By Chris Metcalf
LCAA’S Finest
HORNELL – Keep a close eye on this Hornell boys basketball squad this winter because they will be entertaining to watch.
Again.
Veteran head coach Kirk Scholes (15th season) returns to the bench this winter after finishing a highly successful 17-5 while winning the LCAA D-I title.
With only two seniors on this year’s roster, Hornell will have a bit of a varsity learning curve to get things going.
But they have one of the top players, Gennaro Picco, back this season.
The talented senior guard returns after averaging a team-best 21 points per game for the Red Raiders.
His court presence, on both sides of the floor, gives Hornell an advantage at the guard position.
Younger brother, PJ Picco, a junior forward, is also back after averaging nine points per game.
“Gennaro and PJ will be counted on to carry the offensive load,” coach Scholes said. “They are both guys that I know can score. I’m trying to challenge them to take other parts of their game up another level. Whether that be rebounding, defense, playmaking, or being leaders on the floor.”
Two other key returners include sophomore guard Wyatt Evingham and junior forward Aaron McInerney.
Top newcomers include sophomores Marco Picco (Guard) and Demayne Dixon (Guard) and junior Kellen Crowe (Guard).
“We are young with only two seniors, but we are excited for the year ahead,” coach Scholes said. “We have a lot of athleticism. We will be a team that relies on our veterans early in the season until we get some of the younger guys up to varsity speed. We are focusing on the defensive end of the floor. If we can be solid at that end we will be in every game.”
Hornell opens its season at Canisteo-Greenwood Nov. 29. Hornell will also take on Class A Corning at the Way-Co Hall of Fame Classic Dec. 2.
Scholes has put together a tough schedule that he hopes will get his Red Raiders battle-tested for the post-season.
“Our non-league schedule is very tough,” Scholes said. “We loaded up with Corning, Aquinas, York, Avon, Newark, and Wellsville twice. I would put that schedule up there with any small school in the area. I think our league and non-league schedule will prepare us for sectional play down the road.”
