TRUMBULL ATHLETIC CONFERENCE Boys basketball preview

BROOKFIELD
Coach: Tim Tallbacka (first season; career record 66-82).2004-05 record: 13-10.Who's gone: Sam King (Trumbull County Player of the Year).Who's back: Cory Richards, 6-3, sr., c; Ryan Logan, 5-9, sr., g; Chris Bombeck, 6-0, sr., f.Who's new: Dan Sabo, 5-9, sr., g; Josh Harkulich, 6-0, sr., g; Bill Hogue, jr., g; Brandon Johnson, 6-0, jr., g/f; Chad Kostra, 6-0, soph., f; Dave Nehlen, 6-2, soph. f.Outlook: The team lacks height and varsity experience but will counter with good team play, intensity and strong rebounding.
CHAMPION
Coach: Dan Bubon (third season, 10-35).2004-05 record: 8-15.Who's gone: Jake Gross (13 points per game); Kevin Ramsey.Who's back: Mark Jackson, sr.; Tyler Kish, jr.; Caleb Pagley, sr.; Max Brugler, sr.; Chris Sumner, sr.Who's new: Markell Vaughn, soph.; Joe Cvengros, soph.; Kris Wildman, soph.; Justin Shaker, jr.Outlook: Jackson, a second-team all-league selection, and Kish averaged 13 points per game last year. The Flashes shoot well and have a good blend of experience and youth.
GIRARD
Coach: Bryan O'Hara (fourth season, 14-49).2004-05 record: 4-17.Who's gone: Nick Cvetella (second team all-league).Who's back: Scott Barton, sr., f; David Culp, sr., p; Sean Mostov, sr., p; Jon Smerchansky, sr., g; Eric Stevens, sr., pg; Doug Starr, jr., f; Brett Cubellis, soph., pg.Who's new: Brett Dutton, sr., f; Jason Zirafi, sr., p; Jimmy Petrella, jr., g; Matt Polinsky, jr., p; Mark Regozine, jr., p; Dave Sherock, jr., g; Marty Brinker, soph. g.Outlook: The Indians return seven lettermen and will look to improve on last year's record.
HUBBARD
Coach: Rick Fox (first season)2004-05 record: 3-18.Who's back: Frank Rosile, jr.; Marc Kanetsky, soph.; Corey Hitt, soph.Who's new: A.J. Pulice, sr.; Sal DeJulio, sr.; Dexter Bledsoe, jr.; Andrew DeJulio, jr.; Matt Lopuchovsky, soph.Outlook: The Eagles, although they lack varsity experience, are energetic and hope to improve on last year's record.
LABRAE
Coach: Gregg Isler (7th season, 83-52).2004-05 record: 19-5, 13-3.Who's back: Kyle Rowan, 6-1, sr.; Andrew Bailey, 5-9, sr.; Danny Hartman, 6-1, sr.; Mike Ryan, 6-3, jr.; Eric Hart, 5-11, jr.Who's new: Corey Gray, 6-1, sr.; Cody Ozanich, 6-1, sr.; Jeffery Morgan, 5-11, jr.; Cory Hinzman, 6-2, jr.; Mike Witherow, 6-1, jr.Outlook: The top five players return with varsity experience, but substitutes coming off the bench lack varsity experience.
LAKEVIEW
Coach: Lawrence Herrholtz (5th season, 70-21).2004-05 record: 20-4, 12-2 co-champs TAC.Who's gone: Alex Koltsov, Mike Frangiamore.Who's back: Eddie Mackiewicz, 6-2, sr., g; Dustin Opalka, 5-11, jr, p/g; Kevin Albert, 6-1, sr., f; Mark Seger, 6-3, sr., f.Who's new: Jon Kittle, soph., p/g; Mike Marando, 5-11, jr., g; Mark Novotny, 6-2, jr., g; Jesse Smedi, 6-5, sr., f; Zach Repphun, 6-0, jr., f; Adam Morello, 6-0, jr., g; Scott Sentner, 6-3, jr., g.Outlook: The Bulldogs lost a couple top players to graduation but should be in the mix for the league title.
LIBERTY
Coach: Burt Stellers (6th season).2004-05 record: 16-6.Who's gone: Brandon Cornwell, Brian Jones.Who's back: Edward Kershaw, 6-5, sr., g; Mychal Doblanski, 6-0, jr., g; Chris Harrison, 6-4, sr., p; John Humphrey, 6-1, sr., p; Donovan Fletcher, 6-1, sr., g; Lonnie Showers, 6-3, sr., p; Joe Webb, 6-2, jr., g; Dania Gillam, 5-11, sr., g.Outlook: The Leopards have four returning starters with experience but must develop depth off the bench. Favored to win the league.
NEWTON FALLS
Coach: Roy Sembach (19th season, 220-176).2004-05 record: 11-10, eighth straight winning season.Who's gone: Eric Medallis, Chad Rankin, Troy Balint.Who's back: Mike Pelyak, Travis McCartney, Matt Dillon, Brian Knoske, Cameron McCleory.Who's new: Nick James, Joe Murphy, Mike Giuliono, Ryan Gougler, James Williomioh, Justin Bennett.Outlook: The Leopards expect to play good defense and may be a good shooting team, but lack height and overall varsity experience.