A still young nucleus has progressed from last year’s .500 record to a spot in Wednesday’s Division I regional semifinals.
CANTON A year ago, the McKinley Bulldogs were a young, talented boys basketball team that wasn’t quite ready for prime time.
Well, the Pups have grown up.
McKinley is 21-4, fresh off an impressive district final win against Green on Saturday. The Bulldogs face Shaker Heights in Wednesday’s 6:15 regional semifinal at Cleveland State.
McKinley showed flashes of its potential during a 12-12 season last year, which included a 4-8 record in the Federal League and sectional final tournament exit. Brent Walker was a sophomore in his first year at McKinley after transferring from the Dayton area. Kobe Johnson was emerging as a sophomore star who still needed seasoning. A strong 10th-grade class wasn’t always ready to contribute on the varsity level.
