FRANKLIN FURNACE — Green Bobcats’ first-year head coach Dirk Hollar may need a little science to put his team into orbit.
Hollar was the junior varsity assistant coach at Minford and brings a new style and philosophy to the program. The proper mixture of Hollar and the players will fuel the Bobcats.
“I’m hoping to bring our chemistry together. That’s bee the key for us,” said Hollar. “If we play together and if they buy into my system, we should have a successful year.”
The Bobcats have struggled to win the past few seasons and Hollar said mixing the returning veterans and his system will be the key to turning the program’s fortunes around.
“That’s all on me,” said Hollar. “We get a couple of wins, that’ll boost our confidence. We’ll just go form there. Hopefully, that’ll lead to more wins and success.”
Another factor that could lead the Bobcats’ about face will be the team’s four seniors: 5-10 guard Brody Stormes, 6-1 Ryan Gaffney, 6-2 Brayton Miller and 6-1 Mark Allen.
Stormes is back at the point guard with Allen playing in the post while Gaffney fills the power forward position.
“(Stormes) will be a leader on the floor. He handles the point pretty well, doesn’t turn it over. He’s smart with the basketball,” said Hollar.
“(Gaffney) can step out and shoot or take it to the rack. He’s a strong kid, good leader.”
The other two starters are expected to be 6-foot junior Andy Chavarria and 5-10 junior guard Hunter Lewis.
“Both of those guys will provide shooting, athleticism and defense. Hunter brings experience. Andy brings energy,” said Hollar.
The top players off the bench are 6-4 sophomore Aaron Johnson, 5-10 sophomore Jacob Carver and 5-9 sophomore Alex Hughes.
“Johnson plays hard, works hard and can jump out of the gym,” said Hollar. “(Carver) shoots the lights out.”
Another player who will provide help at point guard but not until game 12 due to transferring from Portsmouth West will be 5-8 sophomore Malik Lowry.
“He’s quick and fast. He’s everything you need in a basketball player. He can jump out of the gym, too. He just makes small mistakes because he’s young,” Hollar said of Lowry.
Overall, Hollar has been impressed with his team’s attitude and effort.
“We have a ton of energy. They practice hard. We’re going to get after teams,” said Hollar.
“We’re the underdogs. That’s how I’m looking at it this year. They won four games last year and I’m hoping to build on that. I just want them to come out and play their guts out every single night. If we do that, we can pretty much play with the teams in SOC I.”