AAC boys basketball preview

RED TIER

AUSTINTOWN FITCH (I)

Coach: Brian Beany, fourth year, 39-24

2013-14 record: 18-5

Projected starters: Scotty Duffy, PG, 5-7, Jr.; Jake Bullen, G, 6-1, Sr.; Zac Carr, G, 6-2, Sr.; Dominic DiFrancesco, F, 6-3, Jr.; Anthony Pangio, F, 6-4, Jr.

Other varsity players: Brian Beany, G, 6-2, Jr.; Bryce Hall, G/F, 6-2, Jr.; Derek Gunter, G, 6-1, Jr.; Brandon Jackson, F, 6-5, So.; Larry Harrington, G, 6-1, So.; Rick Terry, G, 6-2, Jr.; Jaylon Sanders, PG, 5-6, So.

Outlook: After losing standout Jessie Driver to graduation, the Falcons will rely heavily on Pangio, a second team all-conference pick who led the AAC in field goal percentage and their two seniors, Bullen and Carr. Beany like his team’s depth but worries about its inexperience.

CANFIELD (II)

Coach: Todd Muckleroy, fifth year, 53-38

2013-14 record: 19-5

Projected starters: Mike Yourstowsky, G, 5-10, Sr.; John French, G, 5-8, Sr.; Matt Desanto, G, 5-9, Sr.; Vince Leone, F, 6-0, Sr.; Mason Mangapora, F, 6-3, Jr.

Other varsity players: Julian Vitto, G, 5-9, Jr.; Vince Ferrier, F, 6-0, Jr.; Sammy DiGiacomo, F, 6-6, Jr.; Jake Cummings, F, 6-0, So.

Outlook: Muckleroy likes his team’s depth, believing he can play an eight- or nine-man rotation but he’s worried about its inexperience. The Cardinals return just three letterwinners and lost six to graduation, so the younger players will need to develop quickly

HOWLAND (II)

Coach: Jason Lee, first year

2013-14 record: 5-17

Varsity players: Alex Sindledecker, F, So.; Clinton Ewing, F, So.; Connor Atinone, PG, Jr.; Dan Genaro, G, Jr.; Deon Patterson, F, So.; Devin Stiebeling, G, Jr.; Elijah Thompkins, F, Jr.; John Andamasaris, F, So.; Jordan Lanier, G, Jr.; Julian Lanier, G, Sr.; Luciano Romeo, G, Jr.; Micheal Massucci, G, So.; Nathan Leventis, G, So.; Nick Badanjek, F, So.; Ray Hill, F, Sr.; Tyler Tamarkin, PG, Sr.; Tyriq Ellis, G, So.; Victor Williams, G, So.; William Peterson, G, Jr.

Outlook: After a successful four-year stint at Mathews, Lee was hired in the offseason to replace Bill Bogan. With just two seniors on the varsity roster, the younger Tigers will need to develop quickly if they want to compete in the tough Red Tier.

POLAND (II)

Coach: Ken Grisdale, 22nd year, 367-127

2013-14 record: 24-3.

Projected starters: Nick Gajdos, G, 5-8, Sr.; Jared Burkert, G, 5-10, Jr.; Kyle Dixon, F, 6-3, Sr.; Dan Black, F, 6-4, Sr.; Tate Duarte, F, 6-5, Sr.

Other varsity players: Austin Wilson, F, 6-0, Sr.; Mike Gajdos, G, 5-9, Jr.; Matt Baker, F, 6-5, Jr.; Nick Romeo, G, 5-8, Sr.; Nick Buccieri, F, 6-1, Jr.; Jake Burns, C, 6-6, Jr.

Outlook: Grisdale likes his team’s depth, experience, shooting ability, team chemistry and work ethic, but said the Bulldogs need to stay healthy, play selflessly, take care of the ball, play great defense and rebound.

WARREN HARDING (I)

Coach: Andy Vlajkovich, third year, 26-21

2013-14 record: 13-11

Projected starters: Gabe Simpson, PG, 5-8, Jr.; Jarelle Johnson, SG, 6-1, Sr.; Shondell Jackson, G, 6-3, Sr.; Shakem Johnson, F, 6-6, Jr.; Derek Culver, C, 6-9, Soph.

