BLACKSVILLE, W.Va. – It’s well known – or, at least should be – that Josh Kisner has built a culture of hard work and success within the Clay-Battelle boys’ basketball program. The proof is there, and to see the 180-degree turnaround look no further than last season.
The Cee-Bees ended their season 18-6 with a disappointing road loss to rival Trinity Christian in the postseason, but that was a mere – and unfortunate hiccup – for the dominant team. Now, heading into a crunched season with high expectations, Kisner has his eyes set on Charleston.
“With this new unpredictable season, we still have high expectations in Blacksville,” he said. “Our first goal is to finally get the opportunity to be able to play basketball this season. We have eight seniors returning this season along with some talented underclassmen that have the potential to make an end of the year run in Charleston.”
Losing big man Coltin Barr, slasher Levi Carrico and shooter Seth Casino, the Cee-Bees return a large senior class, highlighted by leaders Gage Statler, Chase Ammons, Tanner Hennen and Mojo Chisler. The four seniors each had hot moments last season and contributed well to the team, and were also players Kisner mentioned specifically as leaders for this senior-laden squad. The veteran coach also noted that the loss of Casino, Barr and Carrico will allow others to step up into new roles.
One challenge many small schools are facing this year is the state-wide classification change and region re-alignments. Clay-Battelle has stayed in single-A, but most of their opponents have moved up, including Trinity who is now a triple-A team.
“The new classification can make things very interesting compared to last season,” Kisner said. “We finished 18-6 last season with 5 of our losses to teams who have moved up in class or were from out of state.”
Being a small school, it’s a concern that some multisport athletes may have to choose between their winter or spring sport. Kisner noted that with the understanding and help of the other coaches, C-B athletes should be OK.
“One of the advantages Clay-Battelle has with spring sports overlapping is the understanding of sharing athletes. We are a small school and there are only so many kids available to compete. Most of our students are multi-sport athletes. I believe a lot of this knowledge comes from all of the veteran coaches we have at Clay-Battelle.”
Another challenge schools face with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is scheduling. According to Kisner, it’s been a “nightmare” but Athletic Director Andrew Joyce has worked hard to complete the schedules.
“Scheduling this season has been a nightmare,” Kisner said. “Athletic Director Mr. Andrew Joyce has worked hard completing the schedule and has made change after change once the various start dates were announced. We have added Linsly for two games, a prep school out of Wheeling [and are] also trying to add North Marion or Wheeling Central. Also, we will travel to East Hardy in the WV HIT Tournament and host Greenbrier West early in the season and attempt to avenge a 6-point loss from last season.”
Clay-Battelle kicks off the season on March 5 with a home game against Tygarts Valley. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m.
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