6 F 13 Josie Cundiff* . . . Jr. 5-5 G 22 Lauren Lavender* .Jr. 5-5 F 23 Shelbi Dailey* . . Jr. 5-10 C 32 Sierra Cleland* . . Sr. 5-9 F 40 Macie Michael* . . .Sr. 5-7 F 45 Faith Teaford* . . . Sr. 6-1 C Head Coach: Kent Wolfe (3rd season) * — indicates varsity returnee they’ve been practicing,” said Coach Wolfe. “Our goal is we have to take care of the ball, we have to get it across the timeline. If we can get it to the timeline I think we can be successful.” The Lady Tornadoes have to replace four seniors from last year in Ali Deem, Jansen Wolfe, Haley Hill and Savannah Bailey. Deem was an all-league selection as a senior, while Wolfe earned all-district special mention honors three times in her career. Deem and Wolfe were both fouryear varsity players, while Bailey and Hill were on the SHS varsity team three seasons. “Defensively we’re not going to be as aggressive,” said Coach Wolfe. “We lost Haley Hill, who was an outstanding defensive player. She took the role of taking their best perimeter player and she was proud of it. We’ve scrimmaged twice and we’re still looking for who will take that responsibility. We’ve had to change a lot of things because of the team that we have. It’s going to be a learning experience, it’s going to be difficult and it’s going to be different.” To fill the void that Deem, Hill and Bailey left in the SHS backcourt, Coach Wolfe will turn to Roberts and Cundiff, as well as freshmen Phoenix Cleland and Baylee Wolfe. In both of Coach Wolfe’s first two seasons at SHS, the Lady Tornadoes were third in the TVC Hocking with 12-4 records. Though the Purple and Gold have now been third in the league for three straight seasons, 12 is the most number of wins Southern has ever posted in the TVC Hocking, which SHS won for the only time in 2003. “We were very happy to finish third in the league when you look at where Waterford and Eastern have been in the last three years,” said Wolfe. “Those two teams will still be there, but when you look at the league other than those two teams, it’s going to be pretty even. Federal Hocking will be much better, so will Belpre, and Miller is improving. It’s not going to be like it was the last few years, we’re going to have to work for everything we get.” In addition to the 16 league games, Southern will also have to deal with Meigs, Pike Eastern, Sciotoville East, Portsmouth Clay and Williamstown in non-league play. “Our non-league schedule is really difficult, and we have some spots where we really have to mature as a team,” Wolfe said. “I want our seniors to show leadership and show direction. We have a really young and inexperienced team that has to grow up pretty quick.” In a preseason media poll, the Lady Tornadoes were picked to finish third in the TVC Hocking. Alex Hawley can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2100. �Young Blue Angels aim to improve By Paul Boggs pboggs@civitasmedia.com CENTENARY, Ohio — For this year’s Blue Angels, it’s not about how they start. Instead, it’s all about how they finish. That’s because Gallia Academy — at least right now — is a youthful yet inexperienced girls basketball team, that fourth-year head coach Joe Justice said “should look completely different by the end of the year.” “By the end of the season, we’ll be a completely different team than what we are now. Right now, we’re still learning the game and picking up on a lot of things,” said Justice. “As the girls get more confidence, we’ll become a better team by the middle and end of the season.” Thus begins the growing process for the 15-player Blue Angels, which actually return eight players — and only graduated two seniors. Paul Boggs/OVP Sports Pictured are members of the 2016-17 Gallia Academy varsity girls basketball team. In front, from left, are Jenelle Stevens, Adrienne Jenkins, Carly Shriver and Kimberly Edelmann. In back, from left, Megan Bailey, Abby Cremeans, Katie Carpenter, Macey Siders, Hunter Copley, Tabby McNeal, Aubrey Unroe, Alex Barnes, Molly Fitzwater, Hannah Tate and Liz Nicholas. Gallia Academy also lost, however, Jalea Caldwell to transfer — as both she and senior Adrienne Jenkins made all-Southeast Division II Special Mention. Jenkins, at five-foot nine-inches tall, was also a member of the all-Ohio Valley Conference first team — in the Blue Angels’ first official season in the now eight-team OVC. Gallia Academy features four seniors this season — Jenkins, Jenelle Stevens, Kimberly Edelmann and Carly Shriver. Edelmann is in her third varsity campaign and Stevens in her fourth, as Jenkins as a freshman and Shriver as a sophomore missed those respective seasons with torn ACLs. 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Fresh off a 23-loss campaign last year, Wahama also lost four starters and five players — Olivia Hill, Destiny Ingels, Kymber Bowyer, Molly Fisher and Faith Henry — to graduation. The Lady Falcons, however, aren’t in as bad a shape as it sounds as the Red and White have four seniors and eight varsity returnees on a roster that will go a dozen players strong. With a nice blend of experience and youth, secondyear WHS coach John Arnott believes that this year just might be the one that sees that Lady Falcons get back in the win column. He is also quick to note that he is not the only member of this group that is working WHS girls schedule December 2 vs. Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 6 at Buffalo . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 8 at Southern . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 12 vs. Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 15 at Trimble . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 17 at Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:30 19 vs. Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 22 vs. South Gallia . . . . . . . . 7:15 28 at Hannan . . . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. January 5 at Federal Hocking . . . . 7:30 9 vs. Waterford . . . . . . . . . .7:30 12 at Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 18 vs. Wirt County . . . . . . . .7:30 19 vs. Hannan . . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. 21 vs. Southern . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 23 vs. Trimble . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 26 at Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 30 vs. Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 February 2 at South Gallia, 7:15 6 vs. Federal Hocking, 7:30 9 at Waterford, 7:30 13 at Scott, 7:30 Bryan Walters/OVP Sports Pictured are members of the 2016-17 Wahama varsity girls basketball team. Sitting in front, from left, are Lauren Bissell, Nena Hunt, LeDeana Sinclair and Rebecca Gerlach. Sitting in middle row are Maddy VanMatre, Grace Haddox, Natalie Rickard, Elizabeth Mullins, Lexi Layne and statistician Courtney Rickard. Sitting in back row are WHS head coach John Arnott, Gracie VanMeter, Sarah Hoffman, Hannah Rose and assistant coach Bill Zuspan. toward that goal. “We’ve worked hard over the summer in getting better. We would have 13 or 14 kids show up every day at our three weeks of work this summer, and the girls are starting to get serious about us getting better as a program,” Arnott said. “Going into this year, the kids know how to run an offense and how to execute. We have to learn to play defense yet, but that’s the biggest part we are working on right now. “I’ve seen positive signs already. We committed 21 turnovers in six quarters during our first scrimmage. Last year, WHS girls roster 1 Hannah Rose . . . . . . .Fr 5-4 G 2 Gracie VanMeter . . Fr 5-6 G-F 3 Sarah Hoffman . . . . .Fr 5-3 G 4 Lexi Layne* . . . . . So 5-5 G-F 5 Maddy VanMatre* So 5-7 G-F 10 LeDeana Sinclair . . . Sr 5-5 G 14 Grace Haddox* . . . . So 5-1 G 22 Elizabeth Mullins* . . .Jr 5-4 G 23 Rebecca Gerlach* . . . Sr 5-7 F 24 Lauren Bissell* . . . . .Sr 5-1 G 25 Natalie Rickard* . . . . Jr 5-6 F 40 Nena Hunt* . . . . . . . .Sr 5-7 C Mgr Courtney Rickard Head Coach: John Arnott (2nd season) * — indicates varsity returnee we would have committed that many in the first half, maybe some nights the first quarter. We have improved in some areas, but we still have a lot of work to put in if we want to have a successful season.” Returning from last season’s squad are seniors Lauren Bissell, Nena Hunt and Rebecca Gerlach, juniors Natalie Rickard and Elizabeth Mullins, and sophomores Maddy VanMatre, Grace Haddox and Lexi Layne. Bissell, Haddox, VanMatre, Mullins and Layne bring veteran leadership to the guard positions, while Hunt, Gerlach and Rickard do the same for the front court spots. Almost all of the retuning players will be taking on increased roles, but the five newcomers to the varsity squad will also bring some options and ability to the squad. Making their collective debuts at the varsity level are senior LeDeana Sinclair, as well as freshmen Gracie VanMeter, Sarah Hoffman and Hannah Rose. All four newcomers bring additional options at the guard spot, with VanMeter also being able to help out at the forward position. Arnott has been pleased with how things have started in the preseason and he is hoping that that trend will continue over the next three or four months of work. He also notes that is nice to have everyone on the same page, shooting for a common goal. “In some ways right now, I’m already satisfied with the progress that we have made. I also want to see these young girls experience winning and battling in competitive games,” Arnott said. “We have some experience and some youth, so getting the girls on the same page will be the main goal as we move forward. “The toughest challenge for us is going to be winning that first game. After that, we can continue to build our identity and our attitude from there. The sooner we can learn to play through adversity and not let disappointment bring us down, the sooner we will have a chance to stay competitive over four quarters.” Wahama opens the season on December 2 by hosting Scott, but the Lady Falcons will play four of their first six contests on the road. Bryan Walters can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2101. �Juniors lead way for young Lady Rebels By Paul Boggs pboggs@civitasmedia.com MERCERVILLE, Ohio — Truth be told, it’s not the senior circuit for the South Gallia High School girls basketball team. Indeed, the Lady Rebels don’t sport a single senior this season, as 13 players will compete for fifth-year head coach Corey Small. Instead, there are four juniors, a sophomore, six freshmen and two foreign exchange students. That means, in turn, a plethora of youth, varsity inexperience — and combined with a lack of height. “We’re very young and inexperienced,” said Small. “But the juniors have actually taken the leadership role very well and are bringing the freshmen along. We’re going to have to get some major contributions from four or five freshmen. Right now, I plan on starting two freshmen — Christine Griffith and Amaya Howell.” The Rebels, which went 6-18 Paul Boggs/OVP Sports Pictured are members of the 2016-17 South Gallia varsity girls basketball team. In front, from left, are Aaliyah Howell, Amaya Howell, Alyssa Cremeens, Olivia Hornsby and Jessica Luther. In back, from left, are Desirea Davis, Katie Bowling, Erin Evans, Christine Griffith, Kiley Stapleton, Irene Santos and Brooke Campbell. Absent when the photo was taken was Amelie Spitze. last season including 5-11 in the Tri-Valley Conference Hocking Division, did graduate three starters — Mikayla Poling, Carrie Watson and Ashley Northup. Poling, who averaged 10.3 points per game, was the Lady Rebels’ only postseason honoree — making all-Southeast District Division IV third team for the third and final time. She was also South Gallia’s only TVC-Hocking selection. “We’re not going to have that one scorer that goes out and scores 15 per game. Everyone is going to have to contribute about eight to 10 points per game,” said Small. That basically means the entire Rebel roster stepping up. Only juniors Erin Evans, Olivia Hornsby and Aaliyah Howell had even any varsity minutes See SGHS GIRLS BB | 45 Good Luck Teams!! Your home team since 1854 Hilliard Lyons is proudistoproud support local sports of thelocal Tri-County area.of Hilliard Lyons to support sports the tri-county area Retirement Planning | Long term Care | College Savings | Life Insurance 352 SECOND AVENUE | GALLIPOLIS, OH 45631 | 800-944-1621 Patrick Saunders Financial Consultant Mark E. Smith, CRPC® Vice President Financial Consultant Ryan Smith Vice President Financial Consultant 60687856 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 21 Bryce Smith Senior Vice President Branch Manager �Expectations are high for Lady Eagles By Alex Hawley ahawley@civitasmedia.com 22 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview TUPPERS PLAINS, Ohio — With eight players returning from last year’s district runnerup team, the Eastern girls basketball program hopes to continue on the right path. Even with the experience of eight returnees, the Lady Eagles will have a young team featuring two seniors, three juniors, five sophomores and two freshmen. Of the eight returnees, both Laura Pullins and Hannah Bailey return for their fourth seasons in the Green and Gold. Pullins is a three-time all-district honoree, earning special mention as a freshman, second team as a sophomore and first team as a junior, when she averaged 10.3 points per game. Both Pullins and Bailey were a part of the Lady Eagles’ 2014 OHSAA Division IV state champion team. Two of the three juniors were on Eastern’s varsity squad each of the last two winters, in Madison Williams and Elizabeth Collins. Williams missed the majority of last season due to injuries, but was an all-district second team selection as a freshman, when she averaged 17.0 points per game. Last season, Collins earned all-district third team spot — averaging 5.5 points per game EHS girls schedule November 26 vs. Vinton County at Alexander 11:45 December 1 vs. Warren . