The pieces are in place for Pottsville to make a big run this season. All five starters are back including Travis Blankenhorn-the Tide leading scorer from a year ago averaging 18.5ppg.
"I think we did a lot of stuff in the off-season. We worked really hard on improving our offense and defense and so far it's been paying off," said Travis Blankenhorn.
In his 8th season now here at Pottsville-Coach Dave Mullaney has high expectations for this group certainly re-claim that Schuylkill League championship, win every game here at home, and play defense-and with that good things will come.
"That's an area we're going to be a little bit better this year, as opposed to year's past. We do have some depth. We have guys pushing for minutes and in the first couple games it's really helped us out," said Dave Mullaney.
"Defense is definitely our #1 thing that's what we're known for. I think this year more year's in the past we're worked about playing a little but harder on defense because of how many subs we have so that allows us to play a little but harder," said Eli Nabholtz.
Last year Pottsville lost in the district final, but picked up their first state playoff win in nearly 40 years when they beat Lower Moreland.
"I love playing basketball. Personally I love competing especially with these guys that I play with. They are my brothers, and I would love to come out with this season accomplish some of those team goals and again just compete and have fun. Obviously Schuylkill league you want to get that back? Yes. Absolutely we want to get that Schuylkill League back," added Eli.
"We knew we had to step up and a lot of us just started playing well. Once the playoffs came once the whole season yes we could have won the Schuylkill League Championships wish we could have done better in Districts, but hopefully well make some of those goals happen this year," added Travis.
With the rise in personal foul calls-a PIAA priority this season into hand checking the Tide bench might prove to be a key difference down the stretch.
