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MARIETTA — Entering his fourth season at the helm for the Marietta boys basketball team, Austin Gardner has finally coached a freshman class through to its senior year, and it’s a good one.

The Tigers will be led by seven seniors this year, six of whom played key roles on last season’s 17-win team. Zaiden Wittekind, Trey Hawkins and Owen Riley have been central figures on the team since their sophomore season, when the program won 22 games and a sectional title.

Wittekind, who signed with Malone University earlier this month, returns after being the team’s second-leading scorer as a junior. He averaged 11.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2 steals per game last year. He also greatly improved his 3-point stroke.

“He’s an explosive player,” said Gardner, whose team lost to Warren in the district semifinals last year. “He can get to the basket, shoot the 3 and score in a number of different ways. He became a much better rebounder last year.”

Hawkins returns at point guard after earning third team all-district honors in 2024-25. He averaged 10 points, 4.3 boards, 3.1 dimes and 2.2 steals per game last year. He might be the Tigers’ most important player this winter, but he’s ready for the challenge.

“Trey’s our tone-setter,” Gardner said. “He’s our best on-ball defender. Trey hates getting scored on. Offensively, he came along as the season went along last year. We utilize him as a scorer and a passer.”

Gardner pointed out that this will be the first Marietta team he’s coached where all five guys on the court can put up points. The past few years, the Tigers typically have two, maybe three guys who account for the bulk of the scoring.

One of those guys who can score in bunches is Riley, who had some huge games last year. Gardner called Riley Marietta’s “X-factor,” adding “he might be the most gifted scorer on our team in that he can do a lot of different things.”

An all-around athlete with length, Riley can guard every position on the court.

Fellow seniors Logan Grosklos, Braiden Plaugher and Lucas Miller are back in the mix as well.

Grosklos has been the Tigers’ most improved player every year that Gardner’s been at Marietta.

“He’s arguably the best 3-point shooter on our team,” Gardner said. “He’s a great leader, he’s consistent and he’s level-headed on the floor.”

At 6-foot-4, Plaugher is Marietta’s tallest returnee. He stretches the floor with his ability to knock down shots from long range but has added to his game.

“He’s doing more inside now,” Gardner said. “The biggest thing for him is he’s gotten more mobile which allows him to do more for us.”

Miller is a spark-plug player. He’s a good ball-handler and takes some of that pressure off Hawkins. Miller has always been a strong defender, but his offensive game took a big step in 2024-25.

“He’s a big-time leader,” Gardner said. “He’s very vocal on the floor and competes like crazy. He had some big games for us last year. He keeps the game simple. Efficient and effective.”

Kobe Alexander provides varsity experience off the bench while Owen Heslop, who returns to the team after not playing last year, rounds out the senior class.

Junior Trenton McVey, who dressed for varsity but played sparingly last year, will have a larger role this season. Gardner is also excited about what freshman Graesyn Moat can bring to the team.

“He’ll play a lot for us,” Gardner said. “We tried him out this summer and he took over the JV games. He shocked me in some regards with what he could do. He’s got a very bright future. He’s going to make strides as the year goes on.”

The Tigers will go nine or 10 deep throughout the year. Depth will be one of their biggest strengths.

“We tell the guys that not everybody is going to be perfect every night,” Gardner said. “That’s where depth kicks in. The more guys the better.”

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Marietta girls basketball team will look much different this season, starting at the head coaching position.

Ali Shane takes over for Ryan McClain, who accepted the Muskingum women’s job. Shane was an assistant for McClain the last few seasons and is ready to step into a varsity head coaching role.

“I am young, and I honestly believe that gives me an edge,” Shane said, a 2021 graduate of Tuscarawas Valley High School. “The game of basketball is changing so rapidly, and I’ve been lucky enough to see it change at different periods of my life. I’m excited to build a culture here. We’re all learning together.”

On the court, junior post player Braxtyn Kroft is the lone returning starter. The star trio of Leigha Lauer, Alyssa Baker and Jacey McKnight graduated, and sophomore Kendall VanderWal transferred

“I keep telling the girls we’re a very different team than last season,” Shane said. “A lot of talent left, but I feel good about the talent we have. The talk of the town is that there’s big shoes to fill, but we have our own shoes to fill, so let’s focus on us, not the past.”

Senior Hayleigh Chidester was a key player for the Tigers the first half of last season. She and Kroft form a strong frontcourt.

“We feel really good about our experience and athleticism in the post,” Shane said. “Between Braxtyn and Hayleigh, that’s where most of our experience is coming from. We’re going to play a lot of inside-out basketball and look to push the ball inside to the post.”

Junior Fiona Fowler slots into the starting point guard spot.

“Fiona does well,” Shane said. “She and I formed a bond when I was coaching JV. She was my point guard then. I trust her to bring the ball up and take care of things, and she trusts me to put her in good situations.”

Senior Lauren Elliott and junior Kenadee Strauss will round out Marietta’s starting lineup. Freshmen Emmy Ward and Blaire Reed will be counted on to provide depth.

“Lauren’s a good senior for us,” Shane said. “She’s the type of kid every program needs. We want to model our program after players like her.”

Losing Baker and McKnight will make it difficult for the Tigers to shoot the 3 like they have in the past, but they’re going to try to maintain the same uptempo style of play.

“Marietta’s been big on transition offense and we want to continue that,” Shane said. “With this group of kids, we’re hoping to play fast like we have the past few years.”

Shane will be assisted by Andy Pointer, Sam Cremeans and Lukas Isaly.