While nearly every other boy’s high school basketball team has a few games under their belt, Bridgeport’s team will open up the season tomorrow with its current configuration of teammates having roughly 10 practices under their belt. While second-year Coach Mike Robey knows that’s a bit of a concern, he also knows that his got plenty of talent from last year’s team that made it to the state tournament.

 

“We’ve got a lot back last year and we’ve got depth that’s developed,” said Robey. “What we don’t have is a lot of time with this current unit working together so I don’t expect things to be perfect early, but I do expect the effort there early and throughout the season.”

 

Just how close to perfect the team can get and just how much effort the team can display will be unveiled Thursday evening as the Indians open up the 2014-15 season at home with Liberty. Tipoff for the contest is set for 7:30 p.m.

 

“I’ve really liked our effort because we’re going at it hard. We’re just not real sure where we’re going yet,” said Robey. “I know I’ve said it before, but it’s really tough to gauge where you have when you don’t have enough reps in practice.”

 

The Tribe does have enough experience. Senior John Wilfong returns to the fold after being named to the Class AA All State first team as a junior when he averaged 20 points per game from his forward position. Senior guard Chase Robey and junior swing player/guard Dante Bonamico earned special honorable mention All-State a season ago. Add to that returning starter Donald Kummer in the backcourt as a junior and Robey has plenty of veterans to lean on.

 

“It’s a great starting point in the fact that we’ve got four starters and a lot of experience back. Chase and John have been varsity players for four years, which should make things easier from a leadership standpoint with our seniors,” Robey said.

 

As it stands now, East Fairmont transfer Nick Greely will be the fifth starter. Greely came on strong last year for the Bees and brings some much-needed size to the starting rotation.

 

“He’s a legit 6’5 or 6’6 kid and at this point he’ll likely start, but I’ve told our kids it’s not who start it’s about who finishes,” Robey said. “We’ve got seven guys that can start and we’ve got some others behind them really battling for playing time that could develop as well.”

 

The top two reserves will be sweet-shooting left-hander Logan Smith who has expanded his game this year. Also returning to the fold is 6’3 Hunter Haddix who should provide some much needed frontline depth.

 

“Logan and Hunter both have the capability to start and I’ve told the kids not to view our team with a starting five. Hunter has looked good in practice and he and Logan could end up with as many minutes as anyone,” said Robey.

 

After that, the Indians have Luke Southern, Michael Lindsey, J.T. Harris and Zack Spurlock all looking for time. And Robey expects they’ll get some time.

 

“We’ve got depth and that’s certainly a good thing,” said Robey.

 

The Indians jump into the frying pan against the Mountaineers tomorrow and then back into the fire Saturday. The Tribe will battle highly regarded Mingo Central in Institute at West Virginia State University. The game is part of the Cardinal Conference-Big 10 Challenge. BHS will start its game with MCHS at 6:30 p.m.

 

“These first two games are definitely a challenge, but a bigger challenge is knowing where to be at on the floor and trying to be crisp,” said Robey. “This is a long process and we’re coming out of the game against some strong competition and to get where we need to be is going to take several games, a lot more practice and a whole lot more repetitions.”

 

Bridgeport finished last year 18-8. The team fell in the first round of the state tournament to Westside by a 65-58 score.

 

The rest of the Cardinal Conference-Big 10 Challenge schedule is as follows:

8:00AM-  Lincoln County Vs. Liberty (Harrison)

9:30AM-  Phillip Barbour Vs. Tolsia

11:00AM-North Marion Vs. Wayne

12:30PM-East Fairmont Vs. Herbert Hoover

2:00PM-  Lincoln Vs. Sissonville

3:30PM-  Grafton Vs. Scott

5:00PM-  Fairmont Senior Vs. Chapmanville

6:30PM-  Bridgeport Vs. Mingo Central

8:00PM-  Robert C. Byrd Vs. Poca

 

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows transfer Nick Greely in a recent practice, while senior Chase Robey, middle, and junior Donald Kummer are returning starters to the Tribe fold. Photos by Tyler Maxwell of www.benqueenphotography.com.