Jeannette hopes success on football field carries over to basketball court

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Sunday, November 17, 2024 | 4:43 PM

Waiting on 10 players to return from football season might seem like a burden to some WPIAL basketball coaches.

(Cue the “Jeopardy” think music.)

But not to Jeannette boys coach Adrian Batts, whose message to the two-sport guys was this: take your time coming back.

“For me, it’s not new,” said Batts, the 15th-year leader of the Jayhawks. “It’s something we’re accustomed to (having football players joining the basketball team late). You look around the WPIAL … Success in football can carry over. It’s a great thing for the kids. This group we have is bringing back tradition in town in football and basketball.”

Like the football team, which made an unexpected run to the WPIAL Class A semifinals, the Jayhawks’ hoops squad worked its way through the WPIAL consolation bracket to get sixth place out of seven teams.

Then, it proceeded to win two PIAA playoff games, including a 58-32 blowout at Iroquois and a stunning 48-46 gem over rival Greensburg Central Catholic in the second round.

“This is a group that doesn’t have that deer-in-headlights look,” Batts said. “Nobody is afraid of the moment.”

Jeannette finished 18-10 and is primed to bring back four regular starters and several key reserves.

“What we did last year is over,” Batts said. “There is no hiding. We have to come into the gym with the mindset to get better every day.”

At Jeannette, it’s tough to say sometimes if there are football players playing basketball, visa versa, or there are simply athletes doing what they do.

“This is a fun group to coach,” Batts said. “There are no issues. Their academics are so good, too: honor and high honors.

“Practices are so competitive. It carries over into the games.”

The centerpiece of both teams is junior Kymon’e Brown. The quarterback and point guard, Brown averaged 16 points last season for the Jayhawks.

“Kymon’e has a chance to be great,” Batts said. “He will play at the next level, whether he chooses football or the hardwood.”

The other returning starters are junior forward Xavier Odorisio-Farrow (6-foot-2), junior forward Noah Sunder (6-3) and sophomore swingman Markus McGowan (6-3).

In all, 80% of the scoring returns.

Sophomore Jayce Powell is another important piece for the backcourt. He missed the PIAA quarterfinal last year against Fort Cherry with a lower-body injury.

“Jayce and Markus had great freshman years,” Batts said. “Odorisio was a first-year player. Sunder was a first-year starter.”

Seniors Jerry Davis and Stone Markham and junior Eli Jones, assuming they play, also would be difference makers.

Sophomore Noah Clary is also in line to contribute minutes.

Jeannette will play in Section 1-2A with Bentworth, California, Clairton, Frazier, Greensburg Central Catholic, Riverview and Springdale.

Nonsection opponents are Brashear (Nov. 30 opener), West Mifflin, Seneca Valley, Derry, Mt. Pleasant, Connellsville and Yough.

Jeannette will host a tip-off tournament Dec. 6-7 with West Mifflin, Steel Valley and Norwin.

“If we win one game 25 times, we’re double-A champs,” Batts said. “We’re probably not going to score a lot of points early, but we’re going to guard the heck out of you.”

Jeannette boys basketball

Coach: Adrian Batts

Last year’s record: 18-10, 9-3 Section 3-2A

Returning starters: Kymon’e Brown (Jr., G), Xavier Odorisio-Farrow (Jr., F); Markus McGowan (So., G/F); Noah Sunder (Jr., F)

Top newcomers: Noah Clary (So., F), Jerry Davis (Sr., G), Eli Jones (Jr., G), Stone Markham (Sr., G/F), Jayce Powell (So., G)

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Jeannette