DISTRICT Boys basketball preview

WEST BRANCH
Coach: Mike Falasca (3rd season, 16-27)2004-05 record: 8-13Who's back: Shane Young (6-5 senior post, 11 ppg, 6.5 rpg); Andy Pappas (5-10 senior guard, 8 ppg); Brandon McMillen (6-3 senior post, 6.5 ppg); Mike Fugate (senior, 4.5 apg, 2.5 spg).Who's new: Kyle Rockwell (6-4 junior post), Bryan Winston (6-6 junior post), Steve McNeely (5-10 sophomore guard).Outlook: Falasca says the Warriors have worked hard in the off-season in the weight room and team chemistry is good. Good size around the basket and perimeter shooting will be the key. Falasca looks for a competitive and balanced season in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference.
BADGER
Coach: Cody Betts (3rd season, 24-19).
2004-05 record: 16-6.
Who's gone: Ryan Myers, Josh Gililand, T.J. Yeager, Joe Meleso, Anthony Martin, Norm Yannucci, Aaron Titus.
Who's back: Ty Brothers, Josh Shreves.
Who's new: Erich Bonar, Tyler McNeely, Nick Landis, Ethan Hall, Mike Dehl, Lee Mahra, Justin Letcher, Cory Hunkus, Jim Hyms, Brad Biles.
Outlook: The Braves lack varsity experience, but will count on work ethic and attitude for a successful season.
BRISTOL
Coach: Mark Giesy (1st season)
2004-05 record: 9-13, 8-6 NAC.
Who's gone: Matt Hinkle, Matt Yoder, Joe Hardy.
Who's back: Mitch King, sr., g; Joe Harkelrode, jr., g; Richard Benchia, sr., c; Justin Oviatt, sr., f; Jacob Brown, sr., f; Eric Maraczi, jr. g.
Who's new: Shane Uhrain, jr.; Alex Casterline, sr.; Matt Zabrosky, jr.; Jacob Lewis, jr.; Jeremy Toney, so.; Nick Brown, fr.
Outlook: The Panthers have some experience, size and speed and are working hard to learn the new offensive and defensive system of their new coach.
MAPLEWOOD
Coach: Matt Urchek (4th season, 42-22).
2005-05 record: 14-6.
Who's gone: Jake Abbott, Dan Morrison.
Who's back: Craig Clemson, 6-7, sr.; Royce Maydych, 5-7, jr.; Dan McConnell, 5-11, jr.; Mike Hillman, 6-1, jr.
Who's new: Jarrett Partridge, 6-5, sr., f; Mike Kindle, 5-10, sr., f; Marty Urchek, 5-8, so., g; Luke Clay, 6-0, so., f.; Andy Arnio, 5-7, jr., g.
Outlook: The Rockets return tall post players with quick hands and the experienced veterans should mix well with the younger talent.
LORDSTOWN
Coach: Tedd Gozur (2nd season).
2004-05 record: 6-16, 3-11 NEC.
Who's back: Zachary Sutliff (5-10 senior), Brandon Wickline (6-3 senior), Julian Krusely (6-1 junior), Josh Lackey (6-0 junior), Jake Dieugenio (5-10 sophomore), Nathan Rech (5-10 sophomore).
Who's new: Joel Dieugenio (5-11 senior), Hugo Mendez (5-9 senior), Scott Chaffee (5-10 sophomore), Keith Simpson (5-10 sophomore).
Outlook: The Red Devils have six lettermen and four starters back and hope that experience will develop into improvement from a year ago.
XIncludes teams that responded to preseason questionnaire.