Fall Fastbreak – Fort LeBoeuf

Fort LeBoeuf Bison
Boys
Coach (season, record): Kevin O’Connor (3rd season, 12-32)
2010-11 overall record: 7-15
2010-11 region record (place): 4-10 (sixth)
2010-11 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AAA playoffs.
Top players lost: Nick Cassano, Dan Kress, Tyler Geer
Top returning players: Tyler Hering, MIke Lockhart, Tyler Yost, Jake Campbell, Patrick Kress
Assistant coaches: Todd Buchanowski, Dave Gerard, Bob Vahey, Ed DiMattio
Outlook: Expectations are starting to rise in Waterford as the Bison continue to improve under third-year coach Kevin O’Connor. LeBoeuf has taken steps toward becoming a contender from the day O’Connor was hired and he expects the Bison to be a playoff team this winter. LeBoeuf lost several leaders in Nick Cassano, Dan Kress and Tyler Geer to graduation but senior leadership won’t be a problem this year. Tyler Hering, Mike Lockhart, Tyler Yost and Jake Campbell make-up a strong senior class. Hering could be one of the top players in the region from the guard position, while Lockhart and Yost are scrappy forwards. Yost is an experience guard that brings plenty to the table, while point guard Patrick Kress is similar to having a second coach on the floor. O’Connor has stressed to his team to play together. The Bison showed signs of hanging with the top teams in the region last winter and can compete for a playoff spot if they believe in O’Connor’s system. LeBoeuf has a brutal schedule once again but the experience gained last year could pay off in a big way this winter.

Schedule
December
9-10 Fort LeBoeuf tournament
14 Iroquois 7:30
15 at Strong Vincent 8:30
17 at Harbor Creek* 1
20 at East* 7:30
27-28 Carlynton tournament
January
3 Central Tech* 7:30
6 at Warren* 7:30
10 Corry* 7:30
13 General McLane* 7:30
17 at Girard* 7:30
19 Harbor Creek* 7:30
21 East* 7:30
26 North East 7:30
27 at Central Tech* 7:30
31 Warren* 7:30
February
3 at Corry* 7:30
6 at Cathedral Prep 7:30
13 at General McLane* 7:30
17 Girard* 7:30

Girls
Coach (season): Beth Kraus (1st season)
2010-11 overall record: 2-20
2010-11 region record (place): 0-14 (eighth)
2010-11 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AAA playoffs.
Top players lost: None
Top returning players: Lindsay Bean, Abby Deemer, Katlyn Blackmon
Assistant coach: Rachel Dillon
Outlook: Beth Kraus takes over the Fort LeBoeuf program this winter after Gary Dahn stepped down in the offseason. Kraus is a former assistant to Tami Gillette at McDowell and is looking for success in her first head coaching stint. The good news for Kraus is everyone is back from last year’s team. The Bison had no seniors, enabling LeBoeuf to gain valuable experience in a tough region. Lindsay Bean returns after leading the Bison in scoring and rebounding last year, along with Abby Deemer and Katlyn Blackmon. Deemer and Blackmon are returning starters and are important parts of this year’s squad. Corabeth Surrena and Judy O’Neill could take the next step and make an impact on the varsity level this season. With all of the experience the Bison gained last season, the key will be confidence. LeBoeuf finished in last place in the region last winter but they have the ability to climb the standings this year. With a new system and several leaders on the team, LeBoeuf might be a surprise team to keep an eye on this year.

Schedule
December
9-10 Fort LeBoeuf tournament
12 Saegertown 7:30
15 at East 7:30
22 at Mercyhurst Prep* 7:30
28-29 Oil City tournament
January
5 McDowell 7:30
9 Corry* 7:30
12 Fairview* 7:30
16 at North East* 7:30
19 at Harbor Creek* 7:30
24 General McLane* 7:30
26 at Warren* 7:30
30 at Corry* 7:30
February
2 at Fairview* 7:30
4 at Strong Vincent 2
7 North East* 7:30
9 Harbor Creek* 7:30
11 Mercyhurst Prep* 7:30
14 at General McLane* 7:30
16 Warren* 7:30

– Tom Reisenweber