METRO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE Boys basketball glance

CANFIELD
Head coach: John Cullen, 21st year (314-142)
2001 record: 9-11, 4-6
Returning lettermen: Frank Turocy (6-1, Jr., F), Leo Sorice (5-10, Sr., G), Chad Baker (6-3, Jr., C).
Newcomers: Andrew Havas (5-8, Jr., G), Matt Sonnett (6-1, Sr., G), John Virostko (6-0, Jr., G), Brandon Pauley (6-1, Sr., G), Pat Todd (5-11, Jr., G), Rick Banna (6-0, Jr., F), Jordan Ferns (5-11, Soph., F), Dave Barkett (6-0, Sr., F), Ken Preston (5-8, Jr., G), Karim ElRaddaf (6-1, Jr., C).
Outlook: Several Cardinals got a late start due to an extended football season. Should have good depth and quickness, but size will be a problem.
HOWLAND
Head coach: Bernard Bolha, first year
2001 record: 8-12, 4-6
Returning lettermen: Brandon Kubicina (6-1, Sr., G), Scott Day (6-2, Sr., G).
Newcomers: Cody Chappell (6-2, Jr., F), Willie Davis (6-0, Sr., G), Jordan Bartholomew (5-9, Sr., G), Justin Byler (6-1, Jr., G), Barak Natalie (6-0, Jr., G), Jeff Proctor (6-4, Jr., F), Ryan Johnson (6-1, Soph., G), David Kennedy (5-9, Soph., G), Ben Leece (6-0, Fr., F), Dario Hadzovic (6-4, Fr., F).
Outlook: The Tigers return just two starters and will need several newcomers to step up. Size is a problem, but guard play will be a strength.
NILES
Head coach: Ron Price, fourth year (41-26)
2001 record: 15-5, 6-4
Returning lettermen: Tim Rupert (6-3, Sr., F), Vince Gatta (5-9, Sr., G), Dan Jones (6-2, Jr., G).
Newcomers: Aaron Johnstone (6-3, Sr., F), Ryan Barrett (5-11, Jr., G), Matt McGuire (5-11, Jr., F), Chris Utterback (5-10, Jr., G), Jared Sears (5-11, Soph., F), Kevin Robertson (6-2, Jr., F).
Outlook: Lost five seniors -- including four starters -- so inexperience will be a problem. Good quickness and team defense, but little size. Price has done a good job rebuilding the program. Could be a surprise team.
POLAND
Head coach: Ken Grisdale, 10th year (130-75)
2001 record: 18-2, 10-0
Returning lettermen: Bill Bartos (6-3, Sr., C), Eric Fender (6-2, Sr., G), Jonathan Habuda (6-2, Sr., G), Neil Harris (6-2, Sr., G), Chad Fender (6-1, Soph., G).
Newcomers: Sean Clayton (6-5, Sr., C), Dan Bertolini (5-9, Jr., G), Greg Ekis (6-0, Jr., G), Nick Henry (6-4, Jr., F), Reid Lamport (6-2, Jr., G), Dan McGarry (6-6, Jr., C), Jim Shurilla (6-1, Soph., G).
Outlook: Despite losing three starters -- including Vindicator player of the year, Jamie Dunn -- the Bulldogs are the early favorite to win the league. Bartos, Clayton (who didn't play basketball last season) and McGarry provide good size.
SALEM
Head coach: George Spack, 14th year
2001 record: 1-19, 0-10
Returning lettermen: Derek Frederick (6-6, Sr., C), Andy Miller (5-11, Sr., F), Chris Sedgwick (6-0, Sr., F), Zac Grey (6-0, Jr., G).
Newcomers: Matt Mowery (6-0, Sr., G), Joe Smith (6-6, Jr., C), T.J. DeCrow (5-10, Jr., G), Landon Heath (5-10, Jr., F), Zak Flinn (6-3, Jr., F), Jarred Niederhiser (5-10, Jr., G).
Outlook: Lost guard Travis Mong to graduation, but should be better this season. The Quakers have already doubled last season's win total and have a deeper bench.
STRUTHERS
Head coach: Joe Fuline, 14th year (161-123)
2001 record: 10-10, 6-4
Returning lettermen: Jim Franceschelli (5-7, Sr., G), Shaun Hall (5-9, Sr., G), D.J. Aldish (6-1, Sr., F).
Newcomers: Jon Neider (6-0, Sr., F), Toby Ellis (5-11, Sr., G), Igor Gordiyenko (5-10, Sr., G), Tim Zetts (6-3, Jr., F), Andrew Cramer (6-1, Jr., F), Rick Kukura (6-0, Jr., F), Dan Monico (5-11, Sr., G), Eric Rusu (5-8, Soph., G), Mike Duponty (6-3, Fr., F), Dave Mathews (5-9, Soph., G), Marco Ramunno (5-9, Soph., G).
Outlook: Lost four starters to graduation. Lack size and experience, but have good speed and quickness.