TJ Peatross of NEOhioSpotlight.com and Zach Fleer of 270Hoops.com stop by to help preview the top teams, top players and the best potential matchups on the Div. I State Tournament Preview Show, presented by Stark State College. Headed to college — or back to college? Check out more than 280 available degree and certificate programs at StarkState.edu.
On The Bench 2/20 with Manchester’s Gene (and Nate) Schindewolf
We inch closer to March Madness with a visit from longtime Manchester head coach Gene Schindewolf, who discusses the traits his best teams from four different decades have shared, the nerves he still feels on game days and coaching different generations. Later in the podcast Nate Schindewolf, one of the greatest players in Summit County history, joins the discussion to talk about playing for his dad, coaching his own son and some of his favorite memories from his playing career.
On The Bench 2/16 with Garrettsville Coach Andy Olesky
Garrettsville Garfield Coach Andy Olesky is the latest guest, and Olesky talks with Ken Rector and Zac Jackson about building a program, the realities of small-school basketball, his coaching mentors and his long-term vision.
On The Bench 2/13 with Rittman Coach Chad Bever
Rittman Coach Chad Bever is the guest on the latest On The Bench Podcast. Bever shares insight on game-by-game preparation, his excitement for the upcoming sectional/district tournament and discusses his path from longtime assistant coach to taking over a rebuilding job at Rittman.
Wooster Coach Michael Snowbarger + Tournament Gripes & Procedures
Michael Snowbarger, head coach of the 18-0 Wooster Generals, joins the show to talk about his team’s dream season, his time away from coaching and the really big games that lie ahead. Then, Ken Rector and Zac Jackson dive into the loaded Canton Div. I district tournament and break down the process of the tournament seeding and draws across Northeast Ohio.
On The Bench 2/6 with Coventry Coach Mike DiFalco
First-year Coventry head coach Mike DiFalco joins Ken Rector and Zac Jackson to discuss his team’s hot streak, his first head coaching job, what he learned in six years under Keith Dambrot and the emergence and potential of Coventry sophomore guard Jarmond Hogg.
On The Bench 2/2 with GlenOak Coach Matt Hackenberg
First-year GlenOak coach Matt Hackenberg joins Ken Rector and Zac Jackson on the podcast to talk about navigating the brutal Federal League, establishing his philosophies and adjusting to his new job after winning four district titles in four seasons as head coach at St. Thomas Aquinas.
On The Bench 1/30 with Green Coach Mark Kinsley
Green Coach Mark Kinsley joins Ken Rector and Zac Jackson on the latest podcast. Kinsley talks about his young team, life in the loaded Federal League, the progress of Kaleb Martin and his longevity in the coaching business.
On The Bench 1/25 with Wadsworth Coach Mike Schmeltzer
Ken Rector and Zac Jackson are joined by T.J. Peatross of NE Ohio Spotlight and by Wadsworth coach Mike Schmeltzer, who discusses his team’s upward trajectory, adjusting after a slow start, embracing high expectations and the remade Suburban League schedule his team faces.
On The Bench 1/21 Media Roundtable
Ken Rector and Zac Jackson are joined by T.J. Peatross of NEOhioSpotlight.com, Matt Goul of Cleveland.com and Joe Scalzo of the Canton Repository for the first media roundtable. They discuss the top players, surprise teams and trends throughout the area. NOTE: This episode was recorded before the games played on Friday 1/20.