Mars will take good with the bad

By DEREK PYDA Eagle Staff Writer

November 26, 2005 Last Updated: November 26, 2005 12:43 PM High School

It's a good news-bad news situation for the Mars boys basketball team this season.

The bad news is the Planets lost 33 combined points per game with the graduation of Sean Gallagher, Scott Martinelli, Dusty Wessel and Mark Lucas.

The Planets also lost junior D.J. Cannon for the rest of the season after shoulder surgery, and junior Dan Colbert won't be ready for the start of the campaign after an ankle injury.

Now for the good news.

The team's three seniors — Robbie Herold, Tim Frye and Charlie Jaicks — all played integral roles on last season's

17-8

team, the first Mars squad to make the playoffs in five years.

"Those three guys have all played on the varsity team since their freshman year, so leadership for the team will take care of itself," said Mars coach Rob Carmody.

Frye is the team's top returning scorer, averaging 13.8 points per game last season.

"Last season, Tim was coming off of an ACL injury," said Carmody. "He's totally healthy now, so that's going to be a plus."

Herold, Jaicks and Frye all can play at forward or guard, including the point, if needed.

"Charlie filled the majority of that role last year," said Carmody. "But he will also be on the scoring end a lot this season because he's such a good shooter."

Underclassmen will also be well-represented.

Sophomore Steve Cress and freshman Vinny Smith look to see a lot of time on the court.

Cress, a 6-feet-4 forward, scored 20 points in limited varsity action a year ago.

Smith is 6-feet-5 and still has a lot of growing to do.

"Between those two guys, what a great foundation for the future of this program," Carmody said. "Steve has improved leaps and bounds. He's very similar to Sean Gallagher in that he can jump through the roof."

The size is a welcome change for Carmody, who has had to make do with undersized squads in the past. Last year's team counterbalanced its lack of an inside presence by making 152 3-point goals. Frye (47 3-pointers), Jaicks (42) and Herold (24) also will be outside threats again. But now the Planets have front-court size to go with it.

"(Cress and Smith) are going to provide that inside presence," said Carmody. "We really haven't had that since I've been here."

Brian Humphreys, a junior guard who saw little varsity time last season, also will figure into the mix for the Planets.

Mars once again will be in Section 1-AAA with the likes of Knoch, Hampton and Valley, among others.

"This is the eighth year we've been in that section and it's been competitive every year," Carmody said. "Hampton can go 10 or 11 deep and not miss a beat. And Knoch is one of the best-coached teams in the WPIAL. I can't see any team running away with the title."

The Planets will open the season Friday at the Seneca Valley Tip-off Tournament, along with Ringgold and Slippery Rock.

MARS HIGH SCHOOL 2005-06 Basketball Schedule

Dec. 2-3-

at Seneca Valley Tip-Off Tournament;

Dec. 7-

ST. JOSEPH;

Dec. 10-

PINE-RICHLAND;

Dec. 13-

VALLEY;

Dec. 16-

at Deer Lakes;