Bedfordtimesregister.com - Bearcat boys basketball has high hopes

by Michael Leonard

Sports Editor

Bedford -- For the Bedford High School boys basketball team, expectations are always high.

When the team has four of its five starters returning, those expectations climb even higher.

Veteran Bearcats coach Everett Heard said last year's sophomore-heavy team was self-motivated in the offseason after finishing 15-7 and being eliminated in the district semifinals by Garfield Heights.

"The biggest improvement is we had an in-depth weight program this spring," Heard said. "All the juniors are bigger, stronger, faster and more mature. When they lost to Garfield, they came in and asked [Bedford trainer] Tom Ianetta to help them get stronger. He set up a lifting program specifically for basketball and their strength has improved."

Heard praised Ianetta for his efforts and said all of his coaches have helped prepare the now junior-heavy squad for the season. Varsity assistant Dan Chambers, who Heard joked is locked up at his side, junior varsity coach Matt Miler and freshman coach Mark Lantos all return this season.

"I believe in having good people around me and letting them coach," Heard said. "We have an excellent staff and everything is geared for the varsity team."

That varsity team did take a few hits in the offseason, including the graduation of starter Brandon Smith. Forward Donald Hughes, who saw some starting time last season, transferred to Warrensville Heights in the offseason.

However, Bedford also got a boost with the return of junior 6-foot-3 forward Ladell Trotty. After playing on Bedford's freshman team, Trotty moved to North Carolina for his sophomore year, but has returned and is expected to start. Heard calls Trotty a "good, solid fundamental basketball player."

Trotty's return has Heard thinking big.

"We're proud of having about four sets of people coming through here during our time," Heard said, noting each great Bearcat basketball class had its own style. "We've never had a team like this where we've got a good point guard, some good wing players and a good big man. This could our best all-around team. The only weakness we have is height coming off the bench."

While the Bearcats will be a junior-dominated squad, Heard expects some seniors to have role coming off the bench. Senior center Nick Scott (6-4) provides a big body off the bench. Heard note the All-LEL defensive lineup has improved greatly since last season and will provide the Bearcats some needed front-court depth. Senior forward Joe Fouche (6-3) also will provide depth.

At guard, seniors Terrell Hardwick (5-8), Montrell Brooks (5-8) and Eric Pace (5-10) all will contribute.

In Bedford's starting lineup, junior point guard Randall Holt (6-foot) probably will garner the most attention. After averaging more than 21 points per game last year, Holt has made a verbal commitment to Cleveland State.

"He has improved his range and shooting this year," Heard said. "It's funny because, during our scrimmages, he hasn't shot the ball that much. He's a solid passer."

Joining Holt in the backcourt is 6-1 junior guard Reggie Lewis

"He's going to be our workhorse this year," Heard said. "He's going to be checking the other team's best player, but he's also worked on his outside shot."

Heard said Trotty's return allows junior Robert "Scooter" Johnson to move out on the wing. Listed this year at 6-foot-7, Johnson has improved his upper body strength and his outside game, according to Heard. Johnson's ball-handling skill also may allow him to play the point at time.

Without question, the arrival of junior center Reggie Keely made Bedford a better team after the midseason last year. Listed this year at 6-foot-8, Heard said Keely may be the best pure center ever to come through Bedford, as he is garnering attention from major colleges.

"We're trying to develop him as an all-around player," Heard said. "We're looking for him to continue to improve as he gets more familiar with our system."

Three other juniors are expected to play big roles off the bench as 6-2 forward Alex Wood, 5-11 guard Deondre Law and 6-foot-7 guard Dominique Hopkins all will see playing time.

"The expectations are clear," Heard said. "We feel that this group has two years to win the state title. We have to get better on defense. Sometimes with their talent, the guys don't play defense as hard as they should. We're trying to coach defense for the state championship game."

Bedford also will look to maintain its grip on the Lake Erie League Erie Division title, as the reconfigured LEL has Maple Heights, Warrensville Heights, Admiral King and Southview in the Division with the Bearcats.

Bedford opens the season with a three-game road trip, beginning with a trip to Painsville Riverside Nov. 30. Junior varsity tip off is at 6 p.m.

E-mail: mleonard@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3113