The last uniform order for the Pittston Area boys basketball team went through when the team had a bit of an older, physically larger lineup.
“We’re very guard heavy,” Pittston Area coach Alan Kiesinger said. “We’ve young and small. You’ll see that when our guys are in their uniforms.
“Some of these guys are swimming in their uniforms.”
The disruptions to the 2017-18 season could help this season, giving the Patriots a bit of additional experience with which to work.
“The injury bug got us last year,” Kiesinger said. “We had eight seniors, but things didn’t go as planned as far as our lineup.”
Junior guard Brennan Higgins is back after being one of the players caught up in injury issues during a 6-17 season that included a 5-11 Wyoming Valley Conference record for fourth place among the divison’s six teams.
Higgins opened the season in the starting lineup and was often there when available.
Two other juniors made an increasing impact on the team as the season progressed. Forward Andrew Krawczyk moved into the starting lineup and established himself as a strong rebounder who could score inside and out. Guard Logan Booth started in the team’s district playoff upset bid against Crestwood.
“We have some guys back with a little bit of experience,” Kiesinger said.
After the three established juniors, the varsity experience is limited.
Juniors Mike George and Adam Penxa saw some playing time, along with Sevion Leak, who is one of only two seniors on the team, along with Evan Elko.
Penxa is a forward.
Those players could be joined by a talented freshman, guard J.J. Walsh.
The sophomore class could offer some other options in center David Behm and guards Matt Johnson and Devin Adkins.
Pittston Area is home Friday night against Hanover Area to open its season. The Patriots begin WVC play Dec. 20 at home against Berwick.
