Mikes seek return to playoffs
Ian McCombs is entering his seventh season as Carmichaels boys basketball coach and would like to see his team return to the playoffs after it fell short of that quest for the second year in a row in 2024-25.
“Our goal this season is to compete for a playoff spot,” McCombs said. “Our team has gained a lot of experience and confidence the past few years. They play unselfish basketball and have a sense of what they do best.
“With that said, I look for us to improve offensively and for each player to attack their opportunities. They are quick learners and that allows us to play multiple styles of defense.”
The Mikes finished in sixth place with a 4-10 record in Section 3-2A last season and were 5-17 overall, although one of those wins came against a playoff team in Beth-Center.
Carmichaels will compete in the same section again this year along with defending champion Chartiers-Houston, playoff teams B-C, Jefferson-Morgan, West Greene and Fort Cherry, and Burgettstown and Mapletown.
“We have a seven-man rotation we are working on at the moment,” McCombs said.
That group consists of juniors Chase Ankrom, Stephen Lewis and Rhythm Caffrey-Bauman, and senior Brayden Andrews at guard, junior Scott Maskil at forward, junior Alex Toth at forward/center and senior Parker Jones at center.
“Chase is quick, athletic and a good defender,” McCombs said. “He drives in the paint well to create for his teammates. Brayden is a smart player and one of our vocal leaders. He can be plugged in at any position and is a good passer.”
Lewis gives the Mikes a lift with his exuberance, according to McCombs.
“Stephen is high energy, fast and a leader,” McCombs said. “He anticipates well on defense and his positive attitude and hustle are contagious.
“Maskil is a team player with court savvy. He’s a good shooter who gets himself in the right spots.”
Toth and Jones will be counted on inside.
“Alex is a big that protects the paint well and contests shots,” McCombs said. “He’s versatile on offense in that he can play down low and rebound as well as stretch out to the 3 and shoot.
“Parker battles with Toth in practice and they made each other better. Parker is a hard worker and rebounder who sets good screens and can step out and hit a 3.”
As for Caffrey-Bauman, McCombs said, “He’s a shooter that sees the court well and is a strong on-ball defender and communicator.”
Another player that could be added to the mix is sophomore guard/forward Tyler Plumley.
“Tyler is currently dealing with an injury,” McCombs pointed out. “He knows the game inside and out and has great footwork that gives him the ability to score in multiple ways.”
The Mikes start their section slate at Burgettstown on Dec. 19.