2002-03 SCHEDULE

Nov. 29-30 -- at Farrell Tipoff tourney Dec. 4 -- Mercer Dec. 6 -- Sharpsville Dec. 9 -- Greenville Dec. 10 -- at Neshannock Dec. 13 -- George Junior Republic Dec. 17 -- at Reynolds Dec. 20 -- West Middlesex Dec. 23 -- Meadville Dec. 27-28 -- at Cochranton tourney Jan. 4 -- at Greenville Jan. 7 -- at Meadville Jan. 10 -- at Sharon* Jan. 14 -- at West Middlesex Jan. 17 -- Grove City* Jan. 21 -- at George Junior Republic Jan. 24 -- Slippery Rock* Jan. 28 -- Reynolds Jan. 31 -- Sharon* Feb. 7 -- at Grove City* Feb. 11 -- John F. Kennedy Feb. 14 -- at Slippery Rock* [* = MCAC-AAA contest]

By The Herald Sports Staff

Last season, Hickory High had high hopes dashed during a 5-18 season in which it was shut out in six Mercer County Athletic Conference contests. This year, however, the Hornets are hoping the sting returns to the program.

" ... Just the idea we haven't won in quite a few years, so just getting that winning attitude back is an important step we have to take this year," third-year head coach Tony Mastrian acknowledged.

A trio of senior lettermen lead the returnees, including 5-foot-9 point guard Nick Mastrian (10 points per game, second-team All-MCAC), 6-1 swingman Dante' Marshall (9 ppg.) and 6-1 small-forward Charlie Farragher.

Hickory will be bolstered by several newcomers, not the least of whom is 6-2 junior forward Winston Kennedy, who transferred from Farrell.

Also, there will be another seven juniors, including 6-6 post John Braymer, 6-3 forward Chris Harper, 6-2 guard Jimmy O'Rourke (8 ppg.), as well as 6-4 frontliner Ben Woods, 6-3 forward Brandon Wilds and guards Matt Fabian and Josh Fleming, 6-0 and 5-9, respectively.

Hickory scrimmaged Mohawk, then Oil City and Maplewood, and mentor Mastrian assessed:

"I think we have some experience coming back from last year. If we're able to block out and get the rebound, we have a little more size than we've had in the past and we have the quickness that we should be able to run.

"And we have good ballhandling and decent shooting from the perimeter," Mastrian continued, quickly adding, "but at the same time we can't depend upon that; we have to get the ball inside some."

If a turnabout from the recent past is to be effected, Mastrian admitted, "Sometimes we get a little complacent, so we have to keep our intensity up."

Grove City, according to Mastrian, is the pick in MCAC-AAA ranks.

"I think with the returning (players) Grove City has, I think they'd be the odds-on favorite. They have quite a nucleus back.

"Sharon, from what I understand, has a new player (Ibrahim Konate) who is quite a jumper, so he'll give everybody problems with that kind of size and athletic ability.

The Hornets' humble goal, Mastrian said, " ... is to try to play the best we can each game. If we're able to put forth a good, solid effort, everything will take care of itself. And with the experience we have we're hoping there'll be improvement right along and the kids are believing in themselves."

"I'm very anxious to get things going," admitted Mastrian, who will be assisted by Jeremy Rupnik, Rick Ladjevich and Andy Kemper. And later, he reflected, "We have 11 juniors and seniors, so we're looking for contributions from all of them, if not immediately on the court, then in practice by making everyone better.

"But our goal is just to play solid, fundamental basketball and turn things around one game at a time." -- By Ed Farrell, assistant sports editor.