News Rams coach looking for versatile players

By JOSE NEGRON
jnegron@yourmvi.com
Eugene Wilson embraces the challenge of building all-around basketball players.
“I feel like if you’re a specialist, you’re good for one system and probably one system only,” said Wilson, who is entering his first year as Ringgold’s boys basketball coach. “In high school, we want to try to have players be well rounded and be good at a little bit of everything.”
That’s Wilson’s main goal as he begins his tenure with the Rams, who went 14-11 overall and 5-5 in Section 3-4A play before making appearances in the WPIAL and PIAA playoffs.
Wilson, a former head coach at Baldwin and Westinghouse, has inherited a group looking to replace a few key seniors, including guard Chris Peccon and forward Luke Wyvratt. Peccon is now a freshman player for the Cal U men’s basketball team.
The Rams’ cupboard isn’t exactly bare, though.
Senior Demetrius Butler is the most experienced returning starter for Ringgold. He has played a pivotal role for the Rams over the last several seasons and will serve as one of the team’s captains alongside fellow senior Cam Halushka.
“They really show exactly what I’m looking for in leaders,” Wilson said. “They’re not scared to hold people accountable, but at the same time they understand that they’ll be held accountable as well. They give 110% every day and they don’t take any time off.”
While the numbers aren’t exactly where Wilson would like them to be, he admits he has potential on his roster.
That includes junior guard Deondre Dotson.
“I look for him to really provide stability at the guard position,” Wilson said. “I know in the past Demetrius was one of the main ball handlers, but that may not be the case. He’s really going to have to take ownership of his role and understand plays, situations and what is needed at what time.”
Junior Nick Peccon, the younger brother of Chris, is also expected to play an important role after serving as a bench player over the last two seasons.
Wilson sees Peccon as a valuable shooter in addition to a strong defender.
“I don’t think Nick realizes the actual potential that he has and his physical capabilities,” Wilson said. “I had him play defense on me and I don’t think he realizes how strong he is as a player. We want to try and help him become a better defender and encourage him to use the pull-up jump shot, get to the rack and get to the free throw line.
“I’ve had some of these conversations with Nick and Demetrius, and they’re really receptive.”

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