The Wayne Pioneers finished the 2023-24 season with a lot of momentum. Wayne won 8-of-11 games late in the season and fell just three points short of qualifying for the school’s first state tournament appearance.
Having only one departed senior, Pioneer head coach Sean Meddings is hoping that hard work this summer will push his team to the next level.
“We’ve carried that momentum into the summer,” said Coach Meddings. “It’s been hard working this summer to replace Zane Adkins, which was our only senior last year. But the twins Landon and Colton Preece have filled the role pretty well so far this summer. We have played a lot of competition.”
Indeed, Wayne has played a lot this summer, spending time at Oakland City University in Indiana, Lawrence County, the University of Charleston and this past weekend at Marshall University.
“There toward the end of the season I watched our team grow,” added Coach Meddings. “We’ve made some summer mistakes, but there’s been a whole lot less game day coaching from me. These kids know what to expect. They have matured a lot.”
Isaac Meddings and Ronnie Staley have been starting since they were freshmen, and next season will be their senior season. Their leadership has been noticeable this summer.
Isaac Meddings in particular is working hard to improve his game as he closes in on the Wayne all-time scoring record. The sharp shooting guard was an honorable mention all-state selection last year and is looking to become more of a force.
“He needs to get bigger and stronger, which he is working on,” said Coach Meddings. “He’s a legit scorer and has been averaging about 25 points per game this summer. He’s shooting the lights out, and he’s the leader of this team. I expect big things from him, and he expects big things from himself.”
With the new tournament format, Wayne finds itself in a Region with powerful foes like Chapmanville, Nitro and Winfield. Still, the Pioneers seem geared to make a run toward their first state tournament berth next season.
“It’s not going to be an easy task,” said Coach Meddings. “We can do it. I think we have the talent and experience to do it. After getting beaten by three points in the Regional final last year, these boys know what they need to do. They’ve never made it to the state tournament, and I think they’re going to be hungry for it.”
