Sharon, Pa,

Before The Shenango Lions home opener vs. Villa Maria Coach Bruce Johnson was asked by a reporter about his team and his expectations. "We're young, we're very young and we will learn together as we grow together."

It's only been one half of a season thus far, but these young Lions have shown just that. They began the season with three straight road trips that saw them traverse 704 miles in five days to return home with a 1-2 record. The Lions dropped that first home game in OT 78-76 to the visiting Villa Maria Vikings but put on a strong display of speed and passing that forced The Vikings into numerous turnovers. It would be a sign of things to come for the Lions opponents.

Two nights later The Lions would take part in the Buzz Ridl Classic in Wilmington, Pa and for the first time in program history notched a big win over NCAA Thiel College 83-81. The win would ignite a fire under Shenango as they would go on to win five of their next seven games, including wins against PSUAC opponents DuBois, Lehigh Valley, and Brandywine. 

"From a team aspect it was just great to win in a variety of different ways," said Johnson. "Winning against Division III, winning conference games, and winning in OT. We showed a lot of perseverance in our group, and we were giving ourselves a chance."

Shenango finished the month of November by defeating Defiance College and then dropping a tough loss on the road to PSU Beaver 84-51. Shenango would finish out the month of November by going 6-4.

December would not be as kind to Shenango. They dropped four games to conference foes Hazleton (95-81) Schuykill (91-87) York (93-77) and Mont Alto (97-75) while they were on the losing end of these games, they were competitive.

"We played the most games in the conference," said Johnson. "Looking back on the film we were in all of those games, but there are little things I saw that I know we will work on. There is nobody that can be overlooked. This conference is talented and very well coached."

While the Lions failed to get a win on the court in December, they won in other ways. Four of the teammates made the Dean's List, and the entire team put together a 2.8 GPA and will be eligible and ready for the second half.

"We have student athletes that are compliant," said Johnson. "These are people you can build a program around, and lets you know you have a nucleus to build on and move forwards with."

As far as building the program around these athletes, you don't have to look any further than Freshmen Jashun Cobb and D'Montez Owens. The two speedsters have given the Lions an affective one-two punch.

"One of the best things about Cobb and Owens is that they are two of the best players in our conference. They give their teammates confidence that they can rely on and rally around guys like that," articulated Johnson.

Cobb has led all scorers with 19.2 PPG, while Owens is posting 17.9 per game to pace the pride. Cobb also leads the team in rebounds with 81.

The Shenango Lions next game will be this Sunday vs. Bryant and Stratton (Rochester, NY) at home. Tipoff is at 2 pm.

WE ARE!