BY ERIK FLYNN
The 12-year drought broke last year; the Mariemont Warriors earned a share in the Cincinnati Hills League basketball title with a record of 15-6 and 10-4 in the league for the first time since the 1998 season.
But it’s a new season, a new team, and there’s the new goal of retaining the league title. The late addition of three seniors, an average height of 6’2”, and an all-around dedicated squad may have what it takes to fill the shoes of last year’s team and pull off the repeat.
The loss of an accolade-adorned senior class may be a double-edged sword. One side: the obvious loss of key starters and bench players; the other side: the element of surprise the Warrior’s aim to bring to the league.
“There’s not as much hype, or distractions I guess you could call it,” explains junior center Reid Mahorney. “I think we all care a lot and have a lot of heart this season.”
But intangible things such as dedication and drive are not all that the Warrior ball squad is bringing to the table this season. The late and surprising addition of seniors Eric Nerl, Erik Swanson, and Nick Butcher add a sizeable and physical presence in and around the paint, something that is usually lacking year after year.
“These guys add depth and size and are going to help with rebounds,” says junior Reid Mahorney. “We’ve got more size. We’re normally not this big as a team.”
The cool and heady ball handling of senior captain Max Long at point guard is something the team will aim to use to its advantage.
Warrior fans may also see a case of déjà vu as junior Matt Stewart will aim to fill the role of the team’s go-to shooter and replace his graduated brother, Chip. If he is able to keep his mark of 50% from beyond the three-point line, he will play an important role in scoring.
To hold on to the league title, the team will have to be able to go toe-to-toe with Madeira and Indian Hill, and also be able to hold off a talented Finneytown team. Several injuries to key players for Madeira will be a detrimental factor for the Mustangs, while Indian Hill is returning three of their top 4 scorers last year. The general view from around the league about this Mariemont team is that they are talented and young, but lack experience.
“We’ve got to overcome that hurdle,” reiterates Mahorney.