2010 inter-tri-county league basketball teams

TIER ONE

COLUMBIANA

Coach: Grant Spaite (1st year).

2009-10 record: 11-10.

OHSAA division: IV.

Projected starters: Luke Barker (6-0 senior, 7.0 ppg); Austin Barbato (6-0 junior, 4.0 ppg); Zach Chaplow (5-11 senior, 3.0 ppg); Jake Dejong (6-1 sophomore); Hank Schlueter (6-1 junior, 1.5 ppg).

Other varsity players: Nick MacMillan (5-9 senior), Jake Yoder (6-4 senior), Mardell Halas (5-9 senior), Nick Roncone (6-0 senior), Andrew Burdick (6-0 senior), Steve Slater (6-3 junior).

Outlook: Lots of new things with the Clippers, including the coach and the lineup. “We must replace a lot of scoring,” says Spaite. “We will need guys to step into roles that were filled by seniors last year.”

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m.):

Dec. 3 — Leetonia

Dec. 7 — Youngstown Christian

Dec. 10 — at Lisbon

Dec. 14 — at East Palestine

Dec. 17 — Mineral Ridge

Dec. 28 — Brookfield

Dec. 30 — at Sebring

Jan. 4 — at United

Jan. 7 — at Springfield

Jan. 11 — South Range

Jan. 14 — Crestview

Jan. 18 — at McDonald

Jan. 21 — Lisbon

Jan. 25 — East Palestine

Jan. 28 — at Mineral Ridge

Feb. 1 — United

Feb. 4 — Springfield

Feb. 8 — at South Range

Feb. 11 — at Crestview

Feb. 19 — at Badger

CRESTVIEW

Coach: Herman Miller (2nd year, 5-16).

2009-10 record: 5-16.

OHSAA division: III

Projected starters: Carter Hill (6-1 senior, 11.1 ppg); Adam Coppock (5-10 junior, 9.0 ppg); Brian Orr (5-11 senior, 6.9 ppg); Tom Oliver (6-2 junior, 4.6 ppg); CJ Collins (6-4 junior, 1.3 ppg).

Other varsity players: Evan Stewart (6-0 senior), Justin Baker (6-1 junior), Cody Dickens (5-10 senior), Derek Bable (6-4 sophomore), Matt May (5-11 junior).

Outlook: Miller begins his second season with the Rebels with four returning starters. Crestview has good speed, athleticism and size, now comes what Miller calls the “next step.” “We must fine more consistency on both ends,” he says.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m.):

Dec. 3 — at Western Reserve

Dec. 10 — East Palestine

Dec. 14 — at United

Dec. 17 — Springfield

Dec. 21 — at Leetonia

Dec. 30 — Heartland Christian

Jan. 4 — South Range

Jan. 7 — Lisbon

Jan. 11 — at Mineral Ridge

Jan. 14 — at Columbiana

Jan. 18 — Lowellville

Jan. 21 — at East Palestine

Jan. 25 — United

Jan. 28 — at Springfield

Feb. 1 — at South Range

Feb. 4 — at Lisbon

Feb. 5 — Beaver Local

Feb. 8 — Mineral Ridge

Feb. 11 — Columbiana

Feb. 17 — at Heartland Christian

EAST PALESTINE

Coach: Tom Bingham (14th year, 189-118).

2009-10 record: 18-4.

OHSAA division: III

Projected starters: Corey Wright (6-7 senior), Cody Stewart (6-2 junior), Brett Foreman (6-1 senior), Jake DiCello (5-10 junior), Luke Gorby (5-10 senior).

Other varsity players: Adam Robb (6-0 senior), TJ Macklin (5-10 senior), Curtis Mackall (6-1 senior), Joel Gedeon (6-1 senior), Zak Brockman (6-3 junior), Tyler Foster (5-9 junior).

