For the last few seasons, Mentor has been able to rely on the team’s experience in big-game situations. With players such as Luke Chicone, Sean Collins, Ryan Ioppolo, Matthew Biddell and Ian Ioppolo, the Cardinals have been able to battle to conference and district championships. This year, however, there is only one player who brings varsity experience to the table while the rest of the roster has seen little time on the varsity court. But there has already been the jelling process for the team. They participated in the Euclid and Locked In Summer League against strong competition in Northeast Ohio. Coach Bob Krizancic knows they have to mature quickly with the schedule they play and the level to which the team has become accustomed. “It’s always a plus when you can play 40-50 games in the summer,” Krizancic said. “You get the reps. Marcus (Sierputowski) started a few games as a sophomore and put in a lot of work over the summer. We’re looking for him and Ayo (Olulami) to add some experience. But we also had some really good scrimmages through November. Going against Toledo St. John’s, Centerville, St. Edward, Garfield Heights, we got them used to the speed and athleticism of the game.” Mentor does feature a lot of intriguing pieces for its campaign. One of the bigger pieces is going to be Tony Katava. The 6-foot-7 junior has shown he can work inside and out, but with the press Mentor likes to run, the quick transitions are a question for the season. But that’s also where two other pieces come into play for the Cardinals. The senior duo of Ayo Olulami and Marcus Sierputowski bring the quickness and speed to be able to provide support on the defensive end and the lone returning starter, Kobe Frasure-Azzano, will also add an element inside to help everyone grow used to the game. “The role is great,” Frasure-Azzano said. “I love making guys better, both me and my team. The younger guys, seeing what they grow into is great. Ayo has turned into one of the best players I’ve ever played against, and he’s impossible to guard. Tony and Ayo being confident, creating shots not just for them but for others is great.” Frasure-Azzano comes off a season where he averaged 8.6 points and 7.1 rebounds, both of which were third on the team. But with the inexperience for the Cardinals this season, he will be tasked not only with helping everyone adjust but with the scoring duties as well. The senior doesn’t necessarily fit the mold Mentor has been used to, with 3-point shooting mixed with the ability to slash to the lane. Frasure-Azzano is a post player who is used to crashing the boards to generate extra possessions. With the rotation Mentor wants to have, they will need to have a big impact despite playing limited to no varsity minutes before opening tip. “It’s definitely different than having guys like Ryan, Ian and Matt,” Frasure-Azzano said. “Those guys score so easily, but it’s exciting to see it be the next guy up. Seeing what the younger guys can do, they have so many different opportunities, especially on the defensive end.” Mentor does feature a youth wave on its bench. The Cardinals have three sophomores and five freshmen who could see extended minutes this season. Krizancic is excited about the underclassmen’s potential and ability to carry the team into the next level as well. Players such as Tommy Pavicic and Jack Kennedy have caught his eye early with how they have handled themselves in scrimmages. “We have three sophomores and two freshmen that are going to play a lot of minutes,” Krizancic said. “They played a lot in scrimmages. Jack reminds you a lot of Luke Chicone, too. We think he’ll start or get playing time right away. They got a lot of experience over the summer and have gone against some of the best athletes in the summer.” Mentor opens the season with an early challenge from their Division I pool, with Berea-Midpark visiting the Nest on Dec. 6.