Ayers takes over Austin boys' team

Wins have been hard to come by for the boys' basketball team at Austin. Even an optimist will concede that the situation isn't likely to change this season.

Don Ayers has come aboard as the new head coach, succeeding Scott Easton. He's assisted by Joe Glover.

Easton molded the Panthers into a more competitive team as the 2006-07 season progressed. They started out 0-17, but pulled together to notch wins over Port Allegany and Northern Potter down the stretch, while taking Cameron County down to the wire. Junior Tim Cheplic returns as a solid performer from last year. Seniors Matt Smith, Bryan Parsons and Zach Jeffers, along with junior Josh Earle, are also back.

Austin opens the season this weekend at the Harmony Tournament. The Panthers travel to Galeton Monday, followed by the home opener on Wednesday against Cowanesque Valley (JV at 6; varsity to follow).