HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW \ All-American Conference boys basketball

RED TIER BEAVER LOCAL

Coach: Jake Walgate, second season. 2007-08 record: 2-19. Projected starters: Shawn Mercer, 6-2, Sr. guard, 7 ppg; Brett Hunt, 5-6, So. guard, 9 ppg; Travis Lynch, 5-10, Jr. guard; Jake Lunders, 6-2, Jr. forward, 5 ppg; Brady Gunter, 6-2 forward. Other varsity players: Clinton Householder, 5-10, Jr. forward; Alex Allen, 5-6, Jr. guard; Zack Murray, Jr. forward; Andrew Kidd, Sr. guard; Nick Adkins, 5-11, Jr. guard; Jeb Pike, 6-0, sr. forward. Outlook: The Beavers’ keys to success will be hard work, play as a unit, team chemistry, good attitude, confidence, team defense and confidence.

CANFIELD

Coach: John Cullen, 27th season (career record, 441-217). 2007-08 record: 16-4. Projected starters: Mike Podolski, 6-2, Jr. wing, 10 ppg; Casey Carroll, 6-6, Jr. post/wing; Adam Muth, 6-1, Sr. wing, 5 ppg; Gene Wollet, 6-0, Jr. guard; Justen Brabel, 6-3, Jr. post/wing; A. Bal, 6-2, Sr. post. Other varsity players: Todd Griffin, 6-0, Sr. guard; Tommy Johnson, 6-1, Sr. wing.

HOWLAND

Coach: Don Andres, fourth season (career record, 317-288). 2007-08 record: 13-9. Projected starters: Jared Kirin. 6-6, Sr. post, 12.8 ppg, 10.1 rpg; Tyler Scott, 6-4, Sr. post, 10.1 ppg, 9.3 rpg; Drew Guido, 5.9, Sr. point guard, 5.7 assists per game; Kyle Spence, 6-2, Sr. wing, 10.7 ppg; Ryan Glinn, 6-0, Sr. wing; T.J. Lanier, 6-4, So. wing. Other varsity players: Matt Haering, 6-2, Jr. wing/post; Steve Reider, 6-3, Sr. post; Stephan Brown, 5-11, wing; Vince Romeo, 6-1, Jr. wing; David Savage, 6-2, Jr. post; Josh Davis, 5-10, So. point guard. Outlook: The Tigers return four starters, but lack depth and need to work on ball handling.

NILES

Coach: Rick Kover, third season (career record, 23-22). Projected starters: Ryan Frantz, 5-11, Jr. guard, 15.6 ppg; Daud Allen, 6-0 Jr., guard; Saul Vaughn, 6-3, Jr. guard/forward; Cory Floyd, 6-2, Jr. forward; Bobby Marino, 6-3, So. forward. Other varsity players: Joe Moss, 6-3, Jr. guard/forward; Nick Young, 5-11, Jr. guard; Austin Lykins, 5-11, So. guard; Dustin Gerke, 6-5, So. forward; Shaq Cunningham, 5-11, Jr. guard. Outlook: The Red Dragons are young and inexperienced with no seniors on the squad, but they have been working hard on building confidence for the coming season.

POLAND

Coach: Ken Grisdale, 16th season (career record, 248-102). 2007-08 record: 25-1. Varsity players: David Baker, 6-5, Jr. forward, 8 ppg; Andy Bartos, 6-3, Jr. forward; Ben Brocker, 6-1, Jr. guard, 4.8 ppg; Dom DeFelice, 5-7, Jr. guard; Ben Donlow, 6-4, Jr. forward, 11.3 ppg; Louis Fatimus, 6-1, Jr. guard, 3.3 ppg; Niko Fatimus, 6-1, Jr. guard, 13.4 ppg; Gannon Hulea, 6-2, Sr. forward; Phil Lipari, 5-6, Jr. guard; Matt Mrozek, 5-7, Jr. guard; John Price, 6-3, Jr. forward; Luke Wollet, 6-1, Jr. guard, 5.9 ppg Outlook: The Bulldogs have depth, shooting ability, team chemistry and unselfishness. They are preparing an uptempo style of play.

