METRO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE Boys basketball preview

ALLIANCE
Coach: Shawn Jackson, third season, 7-36
2002-03 record: 6-16, 1-11 (Federal League).
Returning letterwinners: Austin Banks (6-0, Sr., G); Kyle Grove (5-9, Sr., G); Steve Hancox (Sr., P); Bylynn Hatner (Jr., G); Chris Banks (Jr., P).
Newcomers: Juan Stewart (6-0, Sr., G); Jermaine Pleasant (5-11, Jr., G); Mark Gamer (6-4, Jr., P); Brevonn Edwards (6-3, So., P).
Outlook: Coach Jackson is starting his third season with the Aviators, who will look to be more competitive in their first year in the league.
CANFIELD
Coach: John Cullen, 22nd season.
2002-03 record: 11-11, 6-4 MAC.
Returning letterwinners: Andrew Havas (5-8, Sr., G); Patrick Todd (6-0, Sr., G); Frank Turocy (6-1, Sr., F); John Virostko (6-0, Sr., G); Jordan Ferns (6-0, Jr., F); Chad Baker (6-2, Sr., C).
Newcomers: Ken Preston (5-8, Sr., G); Chad Gifford (6-0, Jr., F); Kyle Melewski (5-11, Soph., G); Joe Rosko (6-0, Soph., F).
Outlook: The Cardinals are quicker than years past, with more experience and physical maturity. Cullen plans to play more up-tempo offensively with more defensive pressure on the ball. A strong senior class is a plus. The Cardinals' athleticism is reflected in Turocy, who has been known to have breakout games, and Baker, who signed to play baseball at Pitt.
HOWLAND
Coach: Bernard Bolha, second season (14-9).
2002-03 record: 14-9, 6-4 MAC.
Returning letterwinners: Justin Byler (6-2, Sr., G); Jeff Proctor (6-4, Sr., F); Cody Chappell (6-3, Sr., G); Ryan Johnson (6-1, Jr., G); David Kennedy (5-10, Jr., G); Dario Hadzovic (6-5, Soph., F); Ben Leece (6-1, Soph., F-G).
Newcomers: Ian Scott (6-1, Fr., G); Jared Bartholomew (5-10, Soph., G).
Outlook: The Tigers look to build on a strong ending to last season, when they played deep into the district tournament. Bolha has one season under his belt on which to build. Byler will look to spark the Tigers back to the district.
NILES
Coach: Ron Price, fifth season (51-39).
2002-03 record: 10-13, 3-7 MAC.
Returning letterwinners: Dan Jones (6-2, Sr., G); Kevin Robertson (6-3, Sr., F).
Newcomers: Jake Schimley (5-7, Jr., G); Tremayne Rosasco (6-2, Jr., F); Bralon Peete (5-9, Jr., G); Bill Frech (6-3, Soph., F); Joe Razzano (5-10, Soph., G); Andrew Cleary (5-7, Soph., G).
Outlook: Jones and Robertson give the Red Dragons two sound senior leaders. They will be followed by a group of juniors and sophomores who want to show they can play consistently at the varsity level. Depth could become a factor down the stretch.
POLAND
Coach: Ken Grisdale, 11th season (153-77).
2002-03 record: 23-2, 10-0 MAC.
Returning letterwinners: Dan Bertolini (5-8, Sr., G); Greg Ekis (6-0, Sr., G); Dan McGarry (6-6, Sr., C); Chad Fender (6-2, Jr., G); Jim Shurilla (6-1, Jr., G).
Newcomers: Nick Henry (6-4, Sr., F); Luke Blangero (6-2, Jr., F); Cameron Marchese (6-2, Jr., F).
Outlook: A Division II regional runner-up in 2002-03, the Bulldogs will carry more high expectations into this season. They will use depth -- and the all-around play of Fender, the reigning MAC player of the year -- to their advantage. Grisdale's team still lacks overall varsity game experience after losing Eric Fender, Neil Harris, Bill Bartos and Jonathan Habuda to graduation.
SALEM
Coach: Jeff Brink, first season.
2002-03 record: 4-17, 1-9 MAC.
Returning letterwinners: Joe Smith (6-6, Sr., C); Zac Grey (6-1, Sr., G); Landon Heath (5-9, Sr., G); T.J. Decrow (5-11, Sr., G); Tyler Pierce (6-3, Soph., F).
Newcomers: Alex Hergenroder (6-4, Jr., F); Tom Jesko (6-2, Soph., G); Steve Jeckavitch (5-11, Soph., G).
Outlook: Brink was at the center of a dynasty while coaching at Springfield, but his success won't come as easy in Salem, which has struggled on the boys basketball court. The coach and his players must practice patience while working to turn the program around. The Quakers do return four senior starters, but depth is lacking.
STRUTHERS
Coach: John Corey, first season.
2002-03 record: 7-14, 4-6 MAC.
Returning letterwinners: Tim Zetts (6-3, Sr., G-F); Rick Kukura (6-0, Sr., F); Mike Duponty (6-2, Soph., F).
Newcomers: Marco Ramunno (5-9, Jr., G); Dave Mathews (5-10, Jr., G); Jose Martinez (5-9, Jr., G); Allan Daniels (6-3, Jr., F); Rob Mistovich (5-11, Jr., F); Chris Matacevac (5-7, Jr., G).
Outlook: Corey, who was an assistant at Struthers, Austintown Fitch and Boardman, begins his first season as a head coach, replacing veteran Joe Fuline. This group of Wildcats should benefit from quickness, competitiveness and energy. It still can't escape its youth.
-- Vindicator staff report