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 7 vs. Federal Hocking . . . . . 7:15 8 at Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 10 vs. Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 12 at South Gallia . . . . . . . . 7:30 15 vs. Southern . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 17 vs. Waterford . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 19 at Wahama . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 22 at Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 January 9 vs. Trimble . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 12 vs. South Gallia . . . . . . . . 7:15 14 vs. Oak Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:15 16 at Meigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 19 at Federal Hocking . . . . . 7:15 21 vs. Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 23 at Southern 7:15 26 vs. Wahama . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 30 at Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 February 2 vs. Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 9 at Trimble . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 Alex Hawley/OVP Sports Pictured above are members of the 2016-17 Eastern girls basketball team. In the front row, from left, are Alyson Bailey, Becca Pullins, Jess Parker, Hannah Hill and Kelsey Casto. Standing in the back row are manager Brittany Long, Maddie Nutter, Kaitlyn Hawk, Hannah Bailey, Laura Pullins, Madison Williams, Elizabeth Collins and Megan Ross. — while she claimed an alldistrict special mention spot as a freshman. EHS has four returning sophomores in Jess Parker, Alyson Bailey, Kelsey Casto and Becca Pullins. Parker — who started at the point guard position for the Lady Eagles last winter — was named all-district special mention. Eastern has four first-year varsity players in junior Kaitlyn Hawk, sophomore Hannah Hill and freshmen Megan Ross and Maddie Nutter. The Lady Eagles will also be led by first-year head coach Jacob Parker, a 2012 EHS graduate, who has spent the last three seasons as a varsity boys assistant coach. Coach Parker has also served as a varsity baseball assistant for four seasons and junior varsity boys head coach for one season. “We are a very talented EHS girls roster 10 Becca Pullins* . . . . . So. 5-6 G 11 Laura Pullins* . . . . . Sr. 6-0 G 12 Madison Williams* . Jr. 5-8 G 13 Hannah Bailey* . . . . .Sr. 5-4 G 14 Kaitlyn Hawk . . . . . . . Jr. 5-8 G 20 Jess Parker*. . . . . . . So. 5-4 G 21 Megan Ross . . . . . . . . Fr. 5-7 F 22 Maddie Nutter . . . . . . .Fr. 5-1 F 24 Alyson Bailey* . . . . . So. 5-5 G 31 Kelsey Casto* . . . . . .So. 5-6 F 35 Hannah Hill. . . . . . . . So. 5-5 G 50 Elizabeth Collins* . . . Jr. 6-1 C Head Coach: Jacob Parker (1st season) * — indicates varsity returnee group but we are a very young group,” said Coach Parker. “It shows itself several times in practice, transitions and when we move the basketball, but we’re learning. I can honestly say, out of all the things I’ve been involved with baseball and boys basketball, I’ve never been around a group this coachable. They just absorb everything like a sponge, they listen and learn. If we continue on the path we’re going, we’ll be alright.” Parker will of course be charged with the difficult task of replacing John Burdette, who in eight seasons at EHS compiled a 156-44 record with eight sectional titles, four district crowns, three TVC Hocking titles, two regional championships and the 2014 Division IV State Championship. “Whenever somebody comes up to me an asks me how I’m going to fill Coach Burdette’s shoes, I look at them and say ‘how would you fill John Burdette’s shoes?’ you just can’t,” said Coach Parker. “Coach Burdette did so much for this area and he was one of the best coaches around. He knew how to get talent assembled, he knew how to teach them and he knew how to push them. I don’t think I’m necessarily filling the shoes, I just feel like I have to do a job and keep it going.” The Lady Eagles have won 11 straight sectional titles and have finished in the top-two in the TVC Hocking for seven straight seasons. “My goal as a coach is to be a fundamentally sound team,” Coach Parker said. “If we want to be we can be a quick team, if we want to be we can be a good shooting team and if we want to be we can be a very good rebounding team. It comes to the point of whether we want to be or not. Any given night we can come in and get outrebounded, because we’re simply not boxing out.” Along with its 16 league games, Eastern will face Vinton County, Warren, Jackson, Oak Hill and Meigs in non-league competition. “I just have to look at it one game at a time,” said Coach Parker. “No matter who the opponent is on the other side of the floor, I don’t see titles, I don’t see championships or anything of that sort. I don’t see wins and losses or what they’ve done in the league, I just see an opponent and we have to prepare for that opponent each night. You can get beat just as easy as you can win on any night.” Eastern was picked to finish second in the TVC Hocking in a preseason media poll, conducted by the Ohio Valley Publishing sports department. Alex Hawley can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2100. �Lady Cats looking for success in 2016-17 By Bryan Walters bwalters@civitasmedia.com ASHTON, W.Va. — The Lady Cats are hoping to run as a pack. The Hannan girls basketball team is looking to improve on a 6-14 campaign last winter that resulted in the loss of three players — Jasmine Clark, Clarissa Crank and Anna Taylor — to graduation. The good news for the Lady Cats is that seven players and multiple starters are back from a year ago. The even better news is that the three newcomers bring something similar — and different — to the 2016-17 varsity roster. With 10 capable players to work with this winter, fifthyear HHS coach Kellie Thomas believes that this group can accomplish some positive things by season’s end — as long as they are willing to work together toward that goal. “I think that this group of girls can do well. We have a lot of speed and depth to work with, Bryan Walters/OVP Sports Pictured above are members of the 2016-17 Hannan varsity girls basketball team. Standing in front, from left, are Josie McCoy, Josie Cooper, Lindsey Holley, Julie Frazier, Pammie Ochs and Cassidy Duffer. Standing in back are assistant coach Dave Jordan, Sydnee Holley, Madison Staggs, Maggie Waugh, Bailey Tolliver and HHS head coach Kellie Thomas. and the new girls to the roster have adjusted very well to what we are teaching them,” Thomas said. “I think that we will be able to do a lot of things that we haven’t been able to do in the past, mainly because of our speed and depth. “The girls have worked hard every day and they are putting in the effort in practice, so I’m really looking for some good things out of this group this year.” Hannan, however, will be dealing with a bit of an injury bug at the beginning of the year after having a handful of upperclassmen suffer injuries during volleyball season. In other seasons, this would 1-800-767-4223 Home Commercial & Residential WV003690 - OH34636 Backflow Certified #5202 Cleeland R. Willis, Director Matthew R. Willis, Director Kent Shawver, Director 12 GARFIELD AVENUE Mark E. Smith General Manager 65876 SR 124, PO Box 116, Reedsville, OH 45772 446-9295 � ��� ��� ���� s &AX� ��� ��� ���� 60689141 AMPLE OFF STREET PARKING 60691551 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 23 is li lFuneral W MARK’S G & HE N I A B G Proud Supporter See HHS GIRLS BB | 44 TIN PLUM GOOD LUCK ATHLETES! definitely be a setback for a school of this size. Thomas, on the other hand, thinks there is enough talent and fight in her squad to weather such an early storm. “We do have some injuries to overcome because of volleyball season, but we have enough �24 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview �2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 25 60691412 �Lady Defenders have high hopes this winter By Bryan Walters bwalters@civitasmedia.com GALLIPOLIS, Ohio — Numbers have never deterred the Ohio Valley Christian girls basketball team from enjoying a solid season. The 2016-17 campaign will be no different. The Lady Defenders will have four starters and six varsity returnees on their seven-player roster for this winter after putting together a 8-12 record a season ago. OVCS lost two players — Morgan Jenkins and Ashley Childers — to graduation, but the Blue and White are optimistic that they will have enough firepower returning to make another run at winning the program’s first state title since 2006. And as fifth-year Ohio Valley Christian coach Chris Burnett was quick to note, making another run at a state title is one of the goals for his troops this year. “Our numbers are where they have always been at around six to eight players, so we aren’t blessed with an overly deep team. What we do have, however, is a lot OVCS girls roster Rachel Sargent* . . . . . .Sr 5-8 G-F Katie Bradley* . . . . . . . . Sr 5-6 G Cori Hutchison* . . . . . . . . Jr 5-8 F Makala Sizemore . . . . . So 4-11 G Emily Childers* . . . . . . . So 5-6 G Olivia Neal* . . . . . . . . . . . So 5-6 F Kristen Durst* . . . . . . . . So 5-5 G Head Coach: Chris Burnett (5th season) * — indicates varsity returnee. of experience on our roster, including four starters and six players with a lot of minutes from last year,” Burnett said. “We return our top scorer, our top rebounder and our top assist person, so we are excited to push forward and hopefully make another run deep into the postseason. We are excited to see what we can get done this year.” The Lady Defenders don’t possess a great deal of size, but they will have six players hovering between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-8 — which should allow them enough flexibility to compete with any lineup they face on the floor. The main cog in the OVCS offense will be senior Rachel Sargent, who has averaged around double-digits since her freshman year as both a guard and a forward. Sargent also enters the 2016-17 season needing less than 50 points for one thousand in her career. The other senior on the team is guard Katie Bradley, who put together averages of nine points and nine rebounds in her first season with the program a year ago. Junior Cori Hutchison and sophomore Emily Childers also return to the starting lineup at the forward and guard spots, respectively. Sophomores Olivia Neal and Kristen Durst are also returning to the guard and forward positions, which will only add to the versatility of the Lady Defenders’ roster. Burnett is looking for big things out of his experienced group of players, particularly in their familiarity with one another on the court. “Rachel is a huge key for us on the offensive end of the floor, but we have a good group of players that know how to work together and make other contributions for us to have success,” Burnett said. “The goals are out there and they know what they have See OVCS GIRLS BB | 44 Good Luck OVER 22 ACRES JON W. PARRACK II OF GREENHOUSES ��� 6IAND 3T� s 0OINT 0LEASANT 1/4 Mile North Pomeroy Mason Bridge Mason, WV Phone (304) 773-5323 2400 Eastern Ave. (Across from KMart) Gallipolis, Ohio (740) 446-1711 304-675-4132 304-773-5942 60689216 parract@nationwide.com 60689215 26 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview OVCS girls schedule November 29 vs. South Gallia . . . . . 6 p.m. December 2 at Calvary Christian . 6 p.m. 5 at Covenant Christian 6 p.m. 8 vs. Cross Lanes Christian . . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. 9 vs. Ironton St. Joseph 6 p.m. 15 vs. Hannan. . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. 16-17 at Covenant Tournament . . . . . . . . . TBA 20 at Wood County Christian . . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. 22 vs. Teays Valley Christian . . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. January 10 at Cross Lanes Christian . . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. 17 at Wellston . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. 20 at Teays Valley Christian . . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. 30 at Ironton St. Joseph 6 p.m. 31 vs. Wood County Christian . . . . . . . . . . . 5:30 February 3 vs. Covenant Christian . . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. 7 vs. Calvary Christian 6 p.m. 13 at Hannan . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. Bryan Walters/OVP Sports Pictured are members of the 2016-17 Ohio Valley Christian varsity basketball team. Standing, from left, are assistant coach Kelsey Henry, Kristen Durst, Emily Childers, Cori Hutchison, Katie Bradley, Rachel Sargent, Olivia Neal and OVCS head coach Chris Burnett. Absent from photo was Makala Sizemore. �Raiders ready to repeat wrestling success By Paul Boggs pboggs@civitasmedia.com RVHS wrestling roster Joseph Burns* . . . . . . . . . . 