Kirtland spent last winter proving it belonged on the biggest stage.
The Hornets posted a 19–9 record, earned a share of the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division crown, and pushed all the way to the Division VI state semifinals before Monroe Central slipped away with a 58–54 win.
Now the Hornets enter a new season with only one returning starter and a roster full of new faces eager to show they can extend the program’s momentum.
Eighth-year head coach Shawn McGregor has seen enough during preseason work to believe his group is trending in the right direction.
“I feel really good about the progress our guys have made thus far,” McGregor said. “We lost a lot off of last year’s team, but we replaced them with a hungry group of kids that are excited for the opportunity to get better.”
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The team’s length and competitiveness give this year’s lineup a unique identity compared to last season.
“We are tall and long this year,” McGregor said. “We lack some experience, but we have a solid core of kids that love to compete.”
Still, the youth movement comes with natural challenges, especially in ball handling and decision-making.
“Can we handle the ball well enough to have success on the offensive end?” McGregor said. “We are talented but need to grow up quickly in some new roles.”
Senior Ben DiFranco, a 6-foot-4 power forward, steps in as the team’s emotional anchor and lone returning starter.
“He has developed into a great leader and is going to have a huge year,” McGregor said.
Junior Sam Ridgeway, a 5-foot-10 point guard, will be responsible for steering an offense that must protect possessions.
“Sam is a playmaker that can really shoot the ball well,” McGregor said. “His abilities as a ball handler are key.”
Senior Ryan Caimi, a 5-foot-9 shooting guard, brings athleticism and perimeter toughness to the lineup.
“Ryan is a good athlete,” McGregor said. “We will need him to handle and defend for us to succeed.”
Junior A.J. Runyan, a 6-foot-3 wing, adds a mix of size and skill after a standout offseason.
“A.J. is a solid wing that has made great strides over the summer,” McGregor said. “I’m excited to see what the year looks like for him.”
Senior Mike Dumstorff, a 6-foot-5 center, rounds out the starting unit with size and a physical presence inside.
“Mike has worked hard to get where he is at,” McGregor said. “He had a wonderful summer, and we are really excited about his senior year.”
Just as important is senior Jake LaVerde, a 6-foot-3 wing who missed last season with an injury but brings high-impact potential.
“Jake wasn’t able to play last year due to injury,” McGregor said. “We can’t wait to get him back on the floor. He is a game changer and will help us be the best we can possibly be.”
Depth will come from seniors Danny Shafer, Jay Ware, Tommy Caimi, Paxton Parker, and Jared Cottrell, along with junior Nick Nead. Together, they give the Hornets size, options, and the chance to grow into a balanced rotation.
As always, expectations remain high.
“Compete for the conference,” McGregor said about his team’s goals. “And go as far as we can in the tournament.”
Kirtland may look different this winter, but the potential for another deep run is already taking shape.
