Mustangs aim for a rebound basketball season

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s veteran group includes, in front, Jason Beyer, Jack Cecchini, Jerrell Nealy, Christian Moss and Roosevelt Mitchell. In back are Preston Woodworth, Alex Benz, Justin Pitts, Cole Callard and Trevon Shine.

Looking to rebound from last year’s 1-11 Niagara-Orleans League season (4-17 0verall), Medina’s boys varsity basketball squad returns a large contingent of 10 veterans.

Seniors Justin Pitts, Alex Benz, Jason Beyer, Roosevelt Mitchell and Jack Cecchini along with junior Cole Callard and sophomore Jerrell Nealy head that veteran group. Also returning is a trio of players brought up from the JV ranks late in the season including sophomores Christian Moss and Trevon Shine and freshman Preston Woodworth.

“We’ve got a good combination of youth and experience,” said Coach Justin Morgan. “Our JV callups got some good experience last year and they worked hard over the summer and hopefully that pays off. The key will be to develop good team chemistry. They have to play together.”

The Mustangs graduation losses included starters Cayden Lilleby and Aiden Pitts.

Medina faces a challenging early season non league schedule with games at Kenmore East on December 6, Lancaster on Dec. 8 and West Seneca West on Dec. 13 before hosting Holland on Dec. 15 and Maryvale on Dec. 27. The Mustangs will also compete in the Kendall Tournament on Dec. 29 and 30 before opening the Niagara-Orleans League season at Roy-Hart on January 3.