MORGANTOWN – It’s hard to tell which basketball team may reign supreme in the state of West Virginia this year, but Morgantown High certainly looks primed to do so.
Though last year didn’t end the way MHS coach Dave Tallman wanted – an upset at the hands of Wheeling Park in regionals – his team was still in the top-3 bubble nearly the entire season. Although losing a handful of playmakers like Alex Rudy and Mac McMillen and sixth-man Antonio Rollo, Tallman still has plenty to work with, including a group of freshmen who look primed to contribute as well.
But his sights aren’t set on a state title run just yet. Like last year, he’s taking things one day at a time.
“I like our team,” Tallman said. “We’re going to take things one day at a time and one game at a time. We’re excited for the opportunity to play and have a season. We’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of us before we worry about anything else, but our goals will be set high.”
Senior Xavier Pryor highlights the guards this year, a standout last season after transferring from Northern Garrett (Md.). Carson Poffenberger, who stepped into a gaping hole left by Nick Malone and proved to be a star in his own right, also returns for his senior season. Poffenberger was crucial for the Mohigans, averaging 12.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game just before the end of the regular season. He was also named an All-American by the National Strength and Conditioning Association in April. Joining Pryor and Poffenberger are seniors Luke Bechtel and recent WVU football signee Cam Rice.
“Those guys are hungry to play and to win,” Tallman said. “We have a lot of hard work in front of us to get ready, but we will lean on those guys for leadership. They’re great young men who understand our program’s expectations.
“We expect Xavier to have a big year. Mac and Rudy were a lot of fun to coach and had good careers here. I foresee Brooks Gage and Alec Poland having a bigger role this year. Jalen Goins and Rocco Morgano will also be in the mix. There will also be some young guys battling for spots and you may even see freshmen out there this year for us.”
When asked about new faces joining the team and who else looks primed to step into new roles, Tallman noted that, because tryouts have yet to happen, he could not accurately comment.
He was able to comment on how the topsy-turvy offseason has affected his team, which he noted his guys “have done a great job staying positive and keeping their hope of playing.”
“They’ve gotten together and trained with Nate Smith and Viking Performance,” Tallman further noted. “They’ve had a good offseason with all things considered. I’m proud of them for sticking together and finding a way.”
And as for the effects a tight schedule will have on his team?
“I think it will be great,” he said. “It won’t be pitch black [outside] going to and from practice and we may even be in shorts before too long. Shouldn’t have any snow cancellations. We obviously have a time crunch to get into great basketball shape but this will be a year where the quality of basketball will get better as the year goes on. We’re looking forward to competing.”
Morgantown kicks off its regular season on March 5 with a home game against Washington. Further, the Mohigans are set to scrimmage Robert C. Byrd on Feb. 26 in Clarksburg. The team’s first practice is set for Feb. 15.
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