2012-2013 WPIAL BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

By: Bruce Markey
Wednesday, December 5, 2012 | 11:31 PM

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Last year, Gateway, New Castle, Beaver Falls and Lincoln Park won WPIAL boys basketball titles. With the Red Hurricane moving up to AAAA, a new champion will be crowned in Class AAA while all of the defending champs will be in play for more gold in 2012-2013.

The boys basketball season in the WPIAL gets underway Friday night and here is a preview:

CLASS AAAA

SECTION 1

Team to beat

Penn-Trafford. Four starters return from last year’s team that tied Hempfield for the section title. One of them is 6-4 senior guard-forward Corey Stanford, one of the top players in Class AAAA. He averaged 17 points and eight rebounds a year ago. Also back is senior forward Andy Abreu, who averaged double figures. Guard Dorian Stevens and forward Brian McDonough are the other returning starters.

Two more to watch

Hempfield and Norwin

Key players

Andy Abreu, Penn-Trafford, F

Trent Bauer, Connellsville, C

Tyler Handlen, Hempfield, G

Kasen Harrell, Hempfield, G

Ben Havrilla, Latrobe, G

Jade Maher, Connellsville, F

Adam Robison, Kiski Area, G

Corey Stanford, Penn-Trafford, G-F

Nick Stone, Kiski Area, G

Matt Stewart, Norwin, F

SECTION 2

Gateway: The Gators are the two-time defending WPIAL champions. Although four-year varsity players Tyler Scott and Barnett Harris have graduated, the cupboard isn’t bare. Plus, the Gators added a few transfers, including Deon Baker from Imani Christian. Senior guard D.J. Boyce is back for his third year as a starter. Junior Tom Kromka, a 6-5 junior, will be one of the strongest inside players in the section.

Two more to watch

Central Catholic and McKeesport

Key players

Carlito Acie, McKeesport, G

Deon Baker, Gateway, F-C

Lucas Blacka, McKeesport, C

D.J.  Boyce, Gateway, G

Sam Calhoun, Central Catholic, F

Matt D’Amico, Fox Chapel, G

Austin Dedert, Plum, C

Jordyn Glaze, Penn Hills, G

Tom Kromka, Gateway, F

Griffin Myers, Plum, G

Brian Papich, Fox Chapel, G

Charan Singh, Franklin Regional, G

David Urso, Central Catholic, G

SECTION 3

Team to beat

New Castle. This section was already the best in Class AAAA. New Castle and Hampton moved up from Class AAA and the WPIAL put both of them in Section 3. New Castle was undefeated in Class AAA last year until losing to Montour in the PIAA playoffs. The Red Hurricanes don’t have much size, but are loaded with talent and experience. Only one starter (Corey Eggleston) graduated. Returning starters are senior guard-forward Shawn Anderson, senior guard Brandon Domenick, junior guard-forward Malik Hooker and junior guard Anthony Richards. Senior guard-forward Antonio Rudolph saw plenty of playing time last year also.

Two more to watch

Hampton and North Allegheny

Key players

Shawn Anderson, New Castle, G-F

Easton Bazzoli, Seneca Valley, G

Brandon Domenick, New Castle, G

Adam Haus, North Allegheny, G

David Haus, North Allegheny, G

Sean Hennigan, North Allegheny, F

Malik Hooker, New Castle, G-F

Collin Jackson, Pine-Richland, F

Colin Luther, Hampton, G-F

Ryan Luther, Hampton, G-F

R.J. McCauley, Seneca Valley, F

Joel Pepmeyer, North Hills, F

Dom Pusateri, Butler, G

Anthony Richards, New Castle, G

Geno Thorpe, Shaler, G

Lucas Wesolek, Butler, G

Danny White, North Hills, G

Tim Williams, Pine-Richland, F

SECTION 4

Bethel Park. Things are literally looking up for Bethel Park, as the Black Hawks have a team with good size. Wyatt Hagerty is a 6-11 senior who now has a scholarship offer from James Madison, while a few other Division I schools are interested. Cody Gilchrist returns at the guard position.

Two more to watch

Upper St. Clair and Mt. Lebanon

Key players

Arnes Bajgora, Baldwin, F

Cody Gilchrist, Bethel Park, G

Jordan Grabowski, Upper St. Clair, G

Wyatt Hagerty, Bethel Park, C

Brett Haney, Canon-McMillan, G

Christian Koroly, Trinity, G

Nick Korzi, Moon, G

Dakota Norton, Peters Township, G

Gabe Pritz, Peters Township, G-F

Tyler Roth, Mt. Lebanon, G

 

CLASS AAA

SECTION 1

Team to beat

Mars. The Planets did not have one senior on last year’s team that made it to the WPIAL Class AAA quarterfinals. This year’s squad is considered one of the top three or four in all of Class AAA. The Planets should be very good at the guard position. Junior Owen Nearhoof averaged 13 points a game last season and senior Mitch  Buzard also 13 points. Senior Josh Goetz is a 6-8 senior center who could have a big season. He averaged 12 rebounds last season.

