STEEL VALLEY CONFERENCE Boys basketball preview

CARDINAL MOONEY
Head coach: Nick Bellino, 33rd year overall, 13th Mooney's head.
2002-03 record: 16-5, 5-3 SVC.
Returning letterwinners: David Zidian (6-51/2, F, Sr.); Ron Stoops (6-31/2, F, Sr.); Jeff Hehr (6-1, G, Sr.); Patsy Daltorio (6-11/2, G, Sr.); Jonathan Freaney (6-11/2, G, Sr.).
Newcomers: Kiki Willis (5-10, G, Jr.); Rick Solak (6-5, F, Jr.); Valentino Singer (5-9, point, Sr.); Dom Daltorio (5-9, point, Jr.).
Outlook: Strengths: good defensive balance, inside and out; good team chemistry. Weakness: point guard's responsibilities.
URSULINE
Head coach: Keith Gunther, first season.
2002-03 record: 7-13, 2-6.
Returning letterwinners: Branndon Braxton (6-6, Sr., C); Daryll Clark (6-3, Sr., F); Jon Butler (6-2, Sr.), Brett Neely (6-4, Sr.), Walt Lacey (6-0, Sr.).
Newcomers: Jerome Jones (6-7, Soph.); Carey Palermo (5-9, Jr.); Derrick Stewart (5-11, Jr.); Terrill Vidale (5-11, Jr.); Earl Barron (5-9, Sr.).
Outlook: Keith Gunther is in his first season coaching the tall, experienced Irish. There are eight players on the team 6-3 or more and seven seniors. The Irish are quick and strong but might need to improve shooting the ball.
WARREN HARDING
Head coach: Steve Arnold, 2nd year.
2002-03 record: 18-4, 7-1.
Returning letterwinners: Josh Johnson (6-4, F, Sr.); Mario Manningham (6-2, G, Jr.); Joe Phinisee (5-8, G, Sr.); Terrin Brown (6-5, F, Jr.); Tyson Rowland (5-8, G, Sr.); Jonte Stroud (6-3, F, Sr.).
Newcomers: Dave Urwin (6-8, F/C, Sr.); Brian Wright (5-7, G, So.); Pat White (6-4, F, So.).
Outlook: Strengths: depth, quickness, size. Weaknesses: experience, leadership.
-- Vindicator staff reports