13 So. Jacob Edwards* . . . . . . . . .113 So. Coalton Burns. . . . . . . . . . . 120 Jr. Jeremiah Dobbins* . . . . . . 145 Jr. Nathan Michael* . . . . . . . 152 So. Joseph Dale . . . . . . . . . . . 160 So. Eric Weber* . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 So. Grant Gilmore* . . . . . . . . . . 170 Sr. Derek Johnson . . . . . . . . . 182 So. Zachary Stein . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Jr. Dakota Doss* . . . . . . . . . . 220 So. Robert Drummond* . . . . 285 Sr. Jared McCarty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jr. Head coach: Matthew Huck (18th season) * — indicates varsity returnee Paul Boggs/OVP Sports Pictured are members of the 2016-17 River Valley varsity wrestling team. In front, from left, are Jacob Edwards, Jeremiah Dobbins, Nathan Michael, Joseph Dale, Coalton Burns and Jared McCarty. In middle, from left, are Grant Gilmore, Dakota Doss, Derek Johnson, Zachary Stein and Joseph Burns. In back, from left, are head coach Matthew Huck, Eric Weber, Robert Drummond and assistant coach Jerry Waters. all freshmen last season, part of a now sophomore class of seven strong that underscores the Raiders’ talent yet youth. “Even though we are very young this year with seven sophomores, we have a lot of RVHS wrestling schedule December 3 at Jackson . . . . . . . . . 10 a.m. 10 at Warren . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:30 13 vs. Gallia Academy/ South Gallia . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. 29 at Gallia Academy . . . 10 a.m. January 7 at Nelsonville-York . . . . 9:30 21 at Athens . . . . . . . . . . 10 a.m. February 18 at Trimble . . . . . . . . . . 10 a.m. Two sophomores, Jacob Edwards and Eric Weber, were district qualifiers at 113 pounds and 170 pounds respectively. Edwards, in fact, finished fifth at the district meet to be an alternate to the state meet. A third freshman which also advanced to the district, Cole Franklin at 126 pounds, elected not to wrestle this season. The two sectional placers were Robert Drummond and Nathan Michael, as Drummond is back for his senior season at heavyweight. Drummond should also challenge for a TVC See RVHS WRESTLING | 40 Snouffer’s Fire Safety & Security “Let Our Family ily ily y Help He elp elp l Protec P Protect rotec t ct ct Your Family” Funeral Homes, Inc. 740-388-8321 Vinton Chapel 21 Main Street Vinton, Ohio 45686 Snouffer’s Fire Safety & Security Locally Owned O d & Operated O Licensed in OH & WV Jared A. Moore Director www.mccoymoore.com 60689150 www.snouffers.com ���� ��� ���� s ���� ��� ���� s 4OLL &REE ��� ��� ���� 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 27 McCoy Moore (740) 446-0852 Weatherholt Chapel 420 First Avenue Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 returning experience, so we expect to be pretty decent again this year,” said veteran River Valley coach Matthew Huck. Huck has started his 18th season in Silver and Black, but perhaps now has his best squad. The Raiders only graduated two seniors — even though both were district qualifiers in George Williams (145-pound weight class) and Tyler Ward (195-pound weight class). A junior, Jeremiah Dobbins, spearheads the returnees — and will wrestle this season at 145 after advancing to the district at 132. 60691553 BIDWELL, Ohio —After their most successful season in school history, the Raiders are ready to repeat wrestling success. That’s because River Valley, with a roster of only a dozen but eight lettermen returning, has high hopes of surpassing its plentiful accomplishments of last year. That’s when, in fact, the Raiders advanced a school record six wrestlers to the district tournament — and even placed third in only their second season in the Tri-Valley Conference. This year, three Division III district qualifiers return — as do two other sectional tournament placers, in which one was the TVC heavyweight runner-up. And, keep in mind that the trio of district qualifiers were �Point wrestling aims for successful AA return By Bryan Walters bwalters@civitasmedia.com 28 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — They left the double-A ranks at the program’s peak. After a successful four-year stint at the Class AAA level, the Big Blacks are ready to make their climb back to the top. The Point Pleasant wrestling team is looking to recapture some of the magic from its 2010-12 three-peat reign over the Class AA field this year as the Red and Black return to the mid-ranks after four consecutive top-10 efforts in the triple-A state tournament. The Big Blacks won a pair of individual state titles while finishing eighth overall in their final Class AAA postseason, and Point will have both champions and 11 grapplers back from that squad as it heads into the 2016-17 campaign. Point Pleasant coach John Bonecutter — who enters his eighth season — acknowledged that the road won’t be any easier at the Class AA level, but it will have a more comfortable feel for the kids and the program. “We’re excited about going back to double-A because we have had a lot of success there. We managed to hold our own in our four years at triple-A, but we are definitely more of a double-A community,” PPHS wrestling roster Grant Safford* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sr Andrew Roach* . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sr Austin Wamsley . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sr Caleb Lane* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jr Thomas Jeffrey* . . . . . . . . . . . . Jr Jacob Roub* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jr Brian Gillispie* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jr Jon Jones* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jr Tyler Clendenin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jr Colton Carr* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . So Jeffrey Simpkins* . . . . . . . . . . So George Smith* . . . . . . . . . . . . . So Miles Williams* . . . . . . . . . . . . . So Justin Cornell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fr Logan Southall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fr Nazar Abbass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fr Juan Marquez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fr Caleb Higginbotham . . . . . . . . . Fr Richard Freeland . . . . . . . . . . . . Fr Head Coach: John Bonecutter (8th season) * — indicates varsity returnee Submitted photo Pictured above are members of the 2016-17 Point Pleasant varsity wrestling team. Kneeling in front, from left, are Caleb Higginbothom, Juan Marquez, Logan Southall, Jeffrey Simpkins, Miles Williams, George Smith, Justin Cornell, Nazar Abbass and Richard Freeland. Standing in back are Tyler Clendenin, Brian Gillispie, Jon Jones, Grant Safford, Austin Wamsley, Andrew Roach, Thomas Jeffrey, Jacob Roub, and Caleb Lane. Absent from photo was Colton Carr. Bonecutter said. “Any sport is a numbers game, but it’s a better fit for our school and our kids to be facing like-sized schools — and the kids are looking forward to it. “It doesn’t make anything easier because we will face plenty of challenges at the double-A level, especially given that Independence might be the best program in the entire state this year. We’re going to do our best this year and moving forward to get the program back to where it was four years ago.” Senior Grant Safford and sophomore George Davis both came away for their first state championships last winter, and both will be aiming to become the first grappler in PPHS wrestling history to win titles in both AAA and AA classes. That duo — which owns half of Point’s four Class AAA state championships — will also be a big boost in helping guide the younger members of the squad. The Big Blacks have another nine grapplers returning to the 2016-17 roster, which includes senior Andrew Roach, juniors Caleb Lane, Thomas Jeffrey, Jacob Roub, Brian Gillispie and Jon Jones, and sophomores Colton Carr, Jeffrey Simpkins and Miles Williams. Besides the returning state champions, Gillispie is the only other returnee that qualified for last year’s state tournament. The newcomers to the varsity roster are senior Austin Wamsley and junior Tyler Clendenin, as well as promising freshmen Justin Cornell, Logan Southall, Nazar Abbass, Juan PPHS wrestling schedule December 2-3 at University, Superior Photo and Frame Scholarship Tournament 7 at Huntington 9-10 home Jason Eades Memorial Duals 15 at Independence 28-29 at Wheeling Park Duals January 6-7 at Maderia Mustang Invitational 11 vs. River Valley, Nitro, Williamstown 13 at Athens 20-21 at WSAZ Invitational at Big Sandy Superstore Arena 26 vs. East Fairmont February 1 at Parkersburg 3 at Oak Glen 9 vs. Ripley 11 at Winfield, Bill Hughes Fitness Invitational Marquez, Caleb Higginbotham and Richard Freeland. The potential definitely outweighs the experience level this year at PPHS, so hard work and commitment will be key to continuing a strong presence at the state championships. As Bonecutter noted, effort is not one area that his troops are lacking in. “We’re going to have a good group this year and I honestly love this group right now after a week and a half of practice. They are working hard and they want to compete,” Bonecutter said. “Overall, we have a really young team — including some guys that only have a year or two of experience. Nonetheless, these new guys are ready to show what they have got and they are working their tails off to get better. “We’ve got a very tough road ahead of us, but I do know that these guys are motivated to work hard and get better. We are looking forward to this year and what we can accomplish.” The Big Blacks will host four matches this winter, with the annual Jason Eades Memorial Duals on December 9-10 serving as the first home event. PPHS will also host a quad on January 11, then hold dual matches on both January 26 and February 9. Bryan Walters can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2101. �Meigs wrestling ready for 2016-17 season By Alex Hawley ahawley@civitasmedia.com ROCKSPRINGS, Ohio — A even mix of youth and experience make the 201617 season crucial for Meigs wrestling. The 2016-17 Marauders’ wrestling team is made up of five upper classmen — all of whom have previous varsity experience — and five underclassmen, who are all first year varsity wrestlers. The two most experienced Marauders are senior Trae Hood and junior Nathaniel Gearheart, who are both are entering their third varsity season. “Team leaders this year, I have senior Trae Hood wrestling at 195 and junior Nathaniel Gearheart wrestling at 145-or152,” said third-year MHS head coach Cassady Willford. “Those two are my team leaders right now, they’re going to really step up this year and I expect big things out of them. “The state is a monster in MHS wrestling schedule December 3 at Jackson . . . . . . . . . 10 a.m. 10 at Warren . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:30 17 at Vinton County . . . . 10 a.m. 29 at Gallia Academy . . . 10 a.m. January 7 at Alexander . . . . . . . . 10 a.m. 12 vs. Eastern Fairland . . 6 p.m. 21 at Athens . . . . . . . . . . 10 a.m. 28 at New Lexington . . . 10 a.m. February 8 at Nelsonville-York . . . 6 p.m. 15 at Gallia Academy . . . . 5 p.m. 18 at Trimble . . . . . . . . TVC Meet Alex Hawley/OVP Sports Pictured above are members of the 2016-17 Meigs wrestling team. Kneeling in the front row, from left, are Grant Adams, Trae Hood, Brock Roush and Keynath Rowe. Standing in the back row are William Smith, Tucker Smith, Brandon Justis, Levi Rafferty, Clayton Hanna and Nathaniel Gearheart. Ohio, so you have to work at it, but Nathaniel Gearheart and Trae Hood absolutely have a chance to make it,” added Willford. “It just depends if they’re going to put the work and time in to do it. I truly believe that we will be wrestling in March with them.” MHS wrestling roster Trae Hood* . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sr. 195 Grant Adams* . . . . . . . . . .Sr. 160 Keynath Rowe* . . . . . . . . . Sr. 170 Brock Roush* . . . . . . . . . . .Sr. 182 Nathaniel Gearheart* . . . . Jr. 145 William Smith . . . . . . . . . . So. 170 Brandon Justis . . . . . . . . . So. 220 Clayton Hanna . . . . . . . . . So. 106 Tucker Smith. . . . . . . . . . . . Fr. 132 Levi Rafferty . . . . . . . . . . . Fr. 160 Head Coach: Cassady Willford (3rd season) * — indicates varsity returnee Good Luck to All Area Teams! Last year, Hood was the TriValley Conference champion at 195 pounds and he finished second in the sectional at 220 pounds. Gearheart was third in the TVC and sixth in the sectional in the 138-pound category. Entering their second year on the mats for MHS are seniors Grant Adams, Keynath Rowe and Brock Roush. “Senior Grant Adams wrestling around 160-170 for us, he’s long, lanky, and fast,” Willford said. “I think he can See MHS WRESTLING | 41 Coolspot Coolstuff Antique Store Open: Monday-Saturday 9-5 (Closed Sunday) Middleportt n Dairy Queen 700 N. 2nd Ave. Middleport, OH (740) 992-3322 Pt. P Pleasant Da Queen Dairy J 2208 Jackson Ave. Pt. Pleasant, WV (304) 675-5427 Stop by and see us before the game! 60691804 t�"OUJRVF�'VSOJUVSF�t�1SJNJUJWFT� t�3FQVSQPTFE�*UFNT�t�$PVOUSZ�)PNF�%FDPS� t�)PVTFIPME�"OUJRVFT�t�"OUJRVFT���#BSO�'JOET�� t�0VUEPPS�'VSOJUVSF Have something old you’d like to sell? Stop in...we buy antiques & cool items! 