Veteran basketball coach Bice non-renewed by Tri-Valley

DRESDEN – Quality, hard-working teams were a staple of the Marty Bice era at Tri-Valley.

He led the Scotties to the Division II state semifinals in 2005 and captured five Muskingum Valley League titles, seven sectional championships and two district titles during his 16 seasons.

The veteran coach's tenure came to an end in March when his contract was non-renewed by the school's administration.

Bice, a Tri-Valley graduate who played on the school's final four team in 1980-81, left with a 235-127 record during his career.

"It's been a blessing and I've had a great time for 16 years," he said. "The school board and administration wanted to go in a different direction, but I have had a great career and it was a great experience."

Bice coached several talented players, including Division I players, Tricia Smith, Hanna Luburgh and Carly Young, as well as Alyssa Miller, who helped Division II Ashland University win a national championship in 2013. Luburgh, who played professionally in Poland, left as one of the top players in Akron history.

His assistants, including Ben Kennedy, Matt Williams and Aron Dotson, enhanced the journey.

"I've been lucky to have coached a lot of excellent players," Bice said. "I've had some great coaches and people who have helped me. I enjoyed every minute of it, and it's been a good ride."

The program will be in a good position with several varsity players returning from an 8-14 squad. The junior varsity went 17-4 and the freshmen 11-3.

Though Division I can be challenging, Bice has shown the Scotties can compete with three district runner-ups.

"The main thing is we've shown in the past it can be accomplished," he said. "Someone is going to have some good young kids who can help get back to the top of the league. They've been working very hard, and it's going to be exciting time for Tri-Valley basketball."

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