Raiders return deep, experienced squad
Michael Juliano saw plenty of familiar faces when the 2024 season got under.
The Waynesburg Central boys basketball second-year coach didn’t lose any players from a team that went 7-15 overall and 2-10 in Section 4-AAA last year and added a few more pieces.
“You know year two is always a little easier than year one,” Juliano said. “I know the guys, they know me. We didn’t graduate anybody last year so from that standpoint it’s a much easier transition this year. We were ready to hit the ground running much quicker than we were last year.”
Juliano didn’t have a solid starting five when the season began due to the great depth his squad had.
“We do not have a set starting lineup because we’re going to run nine deep and they’re all what I would consider startable guys,” Juliano said.
One of those most important “startable guys” is junior Dane Woods.
“Dane is a returning starter for us and many times has been our best all-around player,” Juliano said. “He can shoot outside and had our best percentage from the 3-point line, big body, physical, rebounder. He’s going to be a big asset for us.”
Running the offense will be sophomore Cole Headlee, who Juliano called “one of our top players.”
Three more returning starters are seniors Alex VanSickle and Alex Eck and junior Austin Surber.
“Austin started for us last year and also started some games the year before so he comes in with a ton of experience,” Juliano said. “Alex VanSickle was honorable mention all-section last year. He’s going to be in the mix a good bit. He’s going to be a huge factor for us again. Alex Eck is a returning starting center and is going to be big for us underneath.”
Junior Jackson Dean and sophomore Caden Fowler came off the bench a year ago.
“Jackson had a really great offseason and has kind of worked himself into a spot,” Juliano said. “Fowler is a post player. He played a lot on the football field this fall and has gotten bigger and stronger.”
Senior Dominic Benamati and sophomore Jack Ricciuti both are back on the squad after taking a year off from basketball and complete Juliano’s top nine.
“Benamati did play the previous year,” Juliano pointed out. “Jack is a football guy who did not play last year but he came back out this year. A post player, he’s been great for us.”
Juliano prefers man defense and a fast-paced offense.
“We’re a pretty heavy man-to-man defensive team. We place a high emphasis on defense, on rebounding,” he said. “Then once we rebound the basketball we want to be run and gun, we want to get out and run the floor and play well in transition.”
The Raiders are again in Section 4-AAA along with Brownsville, Mount Pleasant, Southmoreland, Charleroi and Ligonier Valley. The top four teams will qualify for the WPIAL playoffs.
“They are all going to be competitive. Anybody can beat anybody,” Juliano said. “I would venture to say Southmoreland will be one of the favorites in the section having come down from 4A.”
Juliano feels he has a well-rounded coaching staff.
“Isaiah Skeete helps me coach the youth groups and is a great asset,” Juliano said. “Mike Tharp is a local guy, Waynesburg graduate who’s been a great help. We have a couple new guys coming in as volunteer assistance. Jacob Mason is a Waynesburg grad who played at Carlow. Chase Henkins is another Waynesburg grad who played at Waynesburg University. He’s been pretty active on our varsity staff.”