The Utica boys’ basketball team is returning a solid core of players this season after finishing 15-9 with a 4-7 record in the Licking County - Cardinal Conference, and coach Brian Radabaugh expects his team’s athleticism to propel the team to victory.
“Our four returning letter winners are Trenton Collins, Zach Heckman, Brody McDaniel and Roman Gamble,” said Radabaugh. “I think this group is battle-tested and will do a great job of leading our group."
Radabaugh said the athletic team has multiple ball handlers who are capable of making plays. There are areas of uncertainty going into the season, however, such as shooting from beyond the arc and the ability to haul in offensive boards. Last Feb. 26, in a tight loss to Elgin, McDaniel and Collins showed that they could hit shots from outside on a number of occasions, and the hope is for that proficiency to continue. Heckman also hit from long range in the previous game against Fredericktown.
Since the team lacks size, Radabaugh has put together a "5-out" motion offense. Defensively, the Redskins rely on a half-court, man-to-man style. He said defense is an area that the team needs to improve on this year. In that game against Elgin, Gamble showed off his defensive skills with a steal and fast break transition move down the court. In the game against Fredericktown, Collins also grabbed a steal by stepping in front of a pass.
“Overall we have good quickness and play extremely hard,” Radabaugh said. “Can we rebound the ball well enough is our biggest concern.”
Radabaugh, who has been coaching for 12 years, said that the team has a slogan of “Redskin pride.” He said that over time he has learned from many people along the way who helped build his coaching style, adding that he is always evolving and learning.
Radabaugh said that the goal this season is to take things “one day and one game at a time.”
“Our expectation is to get better each and every day [and] be great teammates and community members,” he said.
The first game of the season for Utica is in front of a home crowd on Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. against Madison Comprehensive in a non-conference match-up.
