Purcell's new hoops coach starts from scratch

Dave Campbell the new boys varsity head basketball coach at Purcell Marian High School, has a lot of decisions to make before the start of the winter season. Represented by senior guards Brenin Garcia and Imari Bradley, only two players working out with the Cavaliers this summer boasted varsity experience of any kind.

Campbell, a Sharonville resident, will be "starting from scratch" with no returning starters to speak of, the coach said. "We come out of the gates and play a tough schedule all season," Campbell said. "The hope is that by January, we will be turning the corner and looking to make a run in the tournament."

The Cavaliers made a lot of noise during the 2007 post-season, advancing to the Elite-eight round of the Division III state tournament before losing to North College Hill. North College Hill would go on to win a state championship.
Representing the Coach and Player of the Year in the Greater Catholic League Central Division, both Randy Reeder and graduate Fred Willis have since left the program.

On the heels of Purcell's GCL Central Division title and 18-7 season from last winter, Campbell sees no reason for his program to take steps backward. "Every game (against a GCL opponent) contains plenty of opportunities to learn," Campbell said, hoping his inexperienced team will mature quickly.

Before taking a two-year break from coaching, Campbell was an assistant at Purcell for 11 seasons. "These guys have a great desire to continue the tradition that has been built here."

As a 1983 Purcell graduate, Campbell is well aware of the school's traditions.

The Cavaliers' performance at the junior varsity level in 2007 also lends credibility to Campbell's optimism. Like the varsity, the junior varsity boys captured a GCL Central Division crown after posting a 13-6 record, 8-6 in conference play. "They have been winning and they will want to continue that," Campbell said.

by ANTHONY AMORINI   -  Community Press & Recorder