60 day layaway available on larger items · Vendor spaces available 60691556 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 29 SR #7-Between Tuppers Plains & Coolville, Ohio 1-740-667-6102 �Lighter weights to lead experienced Blue Devils By Paul Boggs pboggs@civitasmedia.com 30 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview CENTENARY, Ohio — While wrestling is a sport often exclusively associated with heavyweights, sometimes certain teams’ fortunes fly with their lightweights. That will be the case of the Gallia Academy Blue Devils this season, as a team traditionally regarded for its heavier weight classes shifts its strength to the other end of the spectrum. But that’s not the only transition for the Blue Devils, as Todd May takes over the program as the head coach. However, May has been a fixture for Gallia Academy wrestling for two decades — first joining the Blue and White in the 1995-96 campaign. He has most recently been an assistant for former coach Scott Stanley, along with being the head coach of the middle school squad. May has also long been involved with the Gallia Academy youth wrestling program. Of the 23 GAHS grapplers on this year’s roster, May mentored most of these Blue Devils during his time as the middle school coach. “I am almost taking back GAHS wrestling roster Caleb Greenlee* . . . . . . . . . 106 Jr. Kenton Ramsey . . . . . . . . 106 So. Jason Stroud* . . . . . . . . . 106 So. Kyle Greenlee* . . . . . . . . . . 113 Jr. Corbin Walker . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Fr. Jared Stevens* . . . . . . . . . .120 Sr. Justin Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 So. Will McCarley . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Fr. Morgan Stanley* . . . . . . . 132 So. Kaden Ehman* . . . . . . . . . 145 So. Kaleb Crisenbery* . . . . . . . 152 Sr. Andrew Mullins* . . . . . . . . . 152 Jr. Dewey Ferguson . . . . . . . . 160 So. Boo Pullins* . . . . . . . . . . . 160 So. Carter Campbell. . . . . . . . 170 So. Chris Matthew* . . . . . . . . . 170 Sr. Hunter Jacks*. . . . . . . . . . .182 Sr. Zach Abramson . . . . . . . . . 195 Fr. Darren Owens . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Fr. Logan Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 So. Zach Canaday . . . . . . . . . . .220 Fr. Logan Griffith . . . . . . . . . . .220 Fr. Hunter Terry* . . . . . . . . . . . 285 Jr. Head coach: Todd May (1st season) * — indicates varsity returnee Paul Boggs/OVP Sports Pictured are members of the 2016-17 Gallia Academy varsity wrestling team. In front, from left, are Boo Pullins, Logan Griffith, Kaden Ehman, Zach Abramson and Will McCarley; in second row, from left, are Jared Stevens, Dewey Ferguson, Justin Day, Morgan Stanley and Caleb Greenlee; in third row, from left, are Kenton Ramsey, Andrew Mullins, Kyle Greenlee, Darren Owens and Jason Stroud; in back row, from left, are Chris Matthew, Zach Canaday, Carter Campbell, Hunter Jacks, Kaleb Crisenbery and Hunter Terry. Absent when the photo was taken were Corbin Walker and Logan Rose. over the middle school team I had. That’s made it a pretty easy transition for me,” said May. He also discussed the graduation losses of the Blue Devils’ heavier weights — and the change in focus for this year on the lighter groups. Of Gallia Academy’s five seniors which graduated — four of them were weight classes of 170 or above. Three Blue Devils — Ryan Terry (170-pound weight class), Justin Reynolds (182pound weight class) and Anthony Sipple (195-pound weight class) — were among the club’s eight Division Gallia Academy Wrestling December 3 at Fairland . . . . . . . . 9 a.m. 13 at River Valley/ w South Gallia . . . . . 6 p.m. 17 at Vinton County. . . 9 a.m. 21 vs. Logan . . . . . . . . . 5 p.m. 29 home Coaches Corner Classic . . . 10 a.m. January 7 at Nelsonville-York . . 9:30 11 vs. Belpre . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. 14 at Western Brown . . 9 a.m. 20-21 at WSAZ Invitational at Big Sandy Superstore Arena February 11 at Chesapeake . . . 10 a.m. 12 at Wahama. . . . . . . . . 5:30 15 vs. Meigs . . . . . . . . . 5 p.m. II district qualifiers, while Reynolds reached the coveted state meet. Three of the other four Devils that qualified for the district — junior twins Caleb Greenlee and Kyle Greenlee and senior Jared Stevens — all did so in the three lightest weights. “We’re traditionally known as a big team. Now our strength is going to be in the lower weight classes,” said May. “That’s a big transition for us. From about 152 on up, we’re usually pretty tough and pretty physical. Now our lightweights are going to be our top kids.” Indeed they are, although don’t forget about seniors Kaleb Crisenbery or Hunter Jacks. Crisenbery, wrestling at either 145 or 152 pounds this season, qualified for the district at 145. Jacks, as a junior, was a district qualifier for the 160pound weight class — but May mentioned he will compete at 170 or 182 this year. Caleb Greenlee at 106 pounds, Kyle Greenlee at 113 pounds and Jared Stevens at 120 pounds all return at their weights from a year ago. “There’s not too many people if anybody that’s going to beat those five,” said May, in reference to his returning district qualifiers. Hunter Terry takes over in the heavyweight division, as sophomores Kenton Ramsey (106), Jason Stroud (106), Justin Day (132), Morgan Stanley (132), Kaden Ehman (145) and Logan Rose (195) offer added experience. “We have a lot of experience coming back. It’s actually crazy how much experience we do have coming back. If you add up all the years of wrestling in the room, it’s probably around 100. Our youngest guys even have two or three years under their belts,” said May. “Most teams would love to have that for their most experienced kids. The key for us is going to be developing those heavier weights.” May mentioned two other sophomores — Carter Campbell and Boo Pullins — battling in the 160 and 170pound classes, as freshman Logan Griffith goes at 220. The Blue Devils’ development may need to come early — as they wrestle at Chesapeake on Dec. 10. However, May said the five returning district qualifiers won’t wrestle then, giving the younger grapplers a better opportunity to be evaluated and to prove themselves. The Blue and White will also wrestle at Vinton County on See GAHS WRESTLING | 46 �South Gallia begins wrestling program By Paul Boggs pboggs@civitasmedia.com MERCERVILLE, Ohio — What has been words for years is finally now official action. That’s because there is a wrestling program at South Gallia High School, as the Rebels are embarking upon their inaugural season. “There has been talk for years about starting a wrestling team here at South Gallia, but now it’s finally here. We got the official word in the fall that we were going to start a wrestling team,” said South Gallia wrestling coach Paul Polcyn. “We’re here now, so we’ll see what happens.” And, what’s happened so far is the Rebels’ roster is at 13, which Polcyn said “for a first-year program isn’t so bad at all.” South Gallia is the latest Tri-Valley Conference school to start a wrestling program, as Eastern’s inaugural season was last year. Before then, Wellston began its program beginning with the Paul Boggs/OVP Sports Pictured are members of the 2016-17 South Gallia varsity wrestling team. In front, from left, are David Kuhn, Virgil Watson, William Orsbon, Wyatt Rapp and Chad Bostic. In back, from left, are Izak Luther, Jacob Brumfield, Caleb Neal, Tanner Dennison, Justin Butler, Chayce Pearson and Jacob Neal. Absent when the photo was taken was Troy Watson. 2004-05 campaign. While the Rebel wrestlers will sport extremely limited experience, Polcyn — also an assistant football coach at South Gallia — is grateful that the school is offering the program. “Wrestling is a good sport just to improve the overall athleticism and the toughness of a kid. There is no faking it in wrestling,” said Polcyn. “It’s kid ‘A’ vs. kid ‘B’. No politics. Step in the circle and see what happens. I don’t care what sport the kid comes from: football, cross country or even golf. They are definitely going to become better athletes, get in better shape and it’s going to teach them hard work and dedication for life.” The coach continued by saying that wrestling — with its weight classes — levels the See SGHS WRESTLING | 46 0OINT 0LEASANT &OOD -ART ���� *ACKSON !VE� 0OINT 0LEASANT 76 ����� ��� ��� ���� s #ONVENIENCE 3TORE s #APPUCCINO s #OFFEE s #OLD "EVERAGES s -ILK s &OUNTAIN $RINKS s $IESEL s -AJOR #REDIT #ARDS s 0AY AT THE 0UMP s 3PEEDPASS AT 2EGISTER s 5"%2 -ASTER#ARD -ON 3AT �AM -IDNIGHT 3UN �AM ��PM s !IR 4OWER s !4s 2ESTROOM s 6ACUUMS s -OTOR /IL s 0LENTI 0ARTICIPATING 60689208 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 31 s 3PEEDPASS AT 0UMP �Wahama wrestlers have high hopes for 2016-17 By Bryan Walters bwalters@civitasmedia.com MASON, W,Va. — It’s not his biggest squad, or even his most experienced, but Wahama wrestling coach Ryan Russell is very optimistic about the 2016-17 campaign. The main reason for the venerable mentor’s enthusiasm comes down to simple math. There is a power in numbers. The White Falcons will have double-digit grapplers to work with for the first time since the 2012-13 season, when the Red and White earned a top-10 finish as a team in the Class AA state tournament. More importantly, almost all of the WHS grapplers fill into different weight classes — which should allow each individual the opportunity to grow on the mat. With only one senior and four varsity returnees back on this year’s 11-man roster, Russell acknowledges that there may be a few hiccups early on — but he also feels that this group can have a Submitted photo Pictured are members of the 2016-17 Wahama wrestling program. Kneeling in front, from left are mat maid Megan Roush, Payton Brewer, Trey Peters, Trevor Hunt, Kailyn Allison, Kase Stewart, Wesley Peters, Shawn Taylor, Ethan Herdman and mat maid Natasha Plants. Standing in back are mat maid Nena Hunt, Mason Powell, Jace Heckaman, WHS head coach Ryan Russell, assistant coach Lee Herdman, assistant coach Demitrius Serevicz, assistant coach Phil Serevicz, Christian Thomas, Antonio Serevicz, Braden Weaver and mat maid Caitlin Harrison. special winter. “I’m definitely excited about the numbers we have to work with this season. Most of the kids are in different weight classes and a lot of them are new to the program, but they have all come in and been very WHS wrestling roster Brady Powell* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sr Ethan Herdman* . . . . . . . . . . . . Jr Christian Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . Jr Jace Heckaman . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jr Antonio Serevicz* . . . . . . . . . . So Trey Peters* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . So Shawn Taylor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . So Braden Weaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . So Wesley Peters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fr Trevor Hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fr Peyton Brewer . . . . . . . . . . . . .n/a Head Coach: Ryan Russell (11th season) * — indicates varsity returnee WHS wrestling schedule December 9-10 at Point Pleasant 17 at Buffalo 21 vs. Lincoln County, Logan, Capital . . . . . 