NEW CASTLE, PA – As the winter chill sets in, the Mohawk High School boys basketball team is warming up for what promises to be an exciting season. At the helm is Coach Mike O’Lare, who sat down to share insights into the team’s preparations and challenges ahead in an exclusive interview on the inaugural episode of “Mohawk Basketball Coach’s Corner” on YSN.

The Warriors are coming off a successful last season, making it to the WPL semifinals and the PIA State quarterfinals. Despite losing four starters and six seniors, O’Lare is optimistic about the new crop of talent. Leading the charge is junior Bobby Fadden, a versatile five-sport athlete and a significant scorer with over a thousand points in his first two years. “We are relying heavily on him,” mentioned O’Lare, emphasizing Bobby’s role as a cornerstone of the team. As the Warriors gear up for the season, the schedule presents both familiar rivals and new challenges. The conference sees Aliquippa joining, bringing their perennial powerhouse status to 3A basketball. “It’s a double-edged sword, but I would rather have them in the section so we can see them twice and get our feet wet with them,” O’Lare remarked.

Outside the conference, the team will face formidable opponents like Mercyhurst Prep, Nishanik, and South Range. These games are designed to prepare the Warriors for the postseason, consistently challenging the team to sharpen their skills. O’Lare also highlighted the crucial role of fostering a strong coaching staff and maintaining robust community ties. His assistants, all rooted within the Mohawk school system, play an integral part in the program’s success. “Every single coach who leads a program…are members of our school system,” noted O’Lare, emphasizing the benefit of having coaches who know the kids both in and out of the classroom.

After twenty years with the program, Coach O’Lare revels in the journey of developing new talent each season. His commitment is unwavering, inspired by the support from his family, who are now directly involved in the team’s activities. “For the first year ever, both of my kids are going to be on this bus now. One as a cheerleader and one as a player,” he shared warmly. As Mohawk embarks on this new season, the blend of experienced coaching, emerging talent, and solid community foundations sets the stage for another year of high expectations and potentially remarkable achievements. The community looks forward with anticipation and support, ready to cheer their Warriors onto the court.

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