The End of an Era: Green Boys' Basketball 2024 Season Preview
Green tips off a new era as Mitch Spotleson takes over, bringing fresh energy and a determined mindset to the Bulldogs' basketball program.
A new era tips off at Green as Mitch Spotleson steps into Mark Kinsley’s shoes after 26 years.
It’s the end of an era for Green High School basketball, as 26-year cornerstone head coach Mark Kinsley left his base to former Federal League player of the year Mitch Spotleson.
“It’s not about me. It’s up to the kids now.” Spotleson said.
They already have the necessary leadership handed to them on a silver platter. Senior twins Anthony & AJ Fortunato both carry the tools for a physical and resilient roster. AJ’s physicality is marked by his size and defensive abilities, evidenced by a play in practice where he completely trucked his opponent off of a screen. Anthony carries that same weight, only on offense. The senior made 32 three-pointers in his 2023 season, marking a 34% knock-down percentage.
On the impact of the returning Fortunato twins, Spotleson is enthusiastic about their role in shaping the team.
“Anthony is going to be a scorer for us. His physicality, his ability to shoot the ball—those are things we’re going to need big time to stretch the floor. And AJ brings that toughness, that defensive mindset. Those are things our younger kids need to see and be around. When you have one guy playing tough and physical, it seems like others start to feed off it. Having both of them back will bring a ton of physicality and leadership—things we haven’t really had much of in the preseason since so many guys are new to varsity-level competition.” Spotleson said.
Junior Sam Dubravetz logged significant minutes last season, holding his own as a sophomore alongside first-team All-Federal League talents like Brady Rollyson and Jarrett Taylor. Dubravetz shot 47.7% from the field in the 17 games he played in 2023.
Junior shooting guard Ben Brauneck rarely plays what Spotleson lists him as on the roster sheet. The dynamic playmaker has all the utilities of a forward, while also being able to anchor at the five. Brauneck got only two varsity shots up in 2023, but will have a significant increase in playing time under coach Spotleson.
Junior David Szarnicki will also be a bit of a wild card. Only seeing the court on JV his sophomore year, the forward has the ability to shoot from the wing and also make tough layups. The stretch-four will enable some new perspective for Spotleson’s Bulldogs.
Opportunities aren’t just limited, though. They’re up for grabs at the beginning of the season.
“We’ve got some juniors stepping up, which is encouraging, and there’s a good chance we’ll see some underclassmen, even potentially a freshman or two, earn opportunities as the season progresses. We’re looking at everyone right now.” Spotleson said.
The most intriguing roster appearance this year is senior Wyatt Knowlton, who previously took part in a church league after not playing post-freshman year.
Senior Antonio Martin, who was on the starting lineup last year until an injury late in the season, has opted out of playing for Green basketball this year.
Despite the challenges of limited experience and a tough looking Federal League, Spotleson remains confident.
“People can say we lost a lot, but let’s go surprise some people,” he says.
He’s instilling a “chip-on-our-shoulder” mentality, aiming to exceed expectations by winning close games and pulling off upsets.
“People are going to look at us and say, ‘Oh, they lost a lot of scoring,’ or, ‘The Federal League brings back so much talent.’ But for us, it’s about surprising people. Let’s go win 14 games when no one thinks we can. If we can take care of the games we’re supposed to win, steal a couple others, and be ready for the postseason, that’s a successful season in my book.” Spotleson said.
As for his long-term vision, Spotleson is focused on positioning the team for success in the postseason.
“With the new tournament layout, anyone can win two games and be a district champion,” he notes.
Acknowledging his team’s challenges ahead, particularly in the Federal League, Spotleson is committed to creating a competitive edge through preparation.
“We’ve upped our scrimmage schedule to make sure we’ve seen the kind of talent we’ll face in games. We’ve scrimmaged teams like Hiland, who played in a Division IV state championship, and Twinsburg, who has a strong program that could make a tournament run. We want to walk into game one knowing we’ve been tested already, so it doesn’t feel like a completely new level.” Spotleson said.
Green Bulldogs (18-6, 9-3 in 2023)
Federal League Player of the Year: Brady Rollyson
Federal League First Team: Brady Rollyson, Jarrett Taylor
Federal League Second Team: Antonio Martin
Returning lettermen
Anthony Fortunato, Sr.
AJ Fortunato, Sr.
Sam Dubravetz, Jr.
Coaching Staff
HC: Mitch Spotleson, first year.
Asst./JV: Tyler Kernen, second year.
Basketball Schedule (2024-25)
12/10: Brunswick, 6:45 PM @ Green
12/13: @ Massillon, 7:15 PM
12/17: Hoover, 6:45 PM @ Green
12/20: Lake, 6:45 PM @ Green
12/27: @ Dover, 7:00 PM
12/28: Copley, 1:45 PM @ Green
1/3: @ Perry, 6:45 PM
1/7: @ McKinley, 6:45 PM
1/10: @ GlenOak, 6:45 PM
1/14: Jackson, 6:45 PM @ Green
1/19: Canfield, 12:30 PM @ Green
1/21: Stow-Munroe Falls, 7:30 PM @ Green
1/24: @ Hoover, 7:00 PM
1/28: @ Lake, 6:45 PM
1/31: Perry, 6:45 PM @ Green
2/4: McKinley, 6:45 PM @ Green
2/7: GlenOak, 6:45 PM @ Green
2/11: @ Jackson, 6:45 PM
2/14: @ Austintown-Fitch, 7:00 PM
2/15: East, 6:45 PM @ Green
2/18: @ Firestone, 7:00 PM
2/21: @ Boardman, 7:00 PM