5 p.m. January 6-7 at Nitro 12 vs. Eastern, Chesapeake, Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5:30 14 at St. Marys 17 at Winfield 20-21 at WSAZ Invitational at Big Sandy Superstore Arena 28 at Doddridge County February 4 at Man 11 at Ritchie County 32 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview Good Luck This Season!! dedicated to the work we are asking them to put in,” Russell said. “We may go through a little bit of a struggle at the beginning of the season, but I also think that these guys may have a little bit of a welldeserved reward waiting for them if they continue to work hard throughout the season. Between our depth, talent and the new regional layout, it’s definitely going to be a interesting season all the way around.” The White Falcons had their five-year scoring streak at state snapped last year, but the team’s lone state qualifier returns to a group that has four grapplers with postseason experience. That on-mat knowledge and presence will be a big help to Russell as he tries to prepare seven newcomers for the varsity rigors. In turn, Russell also think the first-year guys will be a big boost for the veterans. “The positive thing with the numbers, besides continuing to grow the program up, is that it allows us to have a better chance of higher finishes because of more wins at tournaments and duals,” Russell said. “When you can give the entire group something else to aim for, it increases their determination and their focus. It also allows for a little more camaraderie within the team, so this is a win-win for the program.” Back from a year ago are senior Brady Powell, junior Ethan Herdman, and sophomores Antonio Serevicz and Trey Peters. Herdman qualified for state last winter and Powell has been close to advancing to state over the last few seasons, See WHS WRESTLING | 43 ‡�0DFKLQH�6KRS�6HUYLFHV From FRENCH CITY CHIROPRACTIC ‡���:KHHOHU�3DUWV ‡�'XSRQW�$XWRPRWLYH�3DLQWV AUTO PARTS ‡�%RG\�3DUWV Dr. Christopher B. Wilcoxon Dr. Stephen L. Wilcoxon CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN (740)-446-3836 228 Upper River Road Gallipolis, OH 45631 www.frenchcitychiropractic.com 60633007 *� �:�$XWR�3DUWV�//& ����8SSHU�5LYHU�5RDG��*DOOLSROLV��2KLR������ 3KRQH����������������)D[�������������� 60689145 �Eagles begin second year on the mats By Alex Hawley ahawley@civitasmedia.com Alex Hawley/OVP Sports Pictured above are members of the 2016-17 Eastern wrestling team. Kneeling in the front row, from left, are Eion Marcinko, Nathan Litchfield, Gavin Mullen, Trenton Delacruz and Caden Goff. Standing in the back row are Addie McDaniel, Brandon Colburn, Ryan Kennedy, Samuel Jones, Dillon Aeiker and Daniel Harris. of kids, and make this an easy and successful year.” Aeiker — a 126-pound sophomore — was Eastern’s top postseason finisher last year, as he claimed 6th in the sectional in the 113 category. “He has a lot of senior leadership as a sophomore,” Mummey said of Aeiker. “He worked really hard in the offseason and I look for him to be a contributing leader to a lot of the other guys.” Eastern has two of seniors from last year’s team to replace, in Chase Williams and Jesse Morris. Williams, a 220-pounder, was 6th in the district and second in TriValley Conference. Colburn — a returning heavyweight that was third See EHS WRESTLING | 45 EHS wrestling roster Trenton Delacruz* . . Jr. 195/220 Brandon Colburn* . . . . . . .Jr. 285 Gavin Mullen . . . . . . . . . . . . Jr. 182 Ryan Kennedy. . . . . . . . . . .Jr. 285 Sarah Bunce . . . . . . . . . . . . Jr. 195 Dillon Aeiker* . . . . . . . . . . So. 126 Samuel Jones* . . . . . . . . . So. 195 Caden Goff* . . . . . . . . . . . So. 152 Eion Marcinko . . . . . . . . . . . Fr. 106 Nathan Litchfield . . . . . . . .Fr. 220 Addie McDaniel . . . . .Fr. 152/160 Daniel Harris . . . . . . . .Fr. 138/145 Head Coach: Josh Mummey (2nd season) * — indicates varsity returnee EHS wrestling schedule December 3 at Fairland, Dragon Duals 10 at Chesapeake, Phil Davis Memorial 17 at Ravenswood, Jackson County Invitational 21 at Huntington Ross, Holiday Classic 29 at Gallia Academy, Coaches Corner Classic January 7 at Alexander, Spartan Invitational 11 at Wahama, quad with Man, Chesapeake 12 at Meigs, tri with Fairland February 8 at Nelsonville-York, tri 18 at Trimble, TVC Meet Mill End Fabrics 270 Mill Street, Middleport, OH The Brown Agency 514 E. Main St. Pomeroy, OH (740) 992-2318 (740) 992-3673 Tues-Fri 11am-5pm We specialize in Machine Quilting 60691054 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 33 Your protection is personal. 60691552 TUPPERS PLAINS, Ohio — Greater numbers and greater experience lead the Eagles onto the mats for their second wrestling season. The number of grapplers on the Eastern wrestling team has increased to 12 for the program’s second varsity season and, with no seniors, the Eagles be looking to gain even more experience on the mats. “The numbers have grown, and we do have our first female wrestlers this year,” second-year EHS head coach Josh Mummey said. “Right now it’s a blessing with the program progressing. Things are a little bit easier and its nicer when we have some guys who are familiar with some of the stuff that we’re saying.” EHS has five juniors, three sophomores and four freshman on this year’s squad. Eastern has five wrestlers returning from its inaugural season in juniors Trenton Delacruz, and Brandon Colburn, and sophomores Dillon Aeiker, Samuel Jones and Caden Goff. “Right now we are looking for our guys returning from last year to step up and be leaders in the role that you always look for a senior to be a leader in,” said Mummey. “When you don’t have seniors you look to the guys who started the program. We look for the juniors and sophomores to lead this group �34 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview �2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 35 60691417 �Mason County Cheerleaders POINT PLEASANT Pictured are members of the 2016 Point Pleasant varsity cheerleading squad. In the front row are, from left, Allison Leport, Catherine Payne, Siera Toles and Hayley Logan; back row, Jenna Snyder, Lexi Landry, Brianna Reymond, Kaylee Hartley, Khloie Billings, Ariat Rollins, Peyton Taylor, Sydnee Moore and Kauri Porter. Paul Boggs/OVP Sports WAHAMA Pictured are members of the 2016-17 Wahama varsity cheerleading squad. Kneeling in front, from left, are Natasha Plants, Lexi Roush, Kaleigh Stewart, Pia Thomanek, Kerigan Blake and Marley Young. Standing in back are Chloe Roush, Mariah Young, Kenzie Warth, Mackenzie Barr, Caitlin Harrison, Baylee Hoffman, Sydnee Whaley and Adrianna Stewart. Best of luck this season! High School & Adult classes offered...Call today!! 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Photos by Paul Boggs/OVP Sports GALLIA ACADEMY Pictured are members of the 2016-17 Gallia Academy varsity cheerleading squad. From left are Jala Williams, Makena Saunders, Brianna Saunders, Haley Donovsky, Sierra Johnson, Tori Church, Emma Blankenship, Allie Johnson and Bailey Watson. Absent when the photo was taken is Ellie Rose. RIVER VALLEY Pictured are members of the 2016-17 River Valley varsity cheerleading squad. In the front row, from left, are Ashley Morris, Maddie McClure, Adi Fox, Gabrielle Gibson, Ashley Beaver and Savannah Morrow. In the back row, from left, are Avery Barcus, Morgan Johnson, Katelynn Dement, Sydney Little, Bridgett Wray, Ashleigh McGuire, Ashley Hatfield and Hannah Lee. 740-949-2512 Post Office Box 369 Racine, Ohio 45771 560 Second Ave., Gallipolis, OH 704.446.1761 • www.myinsplus.com 60689146 James E. Diddle Jdiddle@Jdinjectionspecialists.Com President/Owner 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 37 JD INJECTION SPECIALISTS, LLC �Meigs County Cheerleaders EASTERN Pictured above are members of the 2016-17 Eastern varsity cheerleading squad. From left to right are Jesica Rees, Mattison Finlaw, Emily Combs, Katlyn Barber, Grace Adams, Faith Bauerbach, Allison Barber and Madison Keney. Alex Hawley/OVP Sports MEIGS Pictured above are members of the 2016-17 Meigs cheerleading squad. Kneeling in the front row, from left, are Madison Dyer, Bryanna Hall and Cierra Wolfe. Standing in the second row are Kaleigh Scott, Chelsea Pierce and Savannah Smith. Standing in the back row are Alexis Moon, Jana Robinette and Hannah Mulford. Alex Hawley/OVP Sports 38 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview SOUTHERN Pictured above are members of the 2016-17 Southern varsity cheer squad. Kneeling in the front row, from left, are Abbi Carsey, Katie Barton and Larissa Petrie. Standing in the back row are Nikita Wood, Mickenzie Ferrell, Jolisha Ervin, Hailey Cremeans and Kayla Boyer. SHS Courtesy Photo �From page 3 came out as a senior,” Fry said. “He’s big, he’s strong and he’s a football guy. We’re going to let him run out first so that people won’t think we’re skinny. He’s going to play some key minutes for us in the middle.” The Marauders will have their hands full replacing five seniors off of last season’s team, in Kaileb Sheets, Colton Lilly, Jaxon Meadows, Tyler Fields and Jake Korn. “That’s a lot of scoring and a lot of rebounding with the loss of Colton and Kaileb,” Fry said. Sheets and Lilly were Meigs’ all-league selections last year. Sheets — who is now a member of the University of Rio Grande RedStorm — averaged 15 points, five rebounds and five assists per game last winter, earning his way on to the all-district first team. Lilly averaged 14 points and 7.5 rebounds per game as a senior, earning a third team all-district spot. In just two seasons at Meigs, Fry has led the Maroon and Gold to a 28-19 record, including a 13-11 league record. Meigs has also claimed a postseason win in each of Fry’s first two seasons. “The returning players are very confident,” Fry said. “This is my third year with them and their third year with me. You can tell that there’s a trust and a confidence. Everybody kind of knows what we’re doing, it’s not like starting over again and that’s been a big plus this preseason.” The Marauders began last season with 11 consecutive wins and went unbeaten in regular season non-conference games. Meigs was tied with Athens for third in the TVC Ohio. “It should be very competitive and we hope to be right there in the mix,” Fry said of the TVC Ohio race. “Vinton County is going to be good with Bartoe and company, I think Athens is going to end up being good — depending on how Lutz is — and I’m sure Alexander is reloading.” In a preseason media poll, Meigs was picked to finish fourth in the seven-team league. In addition to its 12 conference contests, Meigs will host Gallia Academy, Warren and Jackson in non-league play. The Marauders will make non-conference trips to Eastern, Southern and Point Pleasant. MHS faces Oak Hill at the University of Rio Grande and will play three games in the King of the Smokies Classic, in late December. Alex Hawley can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2100. Good Luck Teams!! MHS Girls BB From page 13 Looking to fill those roles, Meigs has six newcomers, in sophomores Lydia Edwards, Jacynda Glover, Taylor Swartz, Alyssa Smith, Kylee Blanks and freshman Kelsey Starcher. Last year, the Lady Marauders’ season was highlighted by a eight-game stretch from December 17-to-January 11, in which the Maroon and Gold won seven games. Meigs finished tied with Athens and River Valley for fourth place in the TVC Ohio, with a 4-8 record. It was the best league finish for MHS since the 2010-11 season, when the Lady Marauders were second with, a 6-4 record. In a preseason media poll, the Lady Marauders were picked to finish fourth, behind Alexander, Nelsonville-York and Vinton County, which all shared the 2015-16 league title. In addition to Meigs’ 12 league contests, the Lady Marauders will have 10 non-league games, hosting Southern, Belpre, Eastern, Jackson and Logan. The Lady Marauders will visit Point Pleasant, Logan and South Gallia, and will also play two games in the Parkerburg Holiday Tournament on December 27 and 28. Last year, Meigs was 6-5 in non-league matchups, including a sectional semifinal loss to Vinton County. MHS had won a tournament game in back-to-back years, prior to last season. Alex Hawley can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2100. Foreman & Abbott Heating & Cooling FREE ESTIMATES 60687853 WV 008243 OH 21289 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 39 391 North Second Middleport, OH 740-992-5321 1-800-359-4303 60691052 MHS Boys BB �RVHS Boys BB From page 5 40 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview said Drummond. “I want to say that we have a lot of depth, we don’t know that for sure, but we’re hoping that we have a lot of depth.” In the back court, that depth will need to come from first year varsity players, Layne Fitch, Rory Twyman, and Bradyn Eblin, while Chase Caldwell, Ian Polcyn, Jordan Burns, Brandon Call and Jacob Campbell will try to add depth to the RVHS front court. After a 6-6 record and fourth place finish in its first season in the Tri-Valley Conference Ohio Division, the Raiders fell to the bottom of the seven-team league with a 1-11 mark last winter. “I’m very familiar with the league, I watched a lot of games last year,” Drummond said. “I’m familiar with about every team and the best players in the league. We’re looking to come into every game as the underdog, and by the end of the season not be the underdog.” Wellston — the fifth place team in the league — was the lone TVC Ohio school that River Valley defeated last year. In a preseason media poll, the Raiders were picked to finish at the bottom of the TVC Ohio. Along with its 12 league games, River Valley will host Jackson, Point Pleasant, South Point, Federal Hocking, Gallia Academy and Warren, while visiting Eastern, Southern, South Gallia, Ohio Valley Christian and Belpre in non-league games. “We’re hoping to go one game at a time,” said Drummond. “Right now, we’re looking at Eastern and that’s all that we’re concerned with. After Eastern, we’ll worry about Jackson when they come in. We’re looking to have a more successful season, whatever that means, I don’t know yet. Our focus is winning practice everyday. If we win practice, that’s all we can do right now.” Last year, the Raiders were eliminated in the opening round of the postseason, by Alexander, which was second in the TVC Ohio. The Silver and Black have just one postseason victory in the past four seasons, but Drummond — who was a part of a RVHS sectional title team in 1998 — hopes to have the Raiders playing their best at the end of the year, in order to end the postseason drought. Alex Hawley can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2100. RVHS Swim RVHS Girls BB RVHS Wrestling From page 12 From page 17 From page 27 there is the regular season. Schlater said all River Valley home meets will be held — once again — at the University of Rio Grande pool, with the Raiders traveling across the Ohio River into West Virginia for four meets. She said Point Pleasant, Athens, Wheelersburg, Chillicothe, Portsmouth and Portsmouth Notre Dame are the regional schools that also offer swimming. “It’s good to have different competition,” said Schlater. It’s also great