Outlook: The Bulldogs are every other coach’s choice to win the Tier One, but Bingham’s expectations are a little more guarded. “With Jake Dicello as our only returning starter and Adam Robb as our only other letterwinner we do have a lack of varsity experience,” he says.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m.):

Dec. 3 — Youngstown Christian

Dec. 10 — at Crestview

Dec. 14 — Columbiana

Dec. 17 — Lisbon

Dec. 21 — at Cardinal Mooney

Dec. 28 — at Leetonia

Jan. 4 — at Mineral Ridge

Jan. 7 — at South Range

Jan. 11 — at Springfield

Jan. 14 — United

Jan. 18 — Leetonia

Jan. 21 — Crestview

Jan. 25 — at Columbiana

Jan. 28 — at Lisbon

Feb. 1 — Mineral Ridge

Feb. 4 — South Range

Feb. 8 — Springfield

Feb. 11 — at United

Feb. 15 — Chaney

Feb. 25 — at Brookfield

LISBON

Coach: Chris Huckshold (2nd year, 9-13).

2009-10 record: 9-13.

OHSAA division: IV

Projected starters: Matt Metzgar (6-4 senior, 7.0 ppg); Zack Rovnak (5-10 junior, 5.0 ppg); Drew Sweeney (5-8 junior, 2.0 ppg); Chad Bosel (6-0 junior), CJ Dawson (6-2 junior).

Other varsity players: Brian French (6-4 senior), Ben Spencer (5-11 junior), Jacob Borg (5-10 junior), Zac Barnes (5-9 junior), Danny Reese (5-10 junior).

Outlook: “Our biggest obstacle will be to replace 41 points and 18 rebounds each game, replacing three starters,” says Huckshold. Metzgar, Rovnak and Sweeney will be counted on to increase their scoring averages.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m.):

Dec. 3 — at Southern

Dec. 7 — Leetonia

Dec. 10 — Columbiana

Dec. 14 — at South Range

Dec. 17 — at East Palestine

Dec. 21 — Jackson-Milton

Dec. 29 — Heartland Christian

Jan. 4 — Springfield

Jan. 7 — at Crestview

Jan. 11 — United

Jan. 14 — Mineral Ridge

Jan. 21 — at Columbiana

Jan. 25 — South Range

Jan. 28 — East Palestine

Feb. 1 — at Springfield

Feb. 4 — Crestview

Feb. 8 — at United

Feb. 11 — at Mineral Ridge

Feb. 15 — at Jackson-Milton

Feb. 18 — at Sebring

MINERAL RIDGE

Coach: Bryan Durig (2nd year, 6-15).

2009-10 record: 6-15.

OHSAA division: III.

Varsity players: Jon Kirby (6-0 senior), Ian Robbins (6-1 senior), Chris Kirby (6-0 junior), Zack Muir (6-0 junior), Dino DiGiacomo (6-0 junior), Zak Wooley (6-5 junior), Jeff Marsolo (6-3 junior), John Thomas (5-10 junior), Cole Palmer (5-11 senior), Kyle Hanshaw (junior).

Outlook: With one returning letterman and no returning starters, the Rams will be rebuilding the program this year. “[We] have very little varsity experience,” says Durig. With everyone new to the program, Durig is unsure of who will be starting. “We will be deep as we will play 10-12 kids during the game,” he says.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m.):

Dec. 7 — at McDonald

Dec. 10 — South Range

Dec. 14 — at Springfield

Dec. 17 — at Columbiana

Dec. 28 — at Lordstown

Dec. 30 — at Mathews

Jan. 4 — East Palestine

Jan. 7 — United

Jan. 11 — Crestview

Jan. 14 — at Lisbon

Jan. 18 — Jackson-Milton

Jan. 21 — at South Range

Jan. 25 — Springfield

Jan. 28 — Columbiana

Feb. 1 — at East Palestine

Feb. 4 — at United

Feb. 8 — at Crestview

Feb. 11 — Lisbon

Feb. 15 — Badger

Feb. 18 — McDonald

SOUTH RANGE

Coach: Dave Purins (5th year, 36-45).

2009-10 record: 14-8.

OHSAA division: III.

