By Bill Nestor
The Lincoln boys basketball team earned its fair share of big wins last year. The Cougars and head coach Jordan Toth were close to a trip to Charleston a year ago and they have their sights set on a possible trip down 79 south this year.
In order to make that trip, Toth will have to replace four starters from last year’s edition as Brayden Edgell, Nate Swiger, Noah Sears, and David Burdette have all departed the program. The lone returning starter just happens to be a standout in multi talented hoopster Aiden Rice.
Rice is a 6’2 sophomore center that can stretch teams out according to Toth. “Aiden will play primarily inside and he has the ability to make threes.” Wyatt Finch and LandonSwiger have been in the program for a while and understand what Toth expects, especially on the defensive side of the court. Both will be in the starting lineup with Finch seeing time as both a guard and forward while Swiger will play on the perimeter.
AJ Bart saw some varsity action last season and provided power in the paint as a forward and center. His presence allows Rice to step outside and create mismatches along with defensive nightmares for opponents.
The final starting spot will be done by committee with three talented guards vying for playing time. Brody Barnes, Jacob Bart, and Luke Joyce are all in the mix for the fifth spot.
Toth has a talented group and he plans on utilizing their strengths. “We are very athletic and we are trying to play with a little bit better pace than we have over the years, trying to push the ball up and down the court.”
If this squad can get out in transition, easy points can be had, but first thing is first and in order to run, you must rebound. “Our defense is going to be good enough to turn teams over,” explained Toth. “When they miss shots, we have to get that first rebound.”
If the Cougars can rebound well, they will put pressure on their opponents and the wins will follow.. That is the recipe for success in Shinnston.