WHITE TIER HUBBARD

Coach: Rick Fox, third season (career record, 34-29). 2007-08 record: 13-8. Projected starters: Sam Bellino, 5-11, Senior guard; Kurtis Drummond, 6-2, Jr. guard, 11.4 ppg; Corey Farcas, 6-3, Sr. forward, 3 ppg ; Bobby Thompson, 6-2, Sr. forward, 6 ppg; Chase Myers, 6-0, Jr. guard. Other varsity players: Mike Lopusharsky, 5-11, So. guard; Taylor Loveless, 5-11, Jr. guard; Kory Hopkinson, 5-10, So. guard; Cory Rushwin, 6-0, So. guard; Danny Duvall, 5-11, So. guard; Tommy Jackson, 6-1, Jr. guard Outlook: The Eagles will be athletic at both ends of the court. Although they lack depth, Fox thinks the league is up for grabs.

LAKEVIEW

Coach: George Lanterman, third season (career record, 30-15). Projected starters: Joel Davis, 6-2, Sr. guardk, 5 ppg; Justin Clark, 5-8, Sr. guard, 6 ppg; Jarred Clark, 5-8, Sr. guard, 5 ppg; Robert Franks, 6-2, Sr. guard, 11 ppg; Mike Graham, 6-0, Sr. forward; Ethan Matheny 6-0, Sr. forward. Other varsity players: Zach Jordan, 5-10, Sr. guard; Tom Sarko, 6-0, Sr. forward; Nick Cleer, 6-0, Sr. forward; Matt McDivit, 5-11, Jr. guard; Joe Stiver, 5-11, Jr. guard; Elliott Matheny, 5-10, So. guard. Outlook: The Eagles seniors worked during the off-season to improve their skills and teamwork. With varsity experience, they will have depth at all positions, allowing Lanterman to rotate 9-11 players.

LIBERTY

Coach: Dan Gorski, second season (career record, 163-161). Projected starters: Blair Williams, 5-7, Sr.; Anthony Cleveland, 6-3, Sr.; Floyd Showers, 6-0, Sr.; Isiah Bell, 6-1, Sr.; Tashawn Letlow, 6-4, Sr. Other varsity players: Darrien White, 5-10, Jr.; Jamon Wagner, 6-3, Sr.; Brian Venable, 5-9, So.; Ty Wright, 6-1, Sr.; Tanner Knight, 6-2, Sr.; Randall Gillum, 6-5, Sr.; Bryant Bowman, 5-11, Jr. Outlook: Liberty has experienced players back that are quick and show a lot of athleticism, which includes Isaiah Bell a first-team all-league selection last season.

SALEM

Coach: Walt Klucinec, third season (career record, 12-31). 2007-08 record: 10-11. Projected starters: Phil Bennett, 6-3, Sr. forward, 7 ppg; Geno Pasquinelli, 6-2, Sr. forward, 5 ppg; Jordan strabala, 6-0, Sr. guard, 12 ppg; Trent Toothman, 6-1, So. forward; Chris Brown, 6-2, Sr. guard, 3 ppg. Other varsity players: Gary Sebrell, 6-3, Sr. forward; Rob Lowry, 5-11, Sr. guard; Ryan Wolfgang, 6-2, So. forward; Mike King, 6-2, So. forward; Trent Kenreigh, 5-8, Fr. guard. Outlook: “We have an outstanding group of seniors that will play a major role in determining a lot of our success this season.” — Klucinec.

STRUTHERS

Coach: Joe Savko, second year.

Career record: 6-15.

Projected starters: Ja’Miere, Brown, 5-7, So. point guard; Nate Jacubec, 5-8, So. shooting guard, 5 ppg; Matt Durkin, 5-10, Jr. wing, 3 ppg; Nick Ragan, 6-0, Jr. small forward; Adam Ryczaj, 6-2, So. power forward.

Other varsity players: Nick Jacubec, 5-7, 5-7, Jr. wing, 3 ppg; Ed Ryczaj, 6-4, Sr. center; Jason Sharp, 6-0, Sr. small foward; Bobby Harden, 6-2, Jr. small foward; Mark Wildes, 6-0, Jr. wing; Jake Jacubec, 5-5, Fr. point guard.

General outlook: Although they lack size, the Wildcats will count on ball handling, shooting and intensity this season.