Projected starters: Brandon Pluchinsky (6-3 junior, 14.0 ppg); Andy Lacefield (5-10 junior, 11.0 ppg); Jordan Baker (6-0 junior, 5.0 ppg); Nathan Ruiz (6-7 senior, 6.0 ppg); Mike Thorpe (6-1 senior).

Other varsity players: Dan Good (6-2 junior), Zac Csopur (5-10 junior), Ross Stoffer (5-10 sophomore), Isaac Schuster (6-2 junior).

Outlook: The Raiders will have some experience returning coming off a 14-8 record from last season. “We will be looking for some youngers guys to step up and provide us some depth,” says Purins. “Our ability to challenge teams on the defensive end and play team basketball will dictate our success,” he added.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m.):

Dec. 7 — Jackson-Milton

Dec. 10 — at Mineral Ridge

Dec. 14 — Lisbon

Dec. 17 — United

Dec. 21 — at Western Reserve

Dec. 28 — McDonald

Jan. 4 — at Crestview

Jan. 7 — East Palestine

Jan. 11 — at Columbiana

Jan. 14 — at Springfield

Jan. 21 — Mineral Ridge

Jan. 25 — at Lisbon

Jan. 28 — at United

Feb. 1 — Crestview

Feb. 4 — at East Palestine

Feb. 8 — Columbiana

Feb. 11 — Springfield

Feb. 15 — at Leetonia

Feb. 18 — at Warren JFK

Feb. 22 — Chaney

SPRINGFIELD

Coach: Eric Fender (2nd year, 9-12).

2009-10 record: 9-12.

OHSAA division: III (

Projected starters: Brad Ferraro (6-0 senior, 12.0 ppg); Nick Russell (6-3 junior, 9.4 ppg); Ron Rogers (6-3 junior, 10.4 ppg); Ryan Quimby (6-0 senior, 3.6 ppg); Tim Norris (6-2 senior, 8.3 ppg).

Other varsity players: Tom Mastran (5-10 junior), Justin Gibbs (6-0 senior), Ryan Thompson (6-1 senior), Mike Buchenic (6-0 junior), Ryan Stacy (5-10 junior).

Outlook: Led by five seniors, the Tigers looks to compete for the ITCL upper tier league championship this season. “Many players have the ability to play at a variety of positions,” says Fender. Springfield isn’t very tall, so going up against bigger teams will be a challenge. “We need to play as a team in order to give ourselves the best opportunity to win,” says Fender. “We also need to be able to finish games,” he added.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m.):

Dec. 3 — Brookfield

Dec. 10 — at United

Dec. 14 — Mineral Ridge

Dec. 17 — at Crestview

Dec. 21 — Youngstown Christian

Dec. 28 — at Lowellville

Jan. 4 — at Lisbon

Jan. 7 — Columbiana

Jan. 8 — at Girard

Jan. 11 — East Palestine

Jan. 14 — South Range

Jan. 21 — United

Jan. 25 — at Mineral Ridge

Jan. 28 — Crestview

Feb. 1 — Lisbon

Feb. 4 — at Columbiana

Feb. 8 — at East Palestine

Feb. 11 — at South Range

Feb. 18 — Western Reserve

Feb. 22 — at McDonald

UNITED

Coach: Tim King (1st year).

2009-10 record: 6-15.

OHSAA division: III (

Projected starters: Matt Gatchel (6-1 senior), Josh Miller (6-1 senior), Kyle Smallwood (6-2 senior), Brett Albright (5-7 junior), Jansen Sneltzer (6-0 senior).

Other varsity players: Jason Miller (6-0 senior), Kyle Widleign (6-1 junior).

