TRI-COUNTY LEAGUE Boys basketball preview

CRESTVIEW
Coach: Rick Gates (14th season, 164-121)
2004-05 record: 5-16.
Who's gone: Justin Smith, Mike Simmons.
Who's back: Jerry Einsiedel, 6-1, sr.; Jordan Reynolds, 5-7, sr.; Andy Walton, 6-5, sr.; Tony Amabile, 5-10, jr.; Andrew Gates, 6-0, jr.
Who's new: Travis Gustafson, 6-3, jr., f; Andrew Kestner, 6-0, jr., f; Todd Unkefer, 6-0, jr., g.
Outlook: With several veterans back, the Rebels will try to improve on last season's record.
EAST PALESTINE
Coach: Tom Bingham (9th season, 104-93).
2004-05 record: 5-16, 5-9 TCL.
Who's gone: Brett Young.
Who's back: Zac Dunn, 6-0, sr., w; Joe Thompson, 5-10, sr., p/w; Travis Foreman, 6-2, jr., p; Dan Hanolt, 6-3, jr., p; Jake Harvey, 5-11, jr., w.
Who's new: Tim Doran, 5-7, sr., p/w; Jack Figley, 5-10, jr., w/g; Wes Best, 5-6, so., pg; Tom Powers, 5-6, so. w.
Outlook: With five lettermen back, including four starters, the Bulldogs should be better than last season. They will need a scorer to step up.
LEETONIA
Coach: Jay Airhart (3rd season, 3-39).
2004-05 record: 2-19.
Who's back: Corey Creamer, 6-5, sr., f/c; Ryan Weikart, 6-7, sr., f/c; Andy Kisner, 5-11, sr., g; Jon Williams, 6-1, jr., f.
Who's new: Eric Colon, 5-11, sr., g; Corey Rauschenbach, 6-2, jr., g; Andy Medved, 5-11, jr., g; Aaron Valentine, 6-2, jr., f/c.; Kaid Todd, 5-10, soph., g.
Outlook: The Bears have size and some exciting talent from their junior varsity as they look to have an interesting season.
LISBON
Coach: Matt Cashdollar (2nd season).
2004-05 record: 13-9.
Who's gone: Dom DeFilippo.
Who's back: Marcus Judy, 5-9, sr., pg; Tim McClester, 6-1, r., f; Steve Tsilimos, 6-0, jr., g; Kyle Crismon, 6-0, jr., g; Corey Smith, 6-0, sr., g/f is sidelined with an injury.
Who's new: Aaron Cosma, 6-0, sr.; Ian Catlett, 6-0, sr.; Aaron Hochmann, 6-0, sr.; Caleb Crowl, 6-4, sr.; Zach Seidner, 6-0, so.; T.J. Johnson, 6-0, sr.; Cody Smith, 5-11, jr.
Outlook: The Blue Devils have seven returning lettermen and should challenge in the Tri-County league.
SOUTHERN
Coach: George Whittaker (6th season, 46-61).
2004-05 record: 13-10.
Who's gone: Josh Diaz, Justin Shilot, Dave Erich, Aaron Blatch.
Who's back: Nick Puckett, 5-9, jr., pg; Aaron Boston, 6-0, sr., g; Anthony Castro, 5-9, sr., g.
Who's new: John Smith, 6-3, sr.; Chris Householder, 6-4, jr.; Cody Warnock, 6-2, jr.; Tyler Baker, 6-0, so.; Richard Baker, 5-10, jr.; Darrin Mills, 6-0, so.; Dan DeSellen, 6-1, jr.
Outlook: The Indians graduated 90 percent of their scoring, but will counter that with quickness.
UNITED
Coach: Rob Clunen (2nd season).
2004-05 record: 14-8, 9-5 TCL.
Who's gone: Bubba Taylor, Jake Roelen, Aaron Rowley, Ryan Adams, Brian Zehentbauer.
Who's back: Tyler Boyle, 6-0, sr., g; Rob Muhleman, 6-1, sr., f; Dan Shaffer, 6-0, sr. g.
Who's new: Brandon Kekel, 6-2, jr., f; Bryan Phillips, 6-0, jr., g; Chris Harrison, 5-10, jr., g; Mike Giles, 6-0, sr., f; Alex Fetterman, 6-0, sr., g; Jordan Dickey, 6-0, jr., g.
Outlook: The Eagle seniors will provide leadership, along with speed, athleticism and an outstanding work ethic.
XColumbiana and Wellsville did not return questionnaires.