Rank the teams: Lakeview, Salem, Struthers, Liberty, Hubbard.

BLUE TIER CAMPBELL MEMORIAL

Coach: Brian Danilov, 15th season. 2007-08 record: 23-5, regional runner-up. Projected starters: Jere’me Williams, 6-0, Jr. point guard, 16 ppg; Germaine Somarjit, 6-3, Jr. center, 7 ppg; Claxton Lebron, 5-11, So. guard; Dorian Jones, 6-0, Sr. forward; Joseph Little-Horton, 6-2, Sr. forward, 5 ppg. Other varsity players: Lester Hughes, 6-3, So. forward; Nathan Hodge, 6-1, Jr. guard; John Sikora, 5-10, So. guard; Antron Naze, 6-2, Jr. forward. Outlook: Most of the starters return from last year. It’s a close group that has chemistry and any one of the eight could start .

BROOKFIELD

Coach: Tom Roskos, third season (career record, 10-42). 2007-08 record: 2-19. Projected starters: Greg Hunkis, 6-1, Sr. guard; Anthony Uberti, 6-1, Jr. guard, 9.7 ppg; Russ Latimer, 6-4, So. forward, 3.8 ppg; Preston Pascale, 6-1, Jr. forward; Ryan Shagarls, 5-8, So. guard, 7.4 ppg. Other varsity players: Cameron Derr, 5-9, So. guard; Vince Venzio, 5-8, So. guard; Matt Mulligan, 5-9, Jr. guard; Josh Newton, 6-1, Sr. forward. Outlook: The Warriors’ quickness, defense and the ability to get to the hoop to get rebounds are the keys this season.

CHAMPION

Coach: Dan Bubon, sixth season (career record, 43-67). 2007-08 record: 17-6. Projected starters: Tyler Day, 5-9, Sr. guard; Mike Smith, 5-9, Sr. guard; Derek Sumner, 5-10, Sr. guard, 5 ppg; David Barnes, 5-11, Sr. forward, 5 ppg; Caleb Wright, 6-3, Sr. center. Other varsity players: Dennis Steinbeck, 6-0, Sr. forward; Billy Yartz, 6-1, Jr. forward; Dan Gelet, 6-3, Jr. center; Ian Barnes, 6-0, Jr. guard; Dominic DeMartini, 6-0, Jr. guard.

GIRARD

Coach: Mike DelBene, eighth season (career record, 159-132). 2007-08 record: 9-13. Returning seniors: Dominic Santisi, 5-9 guard; Jim Stacchiotti, 6-1 forward; Tim Tait, 5-10 forward. Juniors: Joe Augustine, 6-0 guard; Raymond Byrd, 5-11 guard; Joe Cavalier, 5-11 guard; Gino Mariano, 5-11 guard; Kevin Scarnecchia, 6-3 forward; Shane Wilson, 5-8 guard. Sophomores: Dante DelBene, 5-8 guard; Ryan DelBene , 5-8 guard; Joey Kay, 5-11 guard; Matt Pagano, 5-9 guard; Patrick Rhodes, 6-2 forward; Ryan Trimbur, 5-8 guard; A.J. Weibel, 6-0 forward; Kevin McGuire, 6-0 forward. Outlook: “Although we are inexperienced, the kids are a hard working , dedicated group of players with a positive attitude and we will continue to improve daily.” — DelBene.

LABRAE

Coach: Chad Kiser, third season (career record, 19-23). 2007-08 record: 8-13. Projected starters: Cameron Truss, 6-0, Sr. guard, 10 ppg; Bryan Watkins, 6-1, Sr. guard/forward, 11 ppg; Todd Collins, 6-2, Jr. guard, 6 ppg; Mike Morrisk, 6-0, Jr. guard, 12 ppg; Evan Hill, 6-2, Jr. forward. Other varsity players: Matt Szorady, 5-6, Fr. guard; Andrew Ozarich, 6-3, Sr. foward; Andre Elkinsk, 6-0, So. guard; Jacob Jaros, 6-3, So. guard/forward; Greg Gibson, 5-8, Jr. guard; Tyler Conley, 6-1, Jr. guard/forward; Colton Hill, 5-10, Sr. guard. Outlook: The Vikings return four starters and plan on playing an up tempo game this season. They hope to take advantage of their depth.

