DISTRICT Boys basketball preview

BEAVER LOCAL
Coach: Mike Soherbeck, second season (17-5).
2002-03 record: 17-5.
Returning letterwinners: Pat Woods (6-4, Sr., F); Jake Robinson (6-1, Sr., G); Justin Montgomery (6-3, Sr., F); Steve Mercer (6-0, Jr., G).
Newcomers: Chris Pew (6-5, Sr., F); Shawn Crane (6-5, Sr., F); James Mixon (6-1, Sr., G); Zack Cochran (6-0, Sr., G); Ryan Lynch (6-3, Jr., F); Dan Kinsey (6-3, Jr., F); Chad Grey (6-3, Jr., G).
Outlook: The team is quick. All of the players have been in the system. The Beavers suffer a lack of depth; the varsity backups have little experience. The goal is to top last year's 17-5 record.
CAMPBELL MEMORIAL
Coach: Brian Danilov, first season.
2002-03 record: 7-13.
Returning letterwinners: Teyon Harris (6-1, Jr., G); Louie Samonas (5-1, Jr., G); Ricky Quinn (6-1, Sr., G); Chris Melnek (5-9, Sr., G); Anthony Zembelis (5-10, Sr., F); Stan Gozur (6-1, Jr., F); James Tolbert (6-2, Sr., F); Darren Johnson (6-2, Sr., F).
Newcomers: Ryan Burton (5-8, Fr., G); David Norris (6-2, Jr., F); Terrence Phillips (6-2, So., G).
Outlook: The Red Devils will rely on strong guard play and a good work-ethic among the players. There's not much height but a fine group of team players.
BADGER
Head coach: Cody Betts (First season).
2002-03 record: 3-18
Returning letterwinners: Kyle Arnold (5-10, Sr., G); Tyler Romine (6-0, Sr., G); Josh Gilland (6-3, Jr., F); Anthony Mancini (5-10, Jr. G); Ricky Shreves (5-10, Soph. G); Norman Yannucci (6-0, Jr. G).
Newcomers: Ian Deraway (6-0, Sr. F); Ed Horodyski (6-3, Sr. F); T. J. Yeager (6-3, Jr. F); Aaron Titus (6-1, Jr. F); Joe Meloni (5-8, Jr. F); Adam Houser (6-2, Jr. F); Justin Deraway (6-1, Soph. F); Dale Watkins (5-8, Soph. G); Ty Brothers (6-0, Fr. F).
Outlook: The team lost two starters from last season in Tyler Bonar and Mitch Logan and Betts is the team's third head coach in three seasons. Team unity is listed as the team's strength.
SOUTHINGTON
Coach: Michael Karr, fifth season (75-36)
2002-03 record: 19-4, 8-2 NAC.
Returning letterwinners: David Motz (6-1, Sr., G); Patrick Stantial (5-9, Sr., G); Thad James (5-9, Sr., G); Brandon Ayers (6-1, Sr., G); Ryan Gilanyi (6-2, So., G/F).
Newcomers: Jim Baugher (6-0, Jr., F); Kevin Swiger (6-2, Sr., F); Jeremy Blackston (5-8, Sr., G).
Outlook: The Wildcats have it all -- speed, shooting ability and an experienced starting group. However there isn't much size or experience off the bench. Likely Southington will battle for the NAC title. David Motz, with three varsity letters, averaged 19 points, nine rebounds and seven assists last year.
WEST BRANCH
Coach: Michael Falasca, first year.
2002-03 record: 6-16, 4-10 Northeastern Buckeye Conference.
Returning letterwinners: Nate Greenawalt (6-2, Sr., G); Adam Martig (6-3, Sr., P); Josh Venables (6-1, Sr., W); Ryan Casteel (5-9, Sr., G); Bobby Swallow (6-1, Jr., W).
Newcomers: Bobby Allenof (6-4, Sr., P); Jared Hoffman (6-4, Jr., P); Jimmy King (5-9, Jr., G); Jon Cosma (6-1, Jr., P).
Outlook: The Warriors want to be competitive in every game and improve on last year's record.
WELLSVILLE
Coach: Jim Meissner, 37th season at seven schools, 366-349.
2002-03 record: 8-13.
Returning letterwinners: Vince Ross (6-0, Sr., F); Bill McNicol (6-5, Jr., C); Derek Thompson (6-2, Jr., F); Josh Congrove, 5-8, Jr., G); Jason Carter (5-9, 5-9, Jr., G/F); Justin Swogger (5-7, Sr., G).
Newcomers: Brandon Thomas (6-0, Sr., F); Anthony Ross (5-8, So., G); Josh Lyle (6-2, So., C); Jamaar Pullie (5-9, So., F).
Outlook: The Div. IV team has good depth with six lettermen back but face a rough schedule -- eight Div. II games and five Div. III. The Tigers have good passing skills and run the floor but must concentrate on shooting and rebounding.
SOUTHEAST
Coach: Bob Dunn, 10th season (118-72).
2002-03 record: 12-9, 10-4 Portage County League.
Returning letterwinners: Sean Cornell (6-4, Sr., F); Pat Divohv, (6-1, Jr., G); Josh Nolson (6-3, Jr., C); Brad Hoithamp (6-2, Sr., C); Nathan Wood (6-2, Sr., C); Micah Herndon (5-9, Jr., G); Mike Coffman (6-0, Sr., F); Matt Farley (6-0, Sr., F).
Newcomers: Brad Finch (5-11, Jr., G); Jon Speidel (6-2, Jr., G/F).
Outlook: The Pirates must find a successful balance between their lack of size but adequate depth and experience.
YOUNGSTOWN CHRISTIAN
Coach: Anthony Agresta, second year.
2002-03 record: 12-10.
Returning letterwinners: Mike Byrdy (6-2, Sr.); Carrington Ford (5-11, Sr.); Mark Pecchia (5-10, Sr.); Michael Pecchia (6-0, Sr.); Patrick Bader (6-0, Jr.).
Newcomers: A.J. Tate (5-9, Fr.); Brian Johnston (5-10, Fr.); Yohannes Baingana (5-11, Fr.); Joey Suszczynski (5-9, Fr.).
Outlook: Three starters have graduated and a good sophomore class must prove itself. This is the first season YC will play in the Ohio High School Athletic Association tournament.
WARREN JFK
Coach: John Condoleon, 7th season, 78-56.
2002-03 record: 15-7.
Returning letterwinners: Colin Clemente (5-9, Sr., G); Jimmy Kokrak (6-2, Sr., G); John DiFiore (6-5, Sr., F); Chris Shaker (6-5, Sr., F); Shane Golden (5-7, Sr., G).
Newcomers: Marc Rossi (5-10, So., G); Anthony Olive (6-1., Jr., G-F).
Outlook: The Eagles must make a quick transformation from football power to basketball team. With three starters back from last year's team, the Eagles should have another successful season. JFK is an independent again this year.
-- Vindicator staff report