Ringgold’s Wilson looks to overcome late start
When Gene Wilson was hired to replace legendary coach Phil Pergola and take over the Ringgold boys basketball program, he wanted to hit the ground running.
It was necessary considering he had only been hired in October, but the running came to a screeching halt when the district announced all school activities were put on hold until Dec. 7 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We only had a couple of days together as my hire was really late,” Wilson said. “It was six or seven days, including open gyms.
“However, we are communicating daily. I would never cross any boundaries, but we are communicating through group chats.”
Wilson had a stellar playing career at Wilkinsburg, graduating as the Tigers all-time leading scorer before becoming a 1,000-point scorer at the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown.
This will be Wilson’s ninth year as a varsity head coach after he led his alma mater for four years, Westinghouse for two and Baldwin the last two seasons.
Wilson brings energy and enthusiasm to the Rams, and his passion oozed from his body language as he spoke.
“I want to create a fire in the program so there is self-sustainability,” said Wilson. “My main goal is to tap into the feeder programs and to establish a vision and system.
“I am really excited to get going.”
Wilson went into further detail about how the team is proceeding until it’s permitted to reconvene.
“The little bit we were together, a lot of the evaluating was working on skillset and implementing what we want to be known for,” said Wilson. “The guys have been working out on their own, taking quizzes on specific things we have gone through and they have to tell me what they are supposed to do in certain situations.
“Everyone sees it and it helps in a holistic approach.”
Wilson explained the team has shown a level of attention since he has been hired.
“They want to work and learn,” he said. “From a coach’s perspective, this is a dream.
“I am detail-oriented, want to work on weaknesses and perfect strengths, and the guys are embracing it.”
The team only returns one starter from last year’s team in senior Demetrius “Meech” Butler, but Wilson would not label Butler with a specific position.
“I like to have players, or mold players, where they are good at everything,” Wilson said. “Meech is interchangeable and we want more guys to be the same.”
Wilson wants the team to play aggressive and with an up-tempo style, and Butler’s skill and athleticism will fit right in.
Butler can handle the ball well, but it doesn’t mean that he will be the primary ballhandler as Wilson wants numerous players to be able to bring the ball up.
Three others that he sees being able to handle those duties, as well as put the ball in the hoop, are senior Cam Halushka as well as juniors Deondre Dotson and Nick Peccon.
Wilson hopes that another guard, junior Marco DiBenedetto, will add some offensive options.
“Those guys seem to be able to put the ball in the hoop,” Wilson said.
A pair of sophomores, Jake Pehowic (6-6) and ambidextrous Bobby Taylor, will lead the way in the front court.
“I am looking for big things from Jake,” Wilson said. “Bobby is gifted and can use both hands really well close to the basket.”
While Wilson is looking for other players to possibly step up and fill roles, he said he and his staff will tirelessly do their part.
“The kids will get a high level of education, they will be prepared for situational basketball and they will compete each and every second of every game,” he said. “We are young and inexperienced, but we will work hard and improve.”
With Wilson being familiar with some of the teams in Section 1-AAAAA from his days at Baldwin, he thinks Laurel Highlands is the team to beat.
“I think they are the cream of the crop,” he said. “I am familiar with Connellsville and Thomas Jefferson, and we are going to have some challenging games.
“However, I come with the mentality that anything can happen, and we will give it our all.
Despite the tough schedule, Wilson has a positive outlook.
“I have a win now mentality, but we do have to take everything into consideration,” he said. “At the core though, I have a win now mentality.”
Albert Gallatin and West Mifflin are the other teams in the section.