New Mount Vernon-Enola coach eyes state tourney

The Mount Vernon-Enola Warhawks return three starters from last year’s squad, which went 24-9. However, the Warhawks have a new coach. Joshua Zarlingo replaces former longtime coach Justin Rodgers. Zarlingo previously coached at Stuttgart and Vilonia before coming to Mount VernonEnola. The returning starters are seniors Logan Adcock, Joshua Legget and Kanyin Martin. Zarlingo said Martin will be his team’s best inside player. “Kanyin has an array of post moves,” Zarlingo said. “He can step out and hit a jumper and will fight a bear for a rebound.” Adcock is the Warhawks’ best outside player. “He has an array of shots that he can hit open or contested,” Zarlingo said. A year ago, the Warhawks lost to Sacred Heart in the first round of the 1A-5 North District Tournament, ending their season without advancing to the regional or state tournaments. Zarlingo said he thinks that can be avoided this season. “If we live up to our non-negotiables every night, we will have a shot at making a run at the state tournament,” he said. Zarlingo said his team’s strength is guard play. “I think that we have excellent guard play,” he said. “They have a lot of experience. In practice every day, they are always hungry to try and take someone else’s spot. Competition in practice will be key if we are successful this year.” Zarlingo said switching systems from Rodgers’ to his has been a transition. “Being that we are in the first year of a transition from their old system to our new system, we will have some setbacks,” Zarlingo said. “Hopefully, by the end of the year, our growing pains won’t be hanging around.” Zarlingo said Class 1A games are exciting to attend. “Any 1A game is fun to watch, but the one that will have a little extra juice for us this year will be Guy-Perkins,” he said. “There will be no nights off in our blended conference or when we go play in the district tournament.” Guy-Perkins is the defending Class 1A state champion. Mount Vernon-Enola plays at Guy on Dec. 14, then hosts the Thunderbirds for senior night Jan. 25. Zarlingo said Adcock and Martin both have college potential. “These guys are both very athletic and shoot the ball well,” he said. “I am excited to see where basketball could take their future.” Zarlingo said his team will be fun to watch this season. “If you enjoy half-court basketball, you’ll like this bunch,” he said. “I have a mix of senior and underclassmen leaders. I like the fact they they will do whatever it takes to be successful.”