EAST LIVERPOOL - The East Liverpool High School girls basketball program is banking on its new coach.
Allan Dingey, a retired banker, was recently named as the Potters' new head coach.
"I've lived in East Liverpool all my life, graduated from East Liverpool and just retired, so I have more time to devote to it," Dingey said. "The timing was perfect."
Article Photos
East Liverpool girls’ basketball head coach Allan Dingey watches his team play against Oak Glen during summer league action Wednesday at Wellsville. (Photo by Aaron Petchal)
Dingey, a 1972 graduate of East Liverpool High School, has been a junior high girls coach at Wellsville the past 10 years and also helped out some with the high school team. Before that, he coached younger players in YMCA and church leagues for 10 years.
He retired last year from First National Community Bank and has more time available for coaching.
"It was an opportunity and I decided to apply," he said.
He takes over for Emily Reed, who resigned following last season after guiding the Potters to a 24-17 record in two seasons.
Dingey takes over the Potters in what expects to be a rebuilding season. The Potters got off to a 9-1 start last season before finishing with a 13-7 record, but they lost their top three players (Mallory Waggle, Whittni Davidson and Kelsie Wymer) to graduation. The trio accounted for more than 71 percent of the Potters' scoring this past season.
"They lost three key seniors, so we're going to be a little bit younger and inexperienced," Dingey said.
He knows a little about the Potters since they play Wellsville in the regular season and has been working with the team during summer ball.
"It's only been a couple of weeks, so I'm still getting to know them," Dingey said.
East Liverpool will open the season against Lisbon the day after Thanksgiving.
"I just want to develop toughness and teamwork," Dingey said. "We just need to develop our identity."