NEWTON FALLS

Coach: Roy Sembach, 22nd season (career record, 253-202). 2007-08 record: 17-6, TAC champs, district runner-up. Projected starters: Marcus Fowler, 6-11, Sr. center, 14 ppg; Todd Medallis, 5-7, Sr. guard, 11 ppg; Brian Sole, Jr. guard, 3.5 ppg. Other varsity players: Matt Novotny, 6-0, Sr. guard; Joey Zigler, 6-2, Sr. guard/forward; C.J. Peace, 6-2, Jr. forward/guard; Stephen Rack, 6-4, Jr. forward; Tyler Kernen, 5-10, So. guard; Anthony Kline, 6-1, So. forward; Eric Kline, 65-1, So. guard; Cody Dillon, 6-2, Fr. guard.

Outlook: The Tigers, with their winning tradition, return the big man Fowler and point guard Medallis. Both should be able to score from the inside and outside.

SCHEDULES RED TIER

CANFIELD: Dec. 9 — at Struthers; Dec. 13 — East (Chevy Centre), 4 p.m.; Dec. 16 — at Hickory; Dec. 19 — Liberty; Dec. 23 — at Hubbard; Dec. 30 — Akr. Kenmore (Barberton), 5:15 p.m.; Jan. 2 — Akr. North; Jan. 6 — Boardman; Jan. 9 — Salem; Jan. 13 — Lakeview; Jan. 16 — Howland; Jan. 20 — Mooney; Jan. 23 — at Poland; Jan. 27 — Niles; Feb. 3 — at Howland; Feb. 6 — at Beaver Local; Feb. 13 — at Niles; Feb. 20 — Beaver Local; Feb. 24 — at Fitch; Feb. 27 — Poland

HOWLAND: Dec. 5 — at Fitch; Dec. 9 — at Liberty; Dec. 16 — Boardman; Dec. 19 — at Hubbard; Dec. 23 — Salem; Dec. 27 — at JFK; Dec. 30 — Pymatuning Valley; Jan. 6 — West Geauga; Jan. 9 — Lakeview; Jan. 13 — at Struthers; Jan. 16 — at Canfield; Jan. 20 — at Champion; Jan. 23 — at Niles; Jan. 30 — Beaver Local; Feb. 3 — Canfield; Feb. 6 — at Poland; Feb. 10 — Niles; Feb. 14 — Jefferson Area; Feb. 17 — at Beaver Local; Feb. 20 — Poland

NILES: Dec. 5 — Boardman; Dec. 9 — at Hubbard; Dec. 16 — at Chaney; Dec. 19 — Salem; Dec. 23 — Lakeview; Dec. 30 — Champion; Jan. 2 — at Chagrin Falls; Jan. 6 — Girard; Jan. 9 — at Struthers; Jan. 13 — Liberty; Jan. 16 — at Beaver Local; Jan. 19 — LaBrae; Jan. 23 — Howland; Jan. 27 — at Canfield; Jan. 30 — at Poland; Feb. 3 — Beaver Local; Feb. 10 — at Howland; Feb. 13 — Canfield; Feb. 17 — Poland; Feb. 24 — Chaney

POLAND: Dec. 5 — Springfield; Dec. 9 — Lakeview; Dec. 13 — at N. Can. Hoover; Dec. 16 — Farrell; Dec. 19 — at Struthers; Dec. 23 — Liberty; Dec. 27 — Fitch (Boardman), 6 p.m.; Dec. 29 — at Boardman; Jan. 9 — at Hubbard; Jan. 13 — Salem; Jan. 16 — at Chaney; Jan. 18 — Detroit Country Day (North Canton), 2 p.m.; Jan. 23 — Canfield; Jan. 27 — at Beaver Local; Jan. 30 — Niles; Feb. 6 — Howland; Feb. 13 — Beaver Local; Feb. 17 — at Niles; Feb. 20 — at Howland; Feb. 27 — at Canfield

