Photo Provided PICTURED IS the 2020-21 Monroe Central basketball team. Front row, from left, are Cooper Thompson, Kade Demchak, Collin Kroll, Austin Yonak and Michael Bunning. Second row, from left, are Jake Swisher, Garet Cramer, John Peterson, Luke Burkhart, Auston Hogue and Malachi Rose-Burton. Absent was Dillon Lincoln.

WOODSFIELD — Coming off a 14-9 season in which four starters and a player who missed nearly all of last season return, Monroe Central head coach Jon Perkins is looking to improve upon that record.

What has Perkins smiling even more is that all five have earned all-District 12 first- and second-team status so far in their careers.

“We are optimistic about the upcoming season. We have a lot of experience returning to the court and a group of guys that work really well together,” he said. “Our ultimate goal is to get better each and every time we step on the floor and let the chips fall where they may.”

Heading the list are seniors Luke Burkhart (6-1), Garet Cramer (6-1) and Auston Hogue (5-11). Juniors Malachi Rose-Burton (5-11) and Dillon Lincoln (5-10) round out the group.

“Luke has the capability to be a knock-down shooter. He is one of the best shooters we’ve had come through our in recent history,” Perkins said of the all-MOVL selection last winter. “He has put in an extensive amount of work to improve his skill set in other areas, as well.”

Cramer, was a first-team all-Eastern District offensive lineman this fall, was an all-District 12 first team selection last winter on the hardwood. He was also special mention all-Eastern District.

“Garet is a tremendous athlete and is one of our key contributors,” Perkins said of the 285-pounder. “He presents matchup problems for many opponents due to his size and ball skills. His ability presents our program with a lot of options offensively.”

Hogue earned several honors last season, including all-District 12 second team. He was also a special mention all-Eastern District and honorable mention all-OVAC. This fall he was a second-team all-Eastern District wide receiver.

“Spike is a player who you can depend on to give you his best night-in and night-out,” Perkins noted. “He is a quiet leader on the team but sets a great example for the younger kids in the program. He consistently finds a way to be a game-changer in a variety of ways.”

Perkins is really excited to see how Rose-Burton responds after missing all but four games last winter with a knee injury. He was all-District 12 second team as a freshman.

“We are looking forward to having Malachi back for a full season. He is a quality young man and a tremendous competitor,” Perkins continued. “We hope he is able to contribute in every facet of the game this year and be a difference maker for our team.”

Rose-Burton had an excellent season as the quarterback for the Seminoles in the fall. He was a first-team all-Eastern District pick.

“Dillon is extremely athletic and his lateral speed on the court makes him an excellent on-ball defender,” Perkins revealed. “We are looking for increased contributions from him this season.”

Returning for a second year of varsity action are seniors John Peterson (6-5) and Cooper Thompson (5-10), along with juniors Collin Kroll (5-9) and Jake Swisher (6-1).

The roster is completed with juniors Michael Bunning (5-7), Austin Yonak (5-11) and Kade Demchak (5-7).

Perkins and Co. has been in the same boat as all the other schools in the Ohio Valley as far as COVID-19 goes.

“The challenges that the current situation in our world have presented to us are an obstacle, but one that as competitors we are looking forward to overcoming,” Perkins said. “There has been a lot of uncertainty about the season up until this point and we have tried to value each time we step on the gym floor.

“It has been a teachable moment for us as a coaching staff to embark upon the kids that there are uncertainties in life, but you need to value each moment you have in any given situation.”

The Seminoles have added one game each with Harrison Central, Martins Ferry and Philo. They replace contests against Linsly (twice) and Toronto.

Lost to graduation were four quality seniors in Talin Babcock, Paul Yonak, Wyatt Young and Gabe Bunning.

Perkins is assisted by Junior Winland who doubles as the varsity assistant and JV coach. Jordan Stephens is a varsity assistant while Derik Shirley coaches the freshmen.

Ticketed for JV duty are junior Jonathan Milam (5-10); sophomores Travis Berry (6-3), Xavier Kinney (5-10), Loghan Brown (6-1) and Shawn Stimpert (5-9); and freshmen Lane Demchak (5-7), Talan Harr (5-8), Dylan Landefeld (5-10) and Zander Potts (6-1).