Two more to watch

Knoch and Kittanning

Key players

Mitch Buzard, Mars, G

Darrious Carter, Indiana, C

Josh Goetz, Mars, C

Sterling Henry, Kittanning, G

Brendan Lynch, Freeport, G

Austin Miller, Knoch, G

Owen Nearhoof, Mars, G

Marc Vaughan, Knoch, F

SECTION 2

Team to beat

Beaver. The Bobcats had one of the best seasons in school history a year ago, making the WPIAL semifinals. Some key players graduated, but plenty of talent returns. A few other teams in the section are on par with Beaver, but forward Cory Nesmith and guard Austin Logan should help make this team a section championship contender.

Two more to watch

Central Valley and Blackhawk

Key players

Chandler Kincade, Blackhawk, G-F

Andrew Koester, West Allegheny, F

Brian Kulich, Central Valley, G

Austin Logan, Beaver, G

Mike Miara, West Allegheny, G

Cory Nesmith, Beaver, F

Michael Sims, Central Valley, G

Malik Walker, Ambridge, F

SECTION 3

Team to beat

Uniontown. The Raiders will have to replace Marcus Thomas, the team’s leading scorer at 18 ppg. But Uniontown should have a balanced offensive attack as Jordan Pratt, Christian Kezmarsky and Dreher Winfrey are all back at the guard position.

Key players

Ben D’Amico, Yough, G

Ryan Gumbita, Mount Pleasant, G

Dom Miele, Yough, F

Cody Monroe, Mount Pleasant, G

Jordan Pratt, Uniontown, G

Dreher Winfrey, Uniontown, G

SECTION 4

Team to beat

West Mifflin. Led by junior guard Ryan Maha, son of coach Lance Maha, the Titans could make some noise this season. Maha averaged 15 points last season and made all-section. Guard Derek Fulmore and forward Cye Murphy also are back.

Two more to watch

Thomas Jefferson and Elizabeth Forward

Key players

Shawn Adair, East Allegheny, G

Joe Carroll, Thomas Jefferson, G

JaQuan Davidson, Elizabeth Forward, G-F

Derek Fulmore, West Mifflin, G

Ryan Maha, West Mifflin, G

Dayshore Majors, Ringgold, G

John Maldonado, Ringgold, G

Zach Schademan, Thomas Jefferson, G

Jordan Williams, East Allegheny, G

SECTION 5

Team to beat

Chartiers Valley. The Colts move down from Class AAAA and many project them as the No. 1 team in Class AAA. They should be strong at the guard spot with junior Jerad Tuite, sophomore Matt McConnell and senior Mike Boulos. Spencer Casson, a 6-6 senior, could have a big season.

Two more to watch

Montour and South Fayette

Key players

Evan Bonnaure, South Fayette, G

Spencer Casson, Chartiers Valley, F

Zach Challingsworth, South Fayette, G-F

Carter Grote, South Park, G

Matt McConnell, Chartiers Valley, G

Cory Sevacko, Keystone Oaks, G

Kevin Scuilli, Montour, G

Jerad Tuite, Chartiers Valley, G

Devin Wilson, Montour, G

 

CLASS AA

SECTION 1

Team to beat

Burrell. The Bucs return all five starters from last season and a drop down from Class AAA should help them even more. Matt Hess, a 6-3 senior forward-center, averaged 12 points and seven rebounds last season. Other returning starters are senior guard Pete Spagnolo, senior guard Alex White, senior guard Jake Prefling and senior guard-forward Ryan Puchak.

Two more to watch

West Shamokin and Ford City

Key players

Blake Bower, Ford City, F

Damon Craig, West Shamokin, F

Matt Hess, Burrell, F-C

Tim Jaczesko, Deer Lakes, G

Dave Lattanzio, Ford City, G

Josh Reynolds, Apollo-Ridge, G

Anthony Rocco, West Shamokin, G

Pete Spagnolo, Burrell, G

Alex White, Burrell, G

SECTION 2

Team to beat

Beaver Falls. This team isn’t as strong as last year’s squad that won WPIAL and PIAA titles. Standout Sheldon Jeter is now playing at Vanderbilt. The Tigers won’t be very big, but they will have an excellent backcourt with senior Drew Cox and junior Elijah Cottrill. Danny Stratton, the quarterback of the football team, also will step into a bigger role this season.

