Cupboard’s not bare

Times Observer file photo
Eisenhower’s Austin Hanson drives to the basket during a basketball game last season.

The Eisenhower boys basketball team is coming off a very successful 2023-2024 campaign that saw it finish with a 21-6 overall record, and 11-2 in region play. The Knights also reached the sweet sixteen round of the PIAA playoffs, ultimately falling to WPIAL powerhouse Alliquippa 79-47.

Eisenhower did suffer some big losses to graduation in Kyler Black, Kris Bunk, Maysen Wonderling, Colin Sobkowski and Johnny Palmieri, but the cupboard is hardly bare as the Knights return sophomore Austin Hanson, last year’s Region 2 player of the year who averaged 15 points, seven rebounds and four steals per game. Other top returners are senior Case Seymour and juniors Gavin Lindemuth and Derek Guiher.

Eisenhower head coach Ryan Mangini traditionally plays a tough independent schedule in order to prepare his team for region play and this year is no different.

“We have a heavy away schedule this year and that’s not necessarily a bad thing as we need to play better on the road,” he said. “Hopefully it makes us tougher when the playoffs begin and all of those games are on the road.”

The Knights will once again travel to Otto Eldred for an early season tournament and Mangini knows his team must be ready.

“We hope we can get to the championship game, which would give us a kick-start to the season,” he said.

Eisenhower will be tested with a mid-season game at General McLane, and traditionally tough Brookville travels to Eisenhower near the end of the regular season.

“Hopefully we develop the toughness to compete in every game because we need it come playoff time,” Mangini said.

The seniors’ goals are ambitious, but not unattainable, as they hope to continue their success on their home court and be in contention for a District 10 title.

One of those seniors that Mangini has been impressed with is guard Jaydon Chase.

“He has really stepped up so far in the preseason,” Mangini said. “He has provided leadership, and his work ethic has been impressive.”

The Knights tip off the 2024-2025 season on Tuesday when they host Seneca.