BEAVER LOCAL: Dec. 5 — Wellsville; Dec. 9 — Salem; Dec. 17 — at Oak Glen (W. Va.); Dec. 19 — Lakeview; Dec. 23 — at Struthers; Dec. 26-27 — at East Liverpool tournament; Jan. 3 — at Crestview; Jan. 9 — Liberty; Jan. 13 — at Hubbard; Jan. 16 — Niles; Jan. 21 — at Wellsville; Jan. 23 — East Liverpool; Jan. 27 — Poland; Jan. 30 — at Howland; Feb. 3 — at Niles; Feb. 6 — Canfield; Feb. 13 — at Poland; Feb. 17 — Howland; Feb. 20 — at Canfield

WHITE TIER

HUBBARD: Dec. 5 — at Brookfield; Dec. 9 — Niles; Dec. 12 — at Champion; Dec. 16 — at LaBrae; Dec. 19 — Howland; Dec. 23 — Canfield; Dec. 27 — at Girard; Dec. 30 — at Newton Falls; Jan. 9 — Poland; Jan. 13 — Beaver Local; Jan. 16 — at Campbell; Jan. 20 — Salem; Jan. 23 — JFK; Jan. 27 — at Liberty; Jan. 30 — at Struthers; Feb. 3 — at Lakeview; Feb. 6 — at Salem; Feb. 13 — Liberty; Feb. 17 — Struthers; Feb. 20 — Lakeview

LAKEVIEW: Dec. 5 — Newton Falls; Dec. 9 — at Poland; Dec. 12 — Girard; Dec. 16 — Campbell; Dec. 19 — at Beaver Local; Dec. 23 — at Niles; Dec. 30 — Brookfield; Jan. 6 — Champion; Jan. 9 — at Howland; Jan. 13 — at Canfield; Jan. 16 — LaBrae; Jan. 20 — at Jefferson Area; Jan. 23 — Liberty; Jan. 27 — at Struthers; Jan. 30 — at Salem; Feb. 3 — Hubbard; Feb. 10 — at Liberty; Feb. 13 — Struthers; Feb. 17 — Salem; Feb. 20 — at Hubbard

LIBERTY: Dec. 5 — Champion; Dec. 9 — at Howland; Dec. 12 — LaBrae; Dec. 16 — Newton Falls; Dec. 19 — at Canfield; Dec. 23 — at Poland; Dec. 30 — Girard; Jan. 6 — Campbell; Jan. 9 — at Beaver Local; Jan. 13 — at Niles; Jan. 16 — Brookfield; Jan. 20 — Struthers; Jan. 23 — at Lakeview; Jan. 27 — Hubbard; Feb. 3 — Salem; Feb. 6 — at Struthers; Feb. 10 — Lakeview; Feb. 13 — at Hubbard; Feb. 17 — at Chaney; Feb. 20 — at Salem

SALEM: Dec. 9 — at Beaver Local; Dec. 12 — Brookfield; Dec. 16 — Champion; Dec. 19 — at Niles; Dec. 23 — at Howland; Dec. 30 — LaBrae; Jan. 6 — Newton Falls; Jan. 9 — at Canfield; Jan. 13 — at Poland; Jan. 16 — Girard; Jan. 20 — at Hubbard; Jan. 23 — at Struthers; Jan. 30 — Lakeview; Feb. 3 — at Liberty; Feb. 6 — Hubbard; Feb. 10 — Struthers; Feb. 17 — at Lakeview; Feb. 20 — Liberty; Feb. 24 — Campbell; Feb. 27 — West Branch

STRUTHERS: Dec. 5 — at LaBrae; Dec. 9 — Canfield; Dec. 12 — at Newton Falls; Dec. 16 — at Girard; Dec. 19 — Poland; Dec. 23 — Beaver Local; Dec. 30 — at Campbell; Jan. 6 — at Brookfield; Jan. 9 — Niles; Jan. 13 — Howland; Jan. 16 — at Champion; Jan. 20 — at Liberty; Jan. 23 — Salem; Jan. 27 — Lakeview; Jan. 30 — Hubbard; Feb. 6 — Liberty; Feb. 10 — at Salem; Feb. 13 — at Lakeview; Feb. 17 — at Hubbard; Feb. 20 — Lowellville