Other varsity players: Kali Stubbs, SG, 5-10, Sr.; Mark Herron, SG, 6-2, Jr.; David Richardson, PG, 5-9, Sr.; Kahmaree Bush, G, 6-1, Jr.; Marlin Richardson, SG, 5-10, So.; Antonio McQueen, C, 6-5, So.

Outlook: The Raiders return four starters and five letterwinners from last year’s team, which started a freshman and two sophomores. Leading scorer Jackson also returns. Vlajkovich likes his team’s size and athleticism but depth is a concern.

WHITE TIER

HUBBARD (III)

Coach: Rick Fox, 10th year, 89-109

2013-14 record: 6-18

Returner letterwinners: Derek Kopanic, Sr., 5-10; Isiah Scott, 6-3, Sr.; Tyler Hodge, 6-2, Sr.; Adam Schroeder, 6-0, Jr.

Top newcomers: Cameron Ingram, 6-1, Jr.; Dom Pantone, 6-0, Jr.; Brett Lopuchovsky, 5-8, Jr.; Ryan Love, 6-0, So.; Dillon O’Hara, 6-0, Soph.

Outlook: Fox said the team needs leadership from its upperclassmen and to improve on the defensive end to compete in the AAC.

LAKEVIEW (III)

Coach: Lawrence Herrholtz, seventh year, 87-26 from 2001-06

2013-14 record: 4-19

Varsity players: Tom Bell, F, 6-4, Sr.; Brandon Keller, G, 6-0, Sr.; Ryan Pishotti, G, 6-2, Sr.; Chris Romano, G, 6-1, Sr.; Nick Hunter, G, 5-11, Jr.; Angelo Marino, G, 6-1, Jr.; Tim Roberts, G, 5-11, Jr.; Ken Wetzel, F, 6-4, Jr.; Jatise L. Garrison, G, 6-3, So.; Chris Muir, G, 6-3, So.

Outlook: The Bulldogs have good size and experience but Herrholtz, who is back coaching Lakeview after an eight-year break, said trust is an issue right now.

NILES (II)

Coach: Ron Price, 10th year, 123-101

2013-14 record: 9-14

Projected starters: Cameron Kane, G, 5-8, Jr.; Muhammad Salaam, G, 5-10, Sr.; Leonard Bryant, G, 5-11, Sr.; Lennell Smith, F, 6-1, Sr.; Cory Hayes, F, 6-2, Sr.

Other varsity players: Garrat Pitts, G, 5-10, Jr.; Brylen Caddiell, F, 6-0, Jr.; River Hansen, F, 6-2, Jr.; Tyrese Williams, G, 5-10, So.; Tre Martin, G, 5-6, So.; Cam Carson, G, 5-5, Jr.; Marlan Pearson, F, 5-11, So.

Outlook: Outside of Kane, who averaged 10 points per game last season, the Red Dragons don’t have a lot of experience. But Price likes his team’s quickness, athleticism and team unity. Size is a concern.

BLUE TIER

BROOKFIELD (III)

Coach: Bill Kovach, third year, 34-14

2013-14 record: 13-10

Projected starters: Seth Wallace, F, 6-4, Sr.; Brian Hiner, G, 6-1, So.

Other varsity players: Derrick Dickson, G, 5-10, Sr.; Davon Sims, G, 6-2, Sr.; Nate Johnson, F, 6-2, Sr.; Matt Smoot, F, 6-3, Sr.; Marc Kraml, G, 5-10, Jr.; Jacob Jackson, F, 6-6, Jr.; Moataz Rasoul, G, 5-11, Jr.; Chad Filipovich, G, 5-11, So.; Hunter Sheehan, F, 6-1, So.

Outlook: The Warriors have six returning lettermen and Kovach likes their shooting ability. He said they must take care of the ball and utilize their post players.

CAMPBELL (III)

Coach: Mike Szenborn, third year, 23-23

2013-14 record: 16-7

Projected starters: Edgar Toledo, G, 5-5, Sr.; Cameron Collins, G, 5-7, Sr.; George Billiris, F, 6-1, Sr.; Aaron Jackson, F, 6-0, Sr.; Mike Williams, C, 6-2, Sr.

