Dongola returns four starters from last year

Dongola High School boys’ basketball head coach Ron Marsh hopes one problem from last season is resolved this year.

“We threw the ball away over 24 to 26 times a game last year,” Marsh said. “Inexperience will kill you. We’re quick and we’re fast this season. And, we’ve been working a lot on our ball handling, passing and defense.”

Marsh returns four starters from last year’s 2-28 squad.

The foursome includes 6-2 senior forward Darin Gibson, 6-4 sophomore center Tyler Eddleman, 6-1 junior forward Tyler Thompson and 6-0 sophomore guard Clay Harris.

Other players Marsh will be looking to contribute are 5-10 junior guard Jordan Eads, 5-9 sophomore guard Brock Patterson, 5-10 sophomore guard Darius Schauer, 5-11 sophomore forward Bradley Ralls, 5-11 junior forward Justin Simms and 5-11 forward Donnie Gibson.

The Dongola junior varsity squad finished 5-5 last season and Marsh looks for playing experience from them to help contribute at the varsity level.

“A lot of our kids played six quarters back to back last season,” he said.

When players compete on both the junior varsity and varsity teams, according to IHSA regulations, they can only play six quarters.

“We’re a young team and they’re working hard,” he said. “Everything right now is looking pretty good.”

Marsh looks at Meridian, Goreville and Egyptian to be the top three teams in the South Egyptian Conference race.

“After those top three, anybody can compete against one another,” he said. “I’m hoping we finish in the middle of the pack.”

The Demons open their season in the Crab Orchard Thanksgiving Tournament next Monday.