The Tyrone Boys Varsity Basketball team finished their 2016-17 campaign 14-10 in what many considered a very lackluster season. On paper, 14-10 sounds reasonably successful, but to Coach Gripp and the team, it wasn’t enough. This year, the Golden Eagles will be looking to improve and build off the positives of last season.

The boys retain 4 of their 7 letter-winners from 2016-2017 and will have plenty of help from other players as well.

The Eagles backcourt trio of seniors Jake Meredith, Dylan Thomas, and Parker Mitchell will cause all sorts of problems for opponents.

Senior Noel Politza and junior Andrew Ferguson will be filling the forward positions. Ferguson’s shooting touch will help spread the floor while Politza’s athleticism will benefit the team in many aspects.

Tyrone’s group of freshman contributed to the junior high’s A team to an undefeated season and will look to add valuable minutes in junior varsity and even varsity.

Freshman Damon Gripp will start in wake of Jake Meredith’s early season absence.

“It’s a great honor to be able to start with these guys. I’d do whatever it takes to get that W,” said Gripp.

Senior Dylan Thomas will continue his sharpshooting career. Meredith and Mitchell are athletic slashers who also can shoot. This years squad should have no problem scoring.

“Defense is the motor. If we play lockdown defense, it’ll bring plenty of opportunities on offense,” added senior Parker Mitchell.

The Golden Eagles will use their full-court press a lot. Which will lead to more turnovers by the opposing team.

“If we can utilize our press, it will be very hard for teams to get anything going against us. How we play during the press and on defense will add to our offensive performance,” added Coach Gripp.

A lot of players have the athleticism to play many positions and cover ground. That athleticism mixed with a heavy dose of scoring from the star-studded back-court should make for success.

The Golden Eagles open up their season this Friday against Bellwood. Tip-off is at 7:30.