The 2007-08 Dublin Scioto Irish Boys Basketball Team begins the season in a familiar situation as they restructure following major personnel departure due to graduation. Six seniors have now moved on, including 1st Team All-OCC performers Austin O’Connell, Kelly Winter and Kevin Lolli.

That being said, the cupboard is far from bare as the Irish return six players who logged major minutes and were large contributors to the 20-2 record setting season last year.

Leading the way will be the lone returning starter and senior tri-captain 6-0 Ben Ashwill (5.8 ppg/2.7 apg/2.5 spg). Ben is as tough a customer as they come and has transitioned well from being a set up guy, to becoming one of the go to guys. The other returning senior is 6’2 tri-captain who, with newly added strength, will be the best rebounder in the gym on many nights.

Other returning varsity letter winners expected to contribute are juniors Rainer Duzan (5-11), Bradley McDougald (6-1), tri-captain (5-9) and Marco St. John (6-3).

The Green & Silver also have some welcome additions to the varsity scene, as they work to develop the team’s depth. Senior transfer Kyle Duncan (6-2), a terrific shooter, will certainly see ample time. Up from last year’s JV team are juniors Dylan Coscia (5-11) Deji Olaytoye (6-1) and Destin Thomas (6-0) and newcomer junior Eric Stamets (6-0) who are all looking to fill roles. Rounding out the varsity roster is 6-4 freshman Jamare Mills.

This team looks to have the capability to spread defenses out and take advantage of its shooting and slashing abilities. The biggest question mark that remains is where the inside scoring will come from, as there is no true back-to-basket type low post player. Other decisions linger about tempo of play -- especially at the defensive end due to the depth issue and development of a bench, which could very well be a work in progress during the course of the season.

Some things Irish fans can count on...Coach B and his staff will work tirelessly to figure out the right mix of the equation; this team will have great chemistry; this team will be fun to watch; and, this team will continue to improve as the season progresses.