Outlook: First year head coach Tim King will look to improve United’s talent and skill level throughout the program. “We have a lack of numbers throughout the program,” he says. “The kids have made a commitment to play and participated in an out-of-season program and are showing great improvement,” he added. To have a successful season, the Eagles must remain healthy and continue to improve.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m.):

Dec. 3 — at West Branch

Dec. 10 — Springfield

Dec. 14 — Crestview

Dec. 17 — at South Range

Dec. 21 — Southern

Dec. 28 — Heartland Christian

Jan. 4 — Columbiana

Jan. 7 — at Mineral Ridge

Jan. 11 — at Lisbon

Jan. 14 — at East Palestine

Jan. 18 — Salem

Jan. 21 — at Springfield

Jan. 25 — at Crestview

Jan. 28 — South Range

Feb. 1 — at Columbiana

Feb. 4 — Mineral Ridge

Feb. 8 — Lisbon

Feb. 11 — East Palestine

Feb. 15 — Malvern

Feb. 22 — at Minerva

TIER TWO

JACKSON MILTON

Coach: Joe Bornemiss (2nd year, 4-17).

2009-10 record: 4-17.

OHSAA division: IV,

Projected starters: Jacob Carlile (6-2 senior, 19.0 ppg); Bobby Schnellback (6-4 senior, 20.0 ppg); John Gherardi (6-3 junior, 6.0 ppg); Brennan Morrison (6-0 junior, 5.0 ppg); Zach Nagy (6-0 junior, 9.0 ppg).

Other varsity players: Ryan Nagy (6-0 junior), Tyler Huzicka (6-4 junior), Cody Vaughn (5-8 junior), Brandon Mitchell (6-5 sophomore), Chuckie Anderson (5-9 sophomore).

Outlook: Bluejays have all five starters and three top reserves back — that’s 69 points per game. “Our keys are to 1) cut down on turnovers, 2) focus on playing team defense, and 3) control the tempo of the game,” says Bornemiss.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m.):

Dec. 3 — at Mathews

Dec. 7 — at South Range

Dec. 10 — Wellsville

Dec. 14 — Lowellville

Dec. 17 — at Southern

Dec. 21 — at Lisbon

Dec. 30 — at Lordstown

Jan. 4 — McDonald

Jan. 7 — at Leetonia

Jan. 11 — at Western Reserve

Jan. 14 — at Sebring

Jan. 18 — at Mineral Ridge

Jan. 21 — at Wellsville

Jan. 25 — at Lowellville

Jan. 28 — Southern

Feb. 1 — at McDonald

Feb. 4 — Leetonia

Feb. 8 — Western Reserve

Feb. 11 — Sebring

Feb. 15 — Lisbon

LEETONIA

Coach: Mark Taylor (1st year).

2009-10 record: 3-18.

OHSAA division: IV.

Projected starters: Nick Altomare (5-8 junior), Ian Sevenich (6-0 sophomore), Cody Stokes (6-4 junior), Paul Gray (6-1 senior), Alex Maltbie (6-2 junior).

Other varsity players: Cody Valentine (6-0 sophomore), Ian Stecker (6-6 sophomore), Josh Van Giesen (6-0 sophomore), Luke Janci (6-0 sophomore), Sam Terrell (6-1 senior), Mike Wrightson (5-9 senior), Zack Van Giesen (5-10 freshman).

Outlook: First-year coach Taylor wants a fast-paced tempo. “The goal is to play an attacking style of defense that speeds up the tempo, leading to steals and run-outs, which lead to transition baskets,” he says. “Dictating tempo and flow of the game is our mandate.”

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m.):

Dec. 3 — at Columbiana

Dec. 7 — at Lisbon

Dec. 10 — Southern

Dec. 14 — at Wellsville

Dec. 17 — at McDonald

Dec. 21 — Crestview

Dec. 28 — East Palestine

Jan. 4 — Sebring

Jan. 7 — Jackson-Milton

Jan. 11 — Lowellville

Jan. 14 — at Western Reserve

Jan. 18 — at East Palestine

Jan. 21 — at Southern

Jan. 25 — Wellsville

Jan. 28 — McDonald

Feb. 1 — at Sebring

Feb. 4 — at Jackson-Milton

Feb. 8 — at Lowellville

Feb. 11 — Western Reserve

Feb. 15 — South Range

LOWELLVILLE

Coach: Mike Mangine (8th year).

