SMETHPORT – At Smethport Area High School, the eight returning
lettermen on the boys’ basketball team are the key to reaching the
goal of making the playoffs this season, according to head coach
Michael V. Dodge.

Those letterwinners are seniors Preston Birtcil, 5’11”, guard;
Kyle Doutt, 6′, guard; and Ryan Keech, 6’3″, forward; juniors,
Andrew Clark, 5’11”, forward; Josh Vangor, 6’5″, center; and Dave
Cooney, 6’2″, forward/center; and sophomores, Steven Alfieri,
5’11”, guard; and Jory Okerlund, 5’11”, guard.

Rounding out the varsity are junior forwards Mike Corbett, 6′,
and Scott Stratton, 5’10”; and Al Myers, a 6’1″ forward, who is a
sophomore.

The Hubbers went 5-18 in 2007-08.

“Last season, we had no returning starters from our 2006-07
District 9 Class AA runner-up champions,” Dodge said. “This season,
we have two starters back, Keech and Doutt, and they’re ready to
play.”

Dodge continued, “With just three seniors on the sqaud, we’re
still a young team, but most of the kids have worked hard in the
off-season, and we are seeing the results of that.

After 10 years as junior varsity coach, Dodge is in his second
season as head coach of the varisty. Michael D. Dodge is
assistant/junior varsity coach. Chad Goodman coaches the junior
high team.

The Hubbers open the season Friday at the East Forest
Tournament.