By Chris Metcalf
LCAA’S FINEST
LIVONIA – A new era begins for Livonia boys basketball.
But the same discipline and fundamental approach will apply.
Head coach Jonah Martin takes over for longtime coach Matt Young this winter as the Bulldogs prepare for another successful season on the hardwood.
Martin, a York HS graduate, knows the Livonia system very well as he coached under Young for several seasons, most recently as the head JV coach for the past two years.
Livonia will return several key players from a team last year that finished 10-12 including outstanding senior guard Connor Feehan who led the way with 17 points per game a year ago, including fantastic court awareness. He will play both the point and shooting guard this season.
Also returning is junior guard Nicholas Coyle who averaged seven points and five assists a year ago and provides another outstanding ball handler in the Bulldogs’ backcourt.
Senior post player Jackson Cook also returns after averaging a solid six points and seven rebounds a game in the paint.
Two more key returners will be versatile senior swingman Thomas Stewart and senior post-presence Lucas Ray.
Top newcomers this winter include senior AJ Peri (G/F) and junior Derrick Lane (F/G).
Martin is excited to take the coaching reigns this season.
“While last year’s second-round sectionals loss at Batavia was tough, I see it as a catalyst,” coach Martin said. “There is a high level of motivation and excitement here in Bulldog Country.”
Livonia opens its season Nov. 29 at Pal-Mac.
“The guys are locked in,” coach Martin said. “Our gyms have been full of eager young men all off-season, and we are looking forward to seeing how we compete. It’s exciting. There is no doubt that our schedule is tough. We need to lock in, be relentless, and stay poised. We refuse to go down in sectionals without a fight.”
Sounds like a Bulldog to me!