2009-10 record: 16-7.

OHSAA division: IV.

Projected starters: Mike Matisi (5-10 senior, 10.0 ppg); Mike Mangine (5-11 senior, 10.0 ppg); Anthony Alfano (6-0 senior, 12.0 ppg); Dean Donatelli (6-1 junior), Gerrod Hrusovsky (6-0 senior).

Other varsity players: Carmen Donofrio (5-10 junior), Mike Kid (5-10 junior), Mike Yetronek (5-10 senior).

Outlook: Matisi, Mangine and Alfano provide a nice scoring nucleus for the Rockets, but their supporting cast is inexperienced. Coach Magine has one discouragment: “We’re small — as always!”

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m.):

Dec. 3 — Heartland Christian

Dec. 10 — Sebring

Dec. 14 — at Jackson-Milton

Dec. 17 — at Wellsville

Dec. 22 — at Heartland Christian

Dec. 28 — Springfield

Jan. 4 — Southern

Jan. 7 — Western Reserve

Jan. 11 — at Leetonia

Jan. 14 — at McDonald

Jan. 18 — at Crestview

Jan. 21 — at Sebring

Jan. 25 — Jackson-Milton

Jan. 28 — Wellsville

Feb. 1 — at Southern

Feb. 4 — at Western Reserve

Feb. 8 — Leetonia

Feb. 11 — McDonald

Feb. 15 — at Mathews

Feb. 18 — at Struthers

MCDONALD

Coach: Jeff Rasile (12th year, 198-58).

2009-10 record: 23-1.

OHSAA division: IV (

Projected starters: Mathias Tayala (6-3 senior, 18.0 ppg); Nick Rota (6-0 senior, 13.0 ppg); Justin Rota (6-0 senior, 10.0 ppg); Louie Ronghi (5-9 senior, 1.0 ppg); Kenny Ross (6-0 senior, 1.0 ppg).

Other varsity players: Tony Ingalls (6-3 senior), Jared Reckard (6-3 senior), Stephen Politano (6-1 sophomore).

Outlook: McDonald looks to continue their success from the last seven years, with a record of 140-25, through leadership from Tayala and both Rota brothers. All three have played varsity since their sophomore year, and are coming off a successful football season. “We are going to have a set back due to football success,” explains Rasile. “Eight out of our top ten players play football,” he says. McDonald looks to continue the tradition of Blue Devil basketball this season.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m.):

Dec. 7 — Mineral Ridge

Dec. 10 — at Western Reserve

Dec. 14 — at Sebring

Dec. 28 — at South Range

Jan. 4 — at Jackson-Milton

Jan. 7 — Wellsville

Jan. 11 — Southern

Jan. 14 — Lowellville

Jan. 18 — Columbiana

Jan. 21 — Western Reserve

Jan. 28 — at Leetonia

Feb. 1 — Jackson-Milton

Feb. 4 — at Wellsville

Feb. 8 — at Southern

Feb. 11 — at Lowellville

Feb. 18 — at Mineral Ridge

Feb. 22 — Springfield

SEBRING

Coach: Steve Beshara (1st year).

2009-10 record: 9-12.

OHSAA division: IV.

Returning players: Chase Good (6-2 senior), Aaron VanKirk (6-2 senior), Seamus Johnson (6-0 senior), Dakota Wagner (6-3 junior), Corey Baia (5-8 junior), Jake Hubbs (5-10 junior).

Newcomers: Tyler Whitlatch (6-3 senior), Corey Garcia (5-6 senior), Tony Sabatine (5-7 senior).

