The Best Time of the Year is Back In the Village! By Malakhi Rozell.
SOUTH WEBSTER, Ohio — After one of the greatest seasons in program history, the young Jeeps look to shock the state again this year. South Webster graduated four seniors who accounted for 75% of the team’s scoring, while also losing senior forward Beau Stephens to a knee injury that will keep him out for the season.
Legendary coach Norm Persin said “it’s going to take time for them to fill in as a gel.” Persin added that the Jeeps will play a sped-up, high-pressure brand of basketball.
“We want to get up and down the court, press as much as we can,” he said. “We’re going to win games with our athleticism and defense. We have a lot of kids who can get up and down the floor.”
The squad returns two seniors, Hunter Barnard and Brycin McClintic. The duo combined for 15.8 points and eight rebounds per game last season and are the only players with significant varsity experience.
Key returners to watch include sophomore forward Brayden Barnard, junior guard Cole Bennett and sophomore forward Jaheim Froe. The group will have to learn on the job throughout the upcoming season.
During the team’s media day, Persin expressed his goals for the year.
“We want to compete in the SOC III. On any given night, anybody can beat anybody — it’s going to be a war,” he said. “Then come tournament time, you’re just playing one game at a time. We’ve had two great tournament runs the last two years, and we want to continue that this year.”
Despite the team’s lack of experience, Persin said leadership from Barnard and McClintic will be critical.
“Our leaders have to be Hunter and Brycin,” he said. “They’ve got the experience, and they’ve been in tough games.”
Persin is also looking for production from new faces, including senior guard Caden Johnson, freshman center Easton Large and senior forward Brigham Burton. He described Johnson as a “spot-up shooter” and “a great on-ball defender.” Large, standing 6-foot-5, is “coming along real well” and is expected to be a key piece. Burton, Persin said, “is never going to hurt you. He does a little bit of the dirty work and is one of the best defensive players in the post.”
The Jeeps may be viewed as young, inexperienced and overlooked, but few things are more dangerous than a team that is well coached, has nothing to lose and plays in one of the loudest home atmospheres in southeast Ohio. South Webster enters the season hungry and ready to surprise the SOC and the Southeast District.
South Webster opens its season Nov. 28 at Warren High School against Trimble at 4 p.m.
The Jeeps’ Official 2025-26 Team Photo (credits: Ed Litteral)
Jeeps 2025-26 Roster
#1 Chen-yu Lee SR
#2 Pierce Kreischer FR
#5 Hunter Barnard SR
#10 Cole Bennett JR
#11 Kaden Perkins SO
#12 Brayden Barnard SO
#13 Brigham Burton SR
#14 Jaheim Froe SO
#22 Brycin McClintic SR
#23 Caden Johnson SR
#24 Beau Stephens SR
#32 Corey Burton SO
#40 Easton Large FR
Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Norm Persin
Asst. Coach: Ryan Fenton
Asst. Coach: Jimmy Persin
Asst. Coach: Bill Nelson