to have increased numbers, giving River Valley a chance to double its fun. “We’re really excited about the season and see if we can win some meets and really prove to this school that there is a reason we have a swim team. That they (Gallia County Local School District) are not putting money into this program for nothing,” said Schlater. “We want to show them that we are good, we are putting forth effort and that we want to prove something.” underclassmen. And we lost a lot of experience from last year. But I know these three seniors are going to do a great job with leading the team. We have a couple of good post players and a good guard. I’ve been with these senior girls since the seventh grade. I have a good relationship with them and I am excited to be their varsity coach this year,” said Davies. “They are a very determined group and they are wanting to be successful.” Davies did say that the younger players have “high basketball IQs”, and are beginning to mesh well with the four veteran Raiders. Davies discussed also River Valley’s strengths and weaknesses as the season tips off. “We thrive on our defense and we love defense. Our primary scoring is going to come from creating chaos and turning the other teams over and attacking the basket after forcing turnovers,” she said. “We have to do a better job of finishing shots. We have good shots, but it’s shooting under pressure and being able to finish.” And, speaking of finish, Davies does believe her club will vastly improve as the season goes along. “We’re going to have some growing pains at the beginning of the year until we learn how to play with each other,” she said. “The three or four older girls are used to playing with each other. The younger girls have to learn the pace of the game. But I think we’re going to do really well and as long as we do our job every night, we’ll be good.” Paul Boggs can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2106 Paul Boggs can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2106 championship, joining Edwards (113), Dobbins (145), Michael (152), Weber (160), fellow senior Grant Gilmore (170) and sophomores Joseph Burns (113) and Dakota Doss (220) as the Raider returnees. “We had six freshmen last year and all of them did very well. Most of our younger wrestlers are the product of our youth program, which we’ve had for now 10 or 11 years,” said Huck. “Some of these guys have wrestled most of their lives. That’s great experience there. And with all of them wrestling together for so long, they are a real tight group. They make each other better and feed off of each other. If one does well, they are all going to do well pretty much.” Rounding out the roster are junior Coalton Burns (120), sophomore Joseph Dale (160), sophomore Derek Johnson (182) and junior Zachary Stein (195). Huck said that aside from the 106, 126 and 132 weights, River Valley should field the other classes. The Raiders opened their season at the Jackson Invitational, and travel to other invitationals at Warren (Dec. 10), Gallia Academy (Dec. 29), Nelsonville-York (Jan. 7) and Athens (Jan. 21). Speaking of NelsonvilleYork and Athens, the Raiders finished third to those two teams in last season’s TVC meet, but Huck hopes his club can challenge both this year for the league championship. Their sectional tournament takes place once again at Alexander, and Huck has confidence his young yet talented team can qualify again at least six individuals out. Indeed, the Raiders appear ready to repeat wrestling success. “We have some younger kids in terms of putting sophomores against seniors, but our guys really don’t look at it that way. They are up for the challenge,” said Huck. “I’m real big on this group right now. We have some good talent, they are working hard and are ready to stand up to the challenges this year.” Paul Boggs can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2106 �MHS Wrestling From page 29 have a good year, if he sticks with it.” The Marauders five first-year wrestlers are sophomores William Smith, Brandon Justis and Clayton Hanna, and freshmen Tucker Smith and Levi Rafferty. “I really like freshman Levi Rafferty, he’s about 150-160 and he’s a good body type,” Willford said. “He’s never wrestled before, but he’s catching on quick.” The Marauders will have to replace three seniors from last year’s squad in Gino Casci, Robert Hoffman and Daniel Hysell. Casci was third in the TVC at 220 pounds and earned a district spot at heavyweight, placing third in the sectional. Last winter Meigs finished sixth out of 12 teams in the TVC, but the Maroon and Gold are hoping to fill more weight classes and move up this season. “In the league this year, I think we’ll defiantly have a couple of champions,” Willford said. “As a team, I think we’ll defiantly move up a couple of spots, because we’re filling more weight classes. We’re filling 10 out of 14 right now, which is huge for us. Last year we only filled six out of 14.” MHS will take to the mats three times in December, travailing to Jackson, Warren, Vinton County and Gallia Academy. Meigs also wrestles four times in January, visiting Alexander, Athens and New Lexington, while hosting Eastern and Fairland in a tri. In February, MHS will visit Nelsonville-York and Gallia Academy before heading to Trimble for the TVC meet on February 18. Alex Hawley can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2100. PPHS Girls BB WHS Boys BB From page 16 From page 8 helm, from top to bottom. He is also hoping that that talent level will show itself in the final outcome of games this season. Fields also believes that being back in the Class AA ranks will be a boost for the program headed into the postseason, although it doesn’t make the road any easier to travel. “Our theme this year is respect. We’ve taken a lot of lumps in triple-A over the last few years and the girls are really motivated to get this program back to a competitive level,” Fields said. “They still put five out on the floor and play until the final buzzer just like they did in triple-A, but being back at the double-A level has been a little bit of a boost of confidence for the girls. It isn’t going to be any easier, but it does help knowing we are playing like-sized schools in the postseason.” Point Pleasant opens its season when it hosts Gallia Academy on December 1, but the Lady Knights will play seven of their first 10 games on the road this winter. develop some reliable depth against a testing, season-long schedule. If that occurs, then the White Falcons will be primed for another tough test come sectional time. “You always want to get better after every week of practice and every game you play so that you are headed into the tournament playing your best basketball. If that can happen, we will be happy,” Bradley said. “We have a tough league schedule to grind through so that we can get ready for another grueling sectional tournament. It’s going to be a battle.” Wahama will open the season with two straight games on the road before making its home debut on December 13 against Southern. Bryan Walters can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2101. 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It was their lowest finish and first time the Purple and Gold finished below .500 since the TVC Hocking expanded to nine teams, prior to the 2010 season. “A lot of people thought last season was a long season for us, SGHS Boys BB From page 7 Stapleton — and sophomores Eli Ellis and Bryce Nolan. “We played a lot this summer just to get these guys experience against varsity competition,” said Howell. “We went to team camp and probably played about 30 games.” Joey Woodall, a senior forward, returns to the program after not playing his junior season — and Austin Day is the tallest Rebel on the roster as a EHS Boys BB 42 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview From page 9 graduation took on the Eagles, as Cameron Richmond, Ty Bissell, Chase Curtis, Ross Keller and Dillon Swatzel all graduated last spring. Swatzel was an all-league first team selection and an alldistrict special mention last winter. “Replacing those five seniors is going to be difficult,” Coach Hill said. “We only have three seniors and two juniors this year. We’re low on numbers, being at a small school, we always have those disadvantages of a smaller pool to pull from. Even though the numbers are low, we’re very positive that the program is still going in the right direction. We’ve also been hit with the injury bug.” Currently, EHS is suffering from injuries to Holter, Blaise Facemyer and Dylan Creath. With three-year varsity assistant Jacob Parker taking the EHS girls head coaching job, Eastern will look to some familiar but really, we learned so much during the course of the year,” Caldwell said. “The guys just kept working hard and they got better. They’re confident and they know that if they work hard then they have a chance to do alright.” Last winter, Waterford and Trimble shared the TVC Hocking title, giving THS its second straight and WHS its second title in three years. In 2014, the Wildcats shared the league crown with Southern. “We hope to be more competitive and be a team that has a little bit of a say in who gets to win the league championship,” Caldwell said. “All we’re really worried about right now is getting ready for that first game. I like to think that we have a chance to have a pretty good season this year.” In addition to its 16 league games, Southern will face River Valley, Nelsonville-York, Meigs, Ravenswood, Ironton St. Joseph and Point Pleasant in nonleague contests. In his nine seasons at Southern Jeff Caldwell has a 121-86 coaching record, bringing six sectional titles, one district title and the Tornadoes’ first-ever TVC Hocking championship to Racine. Including his time at Pike Eastern, Caldwell has an overall varsity coaching record of 229-165. In a preseason media poll, Southern was picked to finish fourth in the TVC Hocking. six-foot three-inch freshman. Howell said to expect the Rebels to dramatically dial back their traditional up-tempo style — all the way back to even lowscoring half-court contests. “Our style of play is going to change tremendously,” he said. “Last year, that group was really athletic and really relied on the 1-3-1 defense. Those kids were naturals at running that. We’ll probably play a lot more manto-man (defense) this year, and we’re not going to be as fastpaced. I think one game Joseph Ehman scored like 13 points in a minute and 45 seconds. This year, we’ll be lucky to score 13 points in a half. It’s going to be a grind-it-out, rely on our defense and make sure we take care of the ball on offense. We’re going to be a lot more methodical and selective in the shots we take. The biggest thing we want to do is get our defense back, not give up easy baskets and make the other team play us 5-on-5.” Those teams include the defending division co-champions Waterford and Trimble, as Waterford is the prohibitive favorite for a repeat championship — with its entire roster returning. Howell has hopes, however, for South Gallia gaining wins as the season goes along. “We lost a lot to graduation, but if we can stay in games, then we can figure out how to win them,” he said. “We’re definitely optimistic about winning some games, giving ourselves a good draw for the sectional tournament and getting back to Athens and the Convo (Ohio University Convocation Center for Division IV district tournament).” faces to join the coaching staff. “The guys we have have been working really hard, I think they’re excited about the coaching staff changes that we’ve made, with the addition of Tim Simpson and Matt Simpson,” said Coach Hill. “I think it’s going to put us on the right path to success. We want to keep building the program in that direction that we have it going in.” Tim Simpson was an assistant coach on the Eagles’ 2001 state semifinalist team, which Matt Simpson played on. Before last winter, Eastern had finished 2-21 with a 1-15 Tri-Valley Conference Hocking Division mark in each of the previous two seasons. Last year, the Eagles put together a 6-16 record, including 4-12 within the league. However, Eastern still went winless in the postseason, making the third straight year the Eagles have failed to win in the tournament. In the TVC Hocking, EHS finished tied for seventh, with Miller. This season, The Eagles are looking to climb up the ladder within the league, which they haven’t won since the 2010-11 season. “We think that the league is top-heavy with Waterford and possibly Trimble or Southern being right there,” Coach Hill said. “We feel like everybody else is pretty evenly par. We have the capabilities to win a lot more games than we have here in the past, and we’re working to get toward that goal of putting more wins up. In addition to 16 league contests, EHS will face River Valley, Point Pleasant, Meigs, Hannan, Nelsonville-York and Green in non-league action. In a preseason media poll, the Eagles were picked to finish fifth in the nine-team league. EHS boys roster 4 Sharp Facemyer . . .So. 5-4 G 10 Jett Facemyer* . . . . Sr. 6-0 G 12 Owen Arix* Jr. . . . . . . . . 