BLUE TIER

BROOKFIELD: Dec. 5 — Hubbard; Dec. 9 — at Springfield; Dec. 12 — at Salem; Dec. 19 — at Campbell; Dec. 20 — at Badger; Dec. 30 — at Lakeview; Jan. 3 — at Maplewood; Jan. 6 — Struthers; Jan. 9 — at Champion; Jan. 13 — Mathews; Jan. 16 — at Liberty; Jan. 20 — East Palestine; Jan. 23 — Girard; Jan. 30 — LaBrae; Feb. 3 — Newton Falls; Feb. 6 — Campbell; Feb. 10 — at Girard; Feb. 13 — Champion; Feb. 17 — at LaBrae; Feb. 20 — at Newton Falls

CAMPBELL MEMORIAL: Dec. 9 — New Castle Union; Dec. 13 — Mooney (Chevy Centre), Noon; Dec. 16 — at Lakeview; Dec. 19 — Brookfield; Dec. 22-23 — at Ironton Tournament; Dec. 30 — Struthers; Jan. 6 — at Liberty; Jan. 10 — at Kentucky Hoops Classic; Jan. 13 — Girard; Jan. 16 — Hubbard; Jan. 23 — at LaBrae; Jan. 30 — Newton Falls; Feb. 3 — at Champion; Feb. 6 — at Brookfield; Feb. 10 — LaBrae; Feb. 13 — at Girard; Feb. 17 — at Newton Falls; Feb. 20 — Champion; Feb. 24 — at Salem

CHAMPION: Dec. 5 — at Liberty; Dec. 12 — Hubbard; Dec. 16 — at Salem; Dec. 19 — at LaBrae; Dec. 23 — Bristol; Dec. 30 — at Niles; Jan. 2 — JFK; Jan. 6 — at Lakeview; Jan. 9 — Brookfield; Jan. 16 — Struthers; Jan. 20 — Howland; Jan. 23 — Newton Falls; Jan. 27 — at Maplewood; Jan. 30 — at Girard; Feb. 3 — Campbell; Feb. 6 — LaBrae; Feb. 10 — at Newton Falls; Feb. 13 — at Brookfield; Feb. 17 — Girard; Feb. 20 — at Campbell

GIRARD: Dec. 5 — McDonald; Dec. 12 — at Lakeview; Dec. 16 — Struthers; Dec. 19 — Newton Falls; Dec. 20 — at JFK; Dec. 27 — Hubbard; Dec. 30 — at Liberty; Jan. 3 — Badger; Jan. 6 — at Niles; Jan. 13 — at Campbell; Jan. 16 — at Salem; Jan. 17 — Springfield; Jan. 23 — at Brookfield; Jan. 30 — Champion; Feb. 3 — at LaBrae; Feb. 6 — at Newton Falls; Feb. 10 — Brookfield; Feb. 13 — Campbell; Feb. 17 — at Champion; Feb. 20 — LaBrae

LABRAE: Dec. 5 — Struthers; Dec. 9 — Garrettsville Garfield; Dec. 12 — at Liberty; Dec. 16 — Hubbard; Dec. 19 — Champion; Dec. 23 — Southington; Dec. 27 — Richfield Revere; Dec. 30 — at Salem; Jan. 6 — Windham; Jan. 9 — at Newton Falls; Jan. 16 — at Lakeview; Jan. 19 — at Niles; Jan. 23 — Campbell; Jan. 30 — at Brookfield; Feb. 3 — Girard; Feb. 6 — at Champion; Feb. 10 — at Campbell; Feb. 13 — Newton Falls; Feb. 17 — Brookfield; Feb. 20 — at Girard

NEWTON FALLS: Dec. 5 — at Lakeview; Dec. 9 — at Rootstown; Dec. 12 — Struthers; Dec. 16 — at Liberty; Dec. 19 — at Girard; Dec. 23 — Windham; Dec. 27 — at Southeast; Dec. 30 — Hubbard; Jan. 3 — Lordstown; Jan. 6 — at Salem; Jan. 9 — LaBrae; Jan. 16 — JFK; Jan. 23 — at Champion; Jan. 30 — at Campbell; Feb. 3 — at Brookfield; Feb. 6 — Girard; Feb. 10 — Champion; Feb. 13 — at LaBrae; Feb. 17 — Campbell; Feb. 20 — Brookfield