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Ferry has high hopes for season

By BUBBA KAPRAL

For The Times Leader

MARTINS FERRY – Derek Edwards begins his seventh season at the helm of the Martins Ferry boys’ hoop program. It is a campaign in which he harbors greats hopes for.

Edwards, a former Associated Press D-III Coach-of-the-Year, likes the physical and mental makeup of his latest squad.

“We have athleticism and good depth, although some of it is young,” Edward said. “I have had nine of these kids working out all football season. They are making themselves and their teammates accountable.

“I find myself talking less at practice while the players are talking more. That is good because its shows they are taking ownership in the program,” he added. “Good teams are coached by coaches, great teams are coached by the players.”

The Purple Riders checked in with a 12-13 record a year ago. That mark could have been easily much better with a break or two as the Riders lost nine games by one possession.

Edwards must replace five performers who picked up their Purple diplomas. Gone are Jaizen Miles, who garnered a bevy of post-season honors; Davian Ray, Colby Shriver, Zach Flesch and Peyton Hores.

Ferry boasts a nice blend of experience and youth. The 13-player varsity roster features three seniors, three juniors, four sophomores and three freshman.

Senior Landyn Hores is a post presence. He is a 6-4 letterman.

“Landyn is a very good athlete inside. He can guard every position,” Edwards said. “Landyn is not your typical big guy. He is also very coachable.”

Classmate Gaige O’Connell is a 5-9 guard and in the mix for regular backcourt duty.

“Gaige will see his role increase. He is energetic on defense and can shoot the three,” Edwards said.

The third senior comes to the Purple via the transfer route. Denali Jackson is a 6-0 guard with loaded skills. He was at Linsly School a year ago.

“Denali makes everything go for us. He has the intangibles that you can’t coach,” Edwards said. “He has a nose for the ball and can drive it and shoot it. Denali has great court vision and is one of the players who makes his teammates better.”

The trio of juniors are Mason Redinger, a 5-11 guard, Turner Krol, a 5-10 guard, and David Maguire, a 6-1 post.

“Mason is long and athletic and can shoot the three. He also rebounds well,” Edwards said. “Turner can really shoot it well from the outside while David has a great work ethic and has a nice mid-range game.”

Ferry features one of the premier sophomores in the OVAC in Alex Reese. The 6-5 forward has all the tools. He averaged 14.5 points a game as a frosh.

“Alex works harder than anyone we have. He holds himself accountable,” Edwards said. “Alex is a special player. He comes to practice every day looking to get better. We expect big things from Alex.”

Tev’n Williams is another quality sophomore. The 5-11 guard saw some starting time last season.

“Tev’n is coming off an excellent football season. He got a lot of playing time for us last year and handled himself well,” Edwards offered. “His role will definitely increase this year. He is one of our best athletes.”

Kole Swierkos, a 5-10 guard, and Isaiah Lacey, a 5-9 guard, round out the sophomore contingent.

The Purple’s varsity roster includes three promising freshmen in guards Anthony Booth (6-0), Maurice Barnett (5-9) and forward Jermale Thompson (5-10).

“All three of our freshmen have nice potential and each brings something different to the table,” Edwards noted.

Ferry tips off its campaign Nov. 29, playing host to St. Clairsville. Monroe Central and Toronto are new Purple foes this season.

Edwards is supported by top-shelf staff. Ron Hill returns for his 28th year of Purple hoop coaching and is joined by Mike Beck, Dave Edwards and newcomer B.A. Holloway.

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