Other varsity players: Niko Bednarik, G, 5-5, Sr.; Ryan Luciano, G, 5-5, Sr.; Jalen Rich, C, 6-5, Sr.; Raymond Rue, F, 5-10, Jr.

Outlook: Szenborn likes a lot about this year’s team — its experience, quickness, athleticism, fundamentals and discipline —and will look to play fast and aggressive. He said the Red Devils must limit turnovers, rebound and score in transition.

CHAMPION (III)

Coach: Ryan Fitch, second year, 1-22

2013-14 record: 1-22

Projected starters: Lucas Nasonti, G, 5-9, So.; Chris Miller, G, 6-1, Sr.; Noah Bayus, G, 6-0, So.; Michael Turner, G, 6-0, So.; Keith Holzhauser, F, 6-5, Jr.

Other varsity players: Eric Karafa, G, 5-5, Jr.; Brandon Allen, F, 6-0, So.; Drake Batcho, F, 6-1, Fr.

Outlook: The Flashes return three double-digit scorers in Nasonti (12.9 per game), Miller (11.6) and Turner (10.1). Fitch wants to see his team use its strong shooting to stretch defenses and will look to score more in transition. Rebounding will be key.

LABRAE (III)

Coach: Chad Kiser, eighth year, 132-55.

2013-14 record: 18-6.

Projected starters: Justin Jenkins, G, 5-9, Sr.; Michael Eakins, G, 5-10, So.; Tariq Drak, W, 6-0, So.; Grant Sprague, 6-2, Jr.; Caelan Hyland, P, 6-3, Jr.

Other varsity players: Carlton Brown, G, 5-10, So.; Clay Cordner, G, 5-10, Sr.; Jason Downey, W, 6-1, Jr.; Marcus Roberts, W, 5-9, Jr.; JT Wolke, W, 6-0, So.; Logan Kiser, W, 6-2, Fr.; Aaron Iler, W, 6-0, Fr.

Outlook: Chad Kiser says his team’s strengths are quickness and depth. A weakness will be inexperience at the varsity level. “We will need to play great defense this year in order to compete,” Kiser said.

LIBERTY (III)

Coach: Dan Bubon, fourth year, 33-35

2013-14 record: 13-11

Projected starters: Lynn Bowden, G, 6-0, So.; Andre Bowers, G, 5-9, So.; Leslie Carter, G, 5-9, Sr.; JaShaun Whitman, F, 6-2, Jr.; Ben Phillips, F, 6-3, Sr.

Other varsity players: Kaylon Davis, G, 6-0, Jr.; Daniel Banks, G, 6-0, So.; Hyland Burton, G, 6-1, Fr.; Dra Rushton, G, 5-8, Fr.

Outlook: Led by Bowden, who averaged 13 points per game last year, the Leopards have a very athletic, but very young, team. Five of Liberty’s top nine players are freshmen or sophomores. Bubon thinks this is the best-shooting team he’s had in his four years.

NEWTON FALLS (III)

Coach: Roy Sembach, 25th year, 366-245

2013-14 record: 14-10

Projected starters: Marcus Lard, G, 6-3, Sr.; Adam Czerniak, G, 6-2, Sr.; Brad Mitchell, G, 6-2, Sr.; Jaden Walton, G, 6-2, Jr.; Austin Brown, F, 6-3, Sr.

Other varsity players: Noah Suarez, G, 5-10, Jr.; Justin Humphrey, G, 5-10, Jr.; Ben Simpson, F, 6-5, So.; Joey Urso, G, 5-11, So.; Alan Boone, G, 6-0, Jr.; Alex Ball, G, 5-8, Jr.; Ben Koontz, F, 5-10, Jr.; Vince Dragich, G/F, 6-3, So.; Craig Kennedy, G, 6-0, Jr.

Outlook: The Tigers have good size on the perimeter and a nice mixture of youth and experience, but Sembach knows he must develop his bench. He thinks rebounding and defense are keys to a good season.

Note: Boardman, East, Struthers and Girard did not respond to requests for information.