Outlook: First year coach Beshara is excited about his group of players at Sebring. “We have a number of experienced players returning which can allow us to adapt to change well,” he says. “They have an understanding of basketball, and that helps when trying to counter what an opponent is doing.” Like any program, the defensive side of the ball will tell all. The Trojans will have decent size and are overall quick, but their ability to pass the ball to get everyone involved will be the key to a successful season.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m.):

Dec. 3 — Lordstown

Dec. 4 — at Bristol

Dec. 7 — at Southington

Dec. 10 — at Lowellville

Dec. 14 — McDonald

Dec. 17 — Western Reserve

Dec. 21 — at Heartland Christian

Dec. 30 — Columbiana

Jan. 4 — at Leetonia

Jan. 7 — at Southern

Jan. 11 — at Wellsville

Jan. 14 — Jackson-Milton

Jan. 21 — Lowellville

Jan. 25 — at McDonald

Jan. 28 — at Western Reserve

Feb. 1 — Leetonia

Feb. 4 — Southern

Feb. 8 — Wellsville

Feb. 11 — at Jackson-Milton

Feb. 18 — Lisbon

SOUTHERN

Coach: George Whittaker (11th year, 110-108).

2009-10 record: 13-10.

OHSAA division: IV.

Projected starters: Jake Boyle (6-3 senior), Eric Baker (6-1 senior), Trey Griffith (6-1 senior), Brett Hunt (5-10 senior), Mike Hipsley (5-10 senior).

Other varsity players: Luke Griffith (6-2 sophomore), JJ Napierkowski (5-11 sophomore), Damin Beadnell (5-6 junior), Seth Utt (6-0 senior).

Outlook: The Indians will start five seniors this season, and that is a key in Whittaker’s eyes. Their experience and ability to score will be the strength for Southern this season. To improve off of last season’s 13-10 mark, the Indians will need to show the same effort on the defensive side as the offensive side to be successful.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m.):

Dec. 3 — Lisbon

Dec. 4 — Heartland Christian

Dec. 10 — at Leetonia

Dec. 14 — Western Reserve

Dec. 17 — Jackson-Milton

Dec. 21 — at United

Dec. 29 — Toronto

Jan. 4 — at Lowellville

Jan. 7 — Sebring

Jan. 11 — at McDonald

Jan. 14 — at Wellsville

Jan. 18 — at Toronto

Jan. 21 — Leetonia

Jan. 25 — at Western Reserve

Jan. 28 — at Jackson-Milton

Feb. 1 — Lowellville

Feb. 4 — at Sebring

Feb. 8 — McDonald

Feb. 11 — Wellsville

Feb. 18 — at Heartland Christian

WESTERN RESERVE

Coach: Brian Snyder (1st year).

2009-10 record: 7-14.

OHSAA division:

Projected starters: Riley Sheptock (6-1 senior), John Rosati (6-2 senior), Thomas Benyo (6-0 junior), Jeff Clegg (6-0 junior), Bruce Hostetter (6-3 senior).

Other varsity players: Cory Zimmerman (6-2 junior), Tommy Marlowe (5-11 junior), Brandon Diehl (5-9 junior), Dalton Korda (6-1 sophomore), Payton Snyder (6-0 sophomore), Daniel Hawkins (6-1 senior).

Outlook: Western Reserve will once again be under a new coach and a new system, but will look to compete in the league this season. “[Our] strengths lie within our speed,” says Snyder. “If we can stay aggressive and improve our shooting, this team can make strides,” he added. The Blue Devils will rely on team defense as their foundation for success.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m.):

Dec. 3 — Crestview

Dec. 7 — Lake Center Christian

Dec. 10 — McDonald

Dec. 14 — at Southern

Dec. 17 — at Sebring

Dec. 21 — South Range

Dec. 28 — at Mathews

Jan. 4 — Wellsville

Jan. 7 — at Lowellville

Jan. 11 — Jackson-Milton

Jan. 14 — Leetonia

Jan. 18 — Lordstown

Jan. 21 — at McDonald

Jan. 25 — Southern

Jan. 28 — Sebring

Feb. 1 — at Wellsville

Feb. 4 — Lowellville

Feb. 8 — at Jackson-Milton

Feb. 11 — at Leetonia

Feb. 18 — Springfield

Wellsville did not respond to requests for information.