Congratulations Football, But Basketball Goes On! The MHS football team has extended its season in the playoffs and by doing so have shortened basketball season. In past years it severely hurt the Mohigan basketball team, but we now have a solid nucleus of players just playing basketball. Make no mistake, we are a better team with the addition of the football players, and we hope they win a state championship, but we must go on. The Secondary Schools Athletic Association does no favor to the winter sports by allowing such a long football season, but the money that is gained, is no doubt the driving force behind the extended season. We are blessed at Morgantown High with a highly motivated and hard working group of juniors and seniors. I am very impressed with the intensity of the first week of practices. Junior, Tim Williams has shown the most improvement as he is beginning to shoot the ball well and he always took the ball to the basket. He has added about 15 pounds of muscle this fall and is in great shape. He will no doubt contribute to the varsity in some way throughout the season. Being a junior is tough when you have as much experience and ability ahead of you, like we do in our senior class. Junior, Chad Murray is the most focused player I have seen in some time. If you can believe it possible, he has gotten quicker and is definitely stronger. He is getting his jumpshot off quicker and is more consistent. Obviously, attending Nathan Smith's off season clinic has made a huge impact on his game. Our seniors. Well what can I say? I have coached for over 20 years now, and have never seen a group get better as dramatically as this. We knew they would be good when they were younger, (19-0, junior varsity record) but didn't expect this. Nick Hedges, Ronnie Shaver, Justin Vidovich and Bobby Prim have all added significant strength to their frames. Nick benches over 230, Ronnie is up to 215 pounds. Bobby and Justin are shooting lights out and can't be stopped in practice and are going to the basket very well. Perhaps we need to improve our defense. You will not recognize Nick as he is a different player than the one that hung out on the bench last season. In fall league he averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds per game. Ronnie, as many say, a fun player to watch, continues to play hard in practice. He is definetly the vocal leader as he keeps the younger guys focused and keeps the team moving in practice. His intensity is "rubbing off" on all the players and coaches. John Oliver (freshmen) asked the other day, "Does Bobby ever mess up?" Bobby is still the best point guard around here in a long time. He will have an outstanding senior season and is going to be fun to watch as he is a lot stronger and more confident this year. Justin (Vido) has made the biggest strides as he is nearly impossible to stop. He has made some tough three with people in his face and some outstanding dunks which liven up practice. When he goes to the basket, everyone is waiting for a highlight. I can't wait to see what he does with our opponents. The Mohigan basketball program has not been in as good of shape in recent years, as it is this year. As you can see we are ready to play, and hope to have a great season. We know when we add the football players, it will add tremendously to our team, but this group is ready to play. GO MOHIGANS! respectfully submitted by Coach Hoffman