5-9 G 14 Blaise Facemyer . . .So. 5-9 G 20 Jon Wolfe . . . . . . . . . Sr. 6-2 G 22 Nate Durst . . . . . . . So. 5-10 F 24 Corbett Catlett* . . . .Sr. 6-1 F 32 Kaleb Hill . . . . . . . . . Jr. 6-4 C 34 Nick Browning . . . .So. 6-2 C 40 Brayden Holter* . . . Jr. 5-11 F Head Coach: Jeremy Hill (4th season) * — indicates varsity returnee Alex Hawley can be reached at 740-4462342, ext. 2100. Paul Boggs can be reached at 740-4462342, ext. 2106 Alex Hawley can be reached at 740-4462342, ext. 2100. EHS boys schedule December 2 vs. River Valley . . . . . . . . . 6 at South Gallia . . . . . . . . . 9 vs. Trimble . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 at Federal Hocking . . . . . 16 vs. Wahama . . . . . . . . . . . 20 at Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 vs. Point Pleasant . . . . . . January 3 vs. Meigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 at Hannan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 vs. Waterford . . . . . . . . . . 13 vs. Southern . . . . . . . . . . . 17 at Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 at Trimble . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 vs. Federal Hocking . . . . . 27 at Wahama . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 at Nelsonville-York . . . . . February 3 vs. Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 at Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 vs. South Gallia . . . . . . . . 10 at Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . 14 vs. Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 at Southern . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 �HHS Boys BB From page 11 Chase Nelson, Matthew Qualls, Andrew Gillispie and Christian Holland. Cade, Coleman, Gillispie and Holland bring experience and depth to the guard spots, while McQueen, Nelson and Qualls provide similar attributes to the front court. One other member of the 13-man varsity roster — junior forward Logan Nibert — is returning to the program after playing as a freshman before missing last season. With 10 experienced players to learn from, the Wildcats will also have the benefit of allowing three varsity newcomers to make an impact without throwing a ton of responsibility on their shoulders. That early transition may be easier for sophomore forwards Justis Powers and Luke Tilka, but that’s because freshman big man Chandler Starkey is going to be carrying a little more weight than most. WHS Wrestling From page 32 while Serevicz and Peters enjoyed positive freshmen campaigns. The newcomers to the varsity roster are juniors Christian Thomas and Jace Heckaman, sophomores Braden Weaver and Shawn Taylor, and freshmen Wesley Thornton notes that with the addition of Starkey on the inside is something that should benefit everyone else on the team, which in turn should help improve the overall record. “We’ve been undersized for the last few years, so something that is really going to help us is having a 6-foot-5 presence in the middle. Chandler (Starkey) is a freshman and he’s going to have some growing pains, but he is going to be a huge piece for us in the years to come,” Thornton said. “We basically have four starters back around the floor and some new guys that will be able to make contributions, so we will have some depth to work with this year.” With balance, depth, experience and the ability to play at any pace, Thornton feels that this group has a uniqueness to it unlike the others More importantly, the fourthyear mentor says that his troops are more focused on winning games than individual successes — which can make a big difference by year’s end. “I honestly feel like we can put five guys on the floor that Peters and Trevor Hunt. Peyton Brewer is also on the varsity squad for the first time. Russell has had at least one grappler qualify for state in each of his previous 10 seasons as head coach. He likes the chances of continuing that trend, but he — and his troops — are hoping for a little more than just getting there. And if the White Falcons have any luck in their quest, it may lead to something even HHS boys roster 1 Josh McCoy* . . . . . . . Sr 6-1 F 2 Christian Holland* . So 5-8 G 3 Malachi Cade* . . . . .Jr 5-9 G 5 Logan Nibert Jr . . . . . . . .6-1 F 12 Justis Powers So . . . . . 5-9 F 13 Dalton Coleman* . . So 5-9 G 20 Nathan McQueen* . Jr 6-0 C 21 Corey Hudnall* . . . . Sr 5-10 F 24 Chase Nelson*. . . . . .So 6-1 F 30 Matthew Qualls* . . .So 5-10 F 32 Andrew Gillispie* . . So 5-8 G 44 Luke Tilka . . . . . . . . . So 5-9 G 50 Chandler Starkey Fr 6-5 C Head Coach: Ross Thornton (4th season) * — indicates varsity returnee can score the basketball, and four of them are underclassmen. We have some guys that can help us off the bench too, but all of them have really been unselfish in their approach to the game,” Thornton said. “These guys really seem to treat each other like family, which should be a boost in trying to play together as a team. This can be a very big year for us and we are excited to get things started.” Four of Hannan’s first seven games are at home, including a pair of key early matchups better moving forward. “I think we have the capabilities of continuing that streak and I see no reason why we can’t have a few kids competing at the state level this year,” Russell said. “We have some very dedicated kids who have that high on their list of goals and they have the capabilities of making those goals a reality. “We have a lot of work to put in between now and then, and it won’t be an easy HHS boys schedule December 6 vs. Grace Christian . . . 7 p.m. 10 at Elk Valley Christian . 2 p.m. 13 vs. Jamie Darrin Christian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:30 15 at Ohio Valley Christian . 7:30 16 at WV State Hoops Classic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:30 22 vs. Buffalo . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 29 vs. Wahama . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 January 3 at Sherman . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 6 vs. Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 9 at Covenant Christian . . 7:30 12 at Point Pleasant . . . . . . . 7:15 14 at Hatfield/McCoy at Williamson . . . . . . . . 11 a.m. 19 vs. Elk Valley Christian . . 6:30 24 at Herbert Hoover . . . . . . 7:15 31 at Jamie Darrin Christian 6:30 February 2 vs. Sherman . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 7 at Grace Christian . . . . 7 p.m. 10 vs. Covenant Christian . . 7:30 13 vs. Ohio Valley Christian 7:30 14 at Buffalo . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 16 vs. Meadow Bridge . . . . . 7:30 21 vs. Mountain State . . . . . 7:30 against Buffalo and Wahama in late December. Bryan Walters can be reached at 740446-2342, ext. 2101. road, but I think we have the potential to have a pretty good season. We also have only one senior, so we can really use this season to help build a spring board for the program.” Wahama will compete in 11 different regular season events, which will include a pair of home quads on December 21 and on January 12. Bryan Walters can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2101. PHONE : 740-446-0800 FAX : 740-446-4082 GARY L JARVIS CPA GARY @GARY JARVISCP A.COM 60689144 607 Fifth Street P.O. Box 335 New Haven, WV 25265 Telephone 304-882-2145 Fax: 304-882-3813 www.kenbassinsurance.com 60689218 126 SECOND AVENUE PO BOX 768 GALLIP OLIS OHIO 45631 2WPV�/ZMMZ�Œ�)OMV\���7_VMZ 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 43 GARY L JARVIS CPA INC. �GAHS Girls BB From page 19 3-11 finish in the OVC. Justice said a team goal is to improve upon those marks. “We’ve worked and gotten better beginning with the summer,” he said. “We’re very young with four freshmen and five sophomores and only one junior. The girls are working hard and coming in everyday and still learning the game.” Aside from the four seniors, the four returning underclassmen are all sophomores — Hunter Copley, Abby Cremeans, Aubrey Unroe and Macey Siders. Copley played well as a freshman forward, and will be counted upon this year HHS Girls BB From page 23 44 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview capable players that we can get through a few early games not at full strength,” Thomas said. “The one thing I know about this group is that I can put any one of them on the court and they can handle the responsibility. That’s as much an attribute to this team as their speed, depth or experience.” Returning from last year’s squad are seniors Madison Staggs and Maggie Waugh, as well as juniors Cassidy Duffer, Lindsey Holley and Bailey Tolliver. Sophomores Pammie Ochs and Josie McCoy are also back for the Lady Cats. Staggs, Tolliver and Ochs bring plenty of experience to the guard spots, while Waugh, Duffer, Holley and McCoy do the same OVCS Girls BB From page 26 to do to accomplish them. Now it just comes down to getting those things done.” The lone varsity newcomer to the varsity roster is sophomore Makala Sizemore, who adds another dimension to the guard position. to increase her scoring and rebounding. Alex Barnes is one of four freshmen and is the expected point guard, while sophomores Katie Carpenter and Molly Fitzwater return after not playing last year. None of the Blue Angels are taller than five-foot-nine, as sophomore Tabby McNeal is considered the tallest player on the club. Rounding out the roster are freshmen Liz Nichols, Megan Bailey and Hannah Tate. “We would like to pressure and get the ball up and down the floor. Being young and inexperienced, if it’s going to be chaos we would like for it to be controlled chaos,” said Justice. “By the end of the year, we hope to be improved. We’ve got 22 games to get ready for the tournament.” for the front court positions. The newcomers to the varsity squad are junior Josie Cooper and the freshmen duo of Julie Frazier and Sydnee Holley. All three add an extra dimension of versatility to the front court. Thomas expressed that her excitement for this season is as high as any of her previous four campaigns, but she also is hoping for a determined work ethic that last throughout the course of the year. So far, Thomas has been pleased with what she has seen. “Every player on this team has a different talent or ability that is going to help us in some fashion, but we have to work together as a group if we want to be competitive and enjoy some success,” Thomas said. “So far, we haven’t had to deal with any negativity or attitude. The girls believe that we can have a good It’s been over a decade since OVCS last won a state title in hoops, but the program has had more than it’s fair share of near-misses in the 10-plus years since. Following a state runner-up effort in volleyball this past fall, Burnett believes that this group is capable of ending the decade-long drought. He also believes his troops are prepared to do whatever Indeed, for the Blue Angels, it’s all about how they finish. Paul Boggs can be reached at 740446-2342, ext. 2106 GAHS girls roster 2 Abby Cremeans*. . .So. 5-4 G 3 Aubrey Unroe*. . . . . So. 5-9 F 4 Alex Barnes . . . . . . . .Fr. 5-8 F 5 Jenelle Stevens* . . . Sr. 5-8 F 10 Hunter Copley* . . . . So. 5-8 F 11 Carly Shriver* . . . . . Sr. 5-6 G 12 Katie Carpenter . . . .So. 5-6 G 15 Megan Bailey . . . . . . Fr. 5-3 G 20 Adrienne Jenkins* . Sr. 5-9 F 21 Hannah Tate . . . . . . . .Fr. 5-8 F 22 Molly Fitzwater . . . . So. 5-7 F 23 Kimberly Edelmann*Sr. 5-4 G 24 Tabby McNeal . . . . . So. 5-9 F 31 Liz Nicholas . . . . . . . Fr. 5-5 G 33 Macey Siders* . . . . . Jr. 5-9 C Head coach: Joe Justice (4th season) * — indicates varsity returnee HHS girls roster 1 Julie Frazier . . . . . . . . Fr 5-2 F 2 Josie McCoy*. . . . . . So 5-8 C 3 Cassidy Duffer* . . . . . Jr 5-7 F 11 Sydnee Holley . . . . . .Fr 5-9 C 13 Madison Staggs* . Sr 5-7 G-F 14 Lindsey Holley* . . . Jr 5-5 G-F 20 Bailey Tolliver* . . . . Jr 5-3 G-F 23 Pammie Ochs* . . . . So 5-0 G 33 Maggie Waugh* . . . .Sr 5-10 C 34 Josie Cooper . . . . . . . Jr 5-5 F Head Coach: Kellie Thomas (5th season) * — indicates varsity returnee. year and we are looking forward to getting started toward that goal.” Hannan opens the season with consecutive home games and will host four of its first six outings of the 2016-17 campaign. Bryan Walters can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2101. it takes to make this goal a reality. “We’ve been chasing that title the last couple of years, finishing second twice and third once over the past few seasons,” Burnett said. “These girls know what it takes to be successful in the postseason and are also motivated from what they just did in volleyball, so now it’s just coming up with the right combination GAHS girls schedule November 28 vs. River Valley . . . . . . . . 7:30 December 1 at Point Pleasant . . . . . . 7:30 5 vs. Chesapeake . . . . . . . 7:30 8 vs. Rock Hill . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 12 at Ironton . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 15 at Coal Grove . . . . . . . . . 7:30 19 vs. Symmes Valley. . . . . 7:30 22 vs. Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 29 at Athens . . . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. January 2 vs. Point Pleasant . . . . . 7:30 5 vs. South Point. . . . . . . . 7:30 9 vs. Fairland . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 12 at Portsmouth . . . . . . . . 7:30 16 at Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 19 at Chesapeake . . . . . . . . 7:30 23 at Rock Hill . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 26 vs. Ironton. . