Fort Gay, W. Va. — Going in to his second season, Tolsia Boys Basketball head coach Brian Stacy is looking for consistency and leadership.
2022-2023 Tolsia Rebels
Front L to R Greg Fleming, Jayson Vanhoose, Ben Clayton, Colton Austin, David Dingess, Brian Stacy. Back L to R Evan Ball, Josh Hofmeister, Bray Mollette, Austin Clark, Dakota Blackburn, Parker Watts, Bryson Muncy, Cole Blackburn, Cole Jordan, Jaron Hodge, Gage Dawson, Jon Stewart, Anthony Lovins
The Rebels return seniors Ben Clayton, Colton Austin and David Dingess along with leading scorer Sophomore Parker Watts all four played a bunch of minutes last season and will be looking for a couple others to step up as well.
Juniors Bryson Muncy and Jon Stewart should provide some depth, Sophomores Bray Mollette and Cole Blackburn will also be in the mix, Freshman Evan Ball and Dakota Blackburn could also see time on the court as well.
The Rebels will once again play a tough schedule that begins with four straight home games starting Tuesday December 6th with Class 4A Hurricane, Grace Christian, Class 2A Mingo Central and Class A power and section foe Man. They will also play two games with Tug Valley, Wayne, Prestonsburg ( KY ), Paintsville ( KY ) and Huntington St. Joe who is coached by former Rebel head man Todd Maynard.
The Rebels lost Dylan Dawson, Eli Blackburn, CJ Johnson and Anthony Lovins off of last years team that won four games against a challenging schedule.
2022-2023 Tolsia Seniors
Ben Clayton, Colton Austin, Jayson Vanhoose, David Dingess
Tolsia Head Coach Brian Stacy
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… I’m excited to get started with this group. We had a great summer and that led right into preseason and it been good so far. We got to work out young kids a bunch and that’s really been good for them. I’ve told our coaches that we have to develop and those kids have responded. This summer we really worked hard on individual stuff and it has helped a ton. We had former alum Brandon Drake give us a huge donation and that allowed us to buy a verti max which has really helped our kids. We can’t thank him enough. Bruce Justice helped us out, Ferrell and Brown as well so that helps tremendously.”
“… We have to find another scorer other than Parker Watts because teams will key on him and someone else has to step up. Senior Ben Clayton had a great summer in the Ashland league with over 40 points in one game. Jon Stewart can shoot and Cole Blackburn as well. We had 7 or 8 kids that worked really hard and always wanted in the gym and that’s what it takes. Colton Austin had a rough summer with his dad passing away but I look for him to have a good year. David Dingess hurt his ankle but once he gets back he can provide us with toughness and he is being a vocal leader on the floor as well.”
“… Our schedule will be tough once again and I’m one not to shy away from competition. It will only make us better in the long run. We have four games at home to open the season and I’m anxious to see the fans in Rebel Arena because these kids deserve it.”
Tolsia Senior Ben Clayton
PLAYER’S COMMENTS
“… It’s really crazy that this is my senior year, it has flew by it seems like just yesterday that was playing my first game as a Rebel and now this is my last go around. It’s went by really quick. I would definitely say I’m a mix of being a vocal leader and by leading on the floor by giving everything I got each time I’m out there. I always try to be a good example for the younger kids.”
“… Last year we had a hard schedule and this summer we played in the Ashland league with some very good competition and I think that will help us in the long run. Should prepare us for the postseason. I think we will be more balanced this year with a lot of different people contributing each and every night. We have worked all off-season to get ready for this season. I really think confidence will be the key for us going forward.”
“ My relationship with coach Stacy is unbelievable we talk all of the time and I can really lean on him for anything I feel like he is there for me when I need him.”
