Saturday, January 23, 2010
Coach Anthony Ferradino is only too happy to be 4-3 with his Austintown Middle Blue 8th Grade squad, considering three players were held back due to injuries.
“One player needed surgery, another had a broken wrist and yet another sustained a broken finger. So we were down three bodies before we even got started.
“The three players are back now and two have already worked their way into the starting lineup. So hopefully we will be at full strength the remainder of the season,” Ferradino said.
“As long as we keep improving, learn clock management and play together, then we should be alright,” he added.
The team’s four wins thus far have come against Canfield, Boardman Glenwood, Howland and P. Ross Berry.
Ferradino runs a three forward/two guard offense and those comprising the starting lineup include Quincy Higgins and Tommy Duffy at guard, and Sam Ortz, Austin Hogan and Terrell McClain at forward.
Off the bench, the team counts on Preston Sutton (forward), Jimmy Cross (center), Nick Hamrock (guard), Mike Montobano (guard) and interchangeable identical twins; Justin and Jared Vinkler, who can play at either of the guard or forward positions.
“They key is to keep improving. If we do that, then we can make some noise the remainder of the season,” Ferradino stated.