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 30 vs. Coal Grove . . . . . . . . 7:30 February 2 at South Point . . . . . . . . 7:30 4 at River Valley . . . . . . . . 7:30 6 at Fairland. . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 9 vs. Portsmouth . . . . . . . 7:30 HHS girls schedule November 29 vs. Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6:30 30 vs. Riverside . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. December 2 at Fairview . . . . . . . . . . . 6:30 5 at Rose Hill . . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. 7 vs. Ironton St. Joseph . 6 p.m. 12 vs. Buffalo . . . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. 15 at Ohio Valley Christian 6 p.m. 20 at Riverside . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. 22 at Green . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. 28 vs. Wahama . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. 30 vs. Riverside . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. January 9 at Covenant Christian 6 p.m. 10 at Buffalo . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 16 at Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 19 at Wahama . . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. February 1 at Ironton St. Joseph . 6 p.m. 6 vs. Fairview . . . . . . . . . . . 6:30 9 vs. Rose Hill . . . . . . . . . . 6:30 10 vs. Covenant Christian 6 p.m. 13 vs. Ohio Valley Christian . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. 14 at Point Pleasant . . . . . 6 p.m. and pushing ourselves to accomplish even more.” The Lady Defenders will start the season with four of their first six games at home, but OVCS will then go over an entire month without a home game until hosting Wood County Christian on January 31. Bryan Walters can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2101. �SGHS Girls BB From page 21 last season, which means the remainder of the Rebels will be playing their first-ever varsity tilts. The other junior is Brooke Campbell, while the sole sophomore is Jessica Luther. Christine Griffith, the tallest player on the club at five-foot nine-inches tall, gets the call at center and for rebounding help. “We’ll have to be up-tempo because we don’t have a lot of size. We’re going to have to be scrappy and get those loose balls,” said Small. “When we do get them, we’ll have to take off and run. We’re going to be about eight to 10 girls deep. We’re going to have to run-and-gun.” Paul Boggs can be reached at 740-4462342, ext. 2106 SGHS girls roster 1 Alyssa Cremeens . . 5-2 Fr. G 2 Amaya Howell . . . . . 5-5 Fr. G 4 Kiley Stapleton . . . . . 5-7 Fr. F 5 Olivia Hornsby* . . . . 5-3 Jr. G 10 Aaliyah Howell* . . . . 5-4 Jr. G 11 Erin Evans* . . . . . . . . 5-7 Jr. F 13 Katie Bowling . . . . . . 5-6 Fr. G 22 Irene Santos . . . . . . . 5-4 FE G 24 Christine Griffith . . . 5-9 Fr. C 33 Jessica Luther . . . . . 5-1 So. G 44 Desirea Davis . . . . . . .5-6 Fr. F 53 Brooke Campbell . . .5-6 Jr. F Head coach: Corey Small (5th season) * — indicates varsity returnee SGHS girls schedule November 29 at Ohio Valley Christian 6 p.m. 30 vs. Symmes Valley. . . . . 7:30 December 5 at Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 8 vs. Waterford . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 12 vs. Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 17 at Federal Hocking . . . . . 7:15 19 vs. Trimble . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 22 at Wahama . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 January 4 at Symmes Valley . . . . . 7:30 5 vs. Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 9 at Southern . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 12 at Eastern . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 14 vs. River Valley . . . . . . . . 7:30 19 vs. Belpre . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 21 at Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 26 at Trimble . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. 28 vs. Meigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 30 vs. Federal Hocking . . . . 7:30 February 1 at Wellston . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 2 vs. Wahama . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 6 at Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 9 vs. Southern . . . . . . . . . . . 7:15 EHS Wrestling From page 33 in the TVC last winter — will have some competition for the Eagles’ 285-pound spot this year. “We have another heavyweight this year in Ryan Kennedy, who is going to push Brandon Colburn,” Mummey said. “I’m really looking forward to see what these two can do with one another and see who earns that heavyweight spot.” Not only will EHS look to be strong in the top weight class, but the bottom one as well. “Eion Marcinko is going to be in our bottom weight class and he’s showing great signs of being a very good wrestler, let alone a very good small wrestler,” said Mummey. “He’s going to be doing very well down there with his aggressive attitude and his very intelligent knowledge.” Mummey also noted that first-year wrestlers Daniel Harris, Gavin Mullen and Nathan Litchfield will be strong additions to the team and he’s looking for more success from Trenton Delacruz in his second season. Last winter, Eastern was eight in the TVC, but the Eagles were second among TVC Hocking Division schools, finishing two points and one spot behind Waterford. EHS has 10 regular season meets on its regular season schedule, capped off with the TriValley Conference meet at Trimble High School, on February 18. Alex Hawley can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2100. Good Luck!! Good Luck This Winter Season!! David K Smith DDS 1615 Eastern Avenue, Gallipolis 740-446-3191 740-446-8080 740-446-8000 60691859 444 Upper River Road, Gallipolis Non Emergency Medical Transport Check Us Out... ( 740 ) 645-2268 60691884 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 45 321 Upper River Road, Gallipolis �SGHS Wrestling From page 31 playing field for athletes of all sizes. “If you have a kid that is like 115 or 120 pounds…in football, there’s really not much that kid can do other than probably play some receiver or defensive back. But he might to have to hit kids that are 250 pounds or more, and there might be a safety issue there. But in wrestling, a 126-pound kid or 132-pound kid isn’t going to go against a 195pound kid,” he said. “It levels the playing field for kids who aren’t as big and it puts big kids versus big kids.” Polcyn said most of the Rebel wrestlers are football players which aren’t playing basketball. There are four seniors, four freshmen, three sophomores and two juniors, as only two of the Rebels have any sort of wrestling experience. That pair is senior David Kuhn, who wrestled as a freshman at Gallia Academy, and junior Chayce Pearson, who wrestled in a youth program from third through sixth grade. Kuhn will compete in either the 220-pound or heavyweight class, while Pearson will wrestle at either 182 or 195. Izak Luther, another senior, looks to grapple at 170. The underclassmen football players which are wrestling include sophomore heavyweights Tanner Dennison GAHS Wrestling 46 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview From page 30 Dec. 17, along with hosting their annual Coaches Corner Classic on Dec. 29. Among the meets in January are the NelsonvilleYork Invitational (Jan. 7), the Western Brown Invitational (Jan. 14) and the WSAZ Invitational (Jan. 20-21) in Huntington. Gallia Academy, which also has several dual and trimatches, aims to reach the Ohio High School Athletic Association state duals tournament as well. The Blue Devils advanced and Wyatt Rapp — along with twin brothers Jacob and Caleb Neal. Two other seniors — Virgil Watson (182 or 195) and Jacob Brumfield (220 or 285) — are wrestling, along with freshman William Orsbon (106) and sophomore Chad Bostic (160 or 170). But more than winning matches, Polcyn said this opening season is primarily about laying a foundation. “In the first year of a program, I want these kids to compete and gain experience more than anything,” said Polcyn. “Some of these kids would be sitting at home on a couch drinking Mountain Dew, eating potato chips and playing X-Box. So wrestling will be something to help them in their regular lives besides getting in better shape.” Paul Boggs can be reached at 740-4462342, ext. 2106 SGHS wrestling roster Jacob Brumfield . . . . . . . . . . . . Sr. David Kuhn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sr. Izak Luther . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sr. Virgil Watson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sr. Chayce Pearson . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jr. Troy Watson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jr. Chad Bostic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . So. Tanner Dennison . . . . . . . . . . . So. Wyatt Rapp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . So. Justin Butler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fr. Caleb Neal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fr. Jacob Neal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fr. William Orsbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fr. Head coach: Paul Polcyn (1st season) to the regional championship last season, losing at New Lexington. “We love duals and tris and I as a coach love dual matches especially,” said May. “One thing that has gone away from wrestling is the team aspect. But our schedule is built around giving these kids the matches they need for the right time of the year.” And this year, it’s all about the strength in the lightweights while developing the heavier Devils. Brandon Taylor, the highest placer at the state tournament in Gallia Academy history, will be May’s assistant coach. Paul Boggs can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2106 Waterford girls, boys chosen as favorites By Alex Hawley Miller was eighth in the league last winter with a 3-13 record and received 15 poll The Waterford Wildcats points, placing the Lady Falruled the Tri-Valley Confercons eighth. ence Hocking Division this Wahama — which hasn’t fall, winning team titles in won a league game in any football, volleyball and golf. of the last three seasons — A preseason media poll, received six poll points, placconducted by the Ohio Valley ing the Lady Falcons ninth. Publishing sports department, Following Waterford on suggests that Waterford fans the boys side was 2015-16 will enjoy the winter months co-champion Trimble, which just as much. received 47 points. The The Waterford boys and Wildcats and Tomcats both girls basketball teams were posted 14-2 league records last both unanimously chosen to winter. repeat as league champions, Belpre — which finished each garnering all six first fourth in the league last winter place votes for a perfect 54 with a 9-7 record — received points. 40 poll points, placing the The Lady Wildcats comGolden Eagles third. pleted their second straight Southern came in three perfect run through the ninepoints behind BHS, as the team league last winter en Tornadoes took fourth place route to their first-ever state in the poll with 37 points. championship. Southern’s 5-11 league record Finishing second in the girls placed it sixth in the league poll was Eastern, which is the last season, but the Purple and last TVC Hocking team to Gold had no seniors on last defeat Waterford. The Lady year’s team. Eagles — who were second Eastern — which finished in the league last year with a tied for seventh in the league 13-3 record — finished with last year, with a 4-12 mark — 46 points in the poll. took fifth in the poll with 24 The Lady Tornadoes — points. who were third in the league South Gallia was next in last year with with a 12-4 the poll with 23 points. The mark — received 42 points Rebels were third in the league and finished third in the poll. last winter with a 12-4 record, Fourth in the girls poll was but all five SGHS starters Trimble with 33 points, folwere lost to graduation. lowed by Belpre with 32. THS Wahama took seventh in the was fifth in the league last poll with 20 points, followed year with an 8-8 record, while by Miller with 18. The White the Lady Golden Eagles were Falcons finished fifth in the fourth with an 11-5 campaign. league last winter with a 7-9 South Gallia received 22 record, while MHS was tied points and placed sixth in the with Eastern for seventh. poll, the same spot that the Federal Hocking — which Lady Rebels finished in the was ninth in the league last league last winter after a 5-11 winter, with a 3-13 record campaign. — finished with seven poll Federal Hocking —which points, placing the Lancers was seventh in the league last ninth. year with a 4-12 record —was picked to finish seventh again Alex Hawley can be reached at 740446-2342, ext. 2100. after getting 20 poll points. ahawley@civitasmedia.com �6068915 3 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview 47 �GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR TEAMS HERE’S TO A GREAT SEASON! 215 Upper River Road Gallipolis, Ohio 740-446-7891 390 Silver Bridge Plaza 48 2016-17 Winter Sports Preview Gallipolis, Ohio 740-446-2199 2325 Jackson Avenue Point Pleasant, WV 304-675-9950 60689455 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. 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