Mapletown boys preview: Everson looks to turn Maples into a winning playoff team
Rob Burchianti | 蘑菇视频
If the love of the game and passion for teaching it matters, then Mapletown seems to have its man in boys basketball coach Chris Everson.
The Maples, who were 8-15 overall last season and 3-7 in section play, are looking to become a winning team and hopefully turn that into a playoff team.
“We have nine returning players in total from last year, all who bring different good aspects to our team,” Everson said. “We have four more guys returning that were starters last season in senior A.J. Vanata (5-11), senior Braden McIntire (6-2), senior Jeremiah Mick (6-4), and senior Roger Gradek (6-0). All these guys will play big minutes for us and will help lead the team.
“Additionally, other returning guys, junior Lucas Stevenson (5-9), senior Gavin Barton (6-0) and junior Tyler Howard (5-11), all will contribute to large aspects as well.
“Our starters could change some as we try out different fits chemistry-wise, however, to start the season, our starters will be Vanata, McIntire, Gradek, Jeremiah Mick and Josh Mick.”
Other Maples’ players include senior Braden Nicklow (6-0), juniors Lucas Stevenson (5-9), James Gantle (6-1), and Daniel Fox (5-11), sophomore Kaden Pauly (5-8), and freshmen Tyler Scott (5-6), Carson Vanata (5-9), and Cooper Franks (6-0).
“I believe one of our team’s strengths is its cohesiveness and willingness to listen,” Everson said. “These guys all play hard for each other each night and have no problem being taught the right way to do something. No one has an ego, no one cares who scores, they go out there with one common goal, to win the ball games.
“Another strength for us this year will be our size and grittiness. We have a few bigger guys and on top of that, we have a team full of guys willing to be gritty and do what it takes, whether it’s the glamorous plays or not.
“We have seven seniors, so that experience, leadership, and maturity should also play a crucial role. Weakness-wise, with this being my first year here, just learning a whole new system and way of doing things could be an adjustment for the guys.”
Monessen, Geibel Catholic, California, Jefferson-Morgan and West Greene will provide section competition.
“I want this team to go out there and compete ultra-hard each and every night we step on that court,” Everson said. “I want them to play for each other, trust in each other, and uplift each other. We take care of those things; the chips will fall where they should.
“With this being my first season coaching in the section, I am still getting acquainted with everyone. I think the section has the potential to be overall solid, but with that said, I don’t see a team that’s unbeatable. The way I see it, we will be a competitive team in the section.”
Everson will explain and assign roles to all players.
“I am counting on every guy in that locker room to fill the role the team needs out of them,” said Everson. “Whether that be scoring the points, providing leadership, comradery, or pushing our guys in practice, every player will play a crucial role in our success. We have a lot of guys that can do a lot of things. A.J. Vanata brings grit, character, and leadership to the team. He is willing to do whatever is asked of him, whether that be run point guard, play down low, rebound, or score. McIntire is a pure knockdown shooter, plain and simple.”
Everson continued, adding, “The Mick brothers bring that size, strength, and aggressiveness inside that is hard to deal with. Gradek brings energy and athleticism along with a fun-loving attitude that is contagious. On top of that, we have many other guys who will bring sparks off the bench, leadership, and grittiness. A lot of guys will contribute to what we are doing this season.”
The coach said his lifelong interest and passion for basketball is what led him into coaching.
“My pure love of basketball. I have played this game since I was 3 years old and have loved it all my life,” added Everson. “I have always wanted to be a coach as much as I love playing. I coached youth basketball as far back as when I was in high school and have consistently coached at different levels since then.
“This was always ultimately where I was supposed to be in life, on that sideline, teaching young men the game I love.”