Two more to watch

Riverside and Aliquippa

Key players

Ernie Burkes, Neshannock, G

Drew Cook, Beaver Falls, G

Elijah Cottrill, Beaver Falls, G

Xavier Coleman, Aliquippa, G

Tyler Falk, Riverside, F

Lucas Grim, Mohawk, G

Dravon Henry, Aliquippa, G

Gig Jewell, Riverside, F

Danny Stratton, Beaver Falls, G

Jaelin Yellock, New Brighton, G

SECTION 3

Team to beat

Jeannette. The Jayhawks will certainly miss Demetrious Cox, the team’s leading scorer who is now a freshman football player at Michigan State. But every other starter is back for the Jayhawks. Orlando Morgan, a 6-3 senior guard, averaged 16 points a game last season and Duke Brown, a 6-3 guard, 13.7. Sophomore Julian Batts, son of coach Adrian Batts, also showed plenty of promise last year as a freshman. Seth Miller, a 6-5 senior, will handle the inside.

Two more to watch

Greensburg Central Catholic and Serra

Key players

Julian Batts, Jeannette, G

Duke Brown, Jeannette, G

Chad Charlton, Springdale, F

Brian Graytok, Greensburg Central Catholic, G

Sam Gonsowski, Riverview, G

Charley Guy, Springdale, F

Zach Herman, Greensburg Central Catholic, G

Max Kaminsky, Serra, G

Orlando Morgan, Jeannette, G

George Prota, Serra, C

SECTION 4

Seton-LaSalle. This could be the year of the Rebel yell. Seton-LaSalle made the playoffs last year with a young squad. The Rebels had a very successful summer season and now are projected as one of the top five teams in Class AA. Junior guard Dale Clancy averaged 12 points and made all-section last year. Junior forwards Levis Masua and Malik White also could have big impacts.

Two more to wach

Washington and Brentwood

Key players

Dale Clancy, Seton-LaSalle, G

Jeremy Lucas, Fort Cherry, G

Levi Masua, Seton-LaSalle, F

Josh Mack, Burgettstown, F

Shayne Murphy, Chartiers-Houston,

Jason Pilarski, Brentwood, G

Jake Seligman, Bishop Canevin, G

Malik White, Seton-LaSalle, F

Josh Wise, Washington, G

SECTION 5

Team to beat

California. One of the main reasons big things are expected of the Trojans is because of the team’s backcourt. Senior Brian Fisher averaged 17 points a game and senior Tanner Huffman 16.

Two more to watch

Brownsville and Charleroi

Key players

Cole Novotney, Brownsville, G

Jim Diaz, Charleroi, G

Brian Fisher, California, G

Robert Gondura, Frazier, F

Tanner Huffman, California, G

Eric Johnson, Charleroi, F

Josh Miller, Beth-Center, G

Travis Taylor, Jefferson-Morgan, G

SECTION 6

Team to beat

Sto-Rox. The Vikings lost a couple key players to graduation (Dontez Ford and Marzett Geter). Also, senior Lemonte Harrison, an all-section player last year, transferred to Montour. But the Vikings still will be one of the best teams in Class AA. Lenny Williams, the star quarterback of the football team, will be a leader on the hardwood, too. Malkil Allen can be an inside presence.

Two more to watch

Quaker Valley and South Side

Key players

Makil Allen, Sto-Rox, F

Luke Collett, South Side, G

Burke Moser, Quaker Valley, G-F

Ryan Welsh, Avonworth,

Nick Schwab, Freedom, G

Nolan Westwood, Quaker Valley, G

Lenny Williams, Sto-Rox, G

 

CLASS A

SECTION 1

Team to beat

Lincoln Park. The Leopards have been in the WPIAL and PIAA championship games two years in a row, winning a WPIAL title last year. This team is good enough to make the WPIAL title game again and possibly the PIAA final. Ryan Skovranko, a 6-6- junior, averaged 16 points last year as a sophomore. Guard Antonio Kellam showed plenty of promise last year as a freshman. Jaylyn Cottrill is back at forward.

Two more to watch

Union and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart

Key players

Stefan Arch, O.L.S.H., G

Jaylin Cottrill, Lincoln Park, F

Dane Jackson, Cornell, G

Cameron Johnson, O.L.S.H., G

Antonio Kellam, Lincoln Park, G

Nick Miller, Western Beaver, F

Markel Peace, Union, F

Joe Salmen, Union, G

Ryan Skovranko, Lincoln Park, G

Ben Young, Union, G

SECTION 2

Team to beat

North Catholic. The Trojans will be led by 6-3 senior forward Danny Savulchak (19 ppg). Some other key players graduated, but this is still a team that could make a postseason run.

Two more to watch

Vincentian and Quigley

Key players

J.P. Bowell, Sewickley Academy, G

Tony Dinardo, Vincentian, G-F

Jay Fyda, Quigley, G

Nate Lieb, Quigley, F

Danny Savulchak, North Catholic, F

SECTION 3

Team to beat

Monessen. Although the Greyhounds lost double figure scorers Jaisen Irwin, Jalen Madison and Earl Pinkney, look for coach Joe Salvino’s team to still be strong, especially after moving down from Class AA. Monessen could start as many as three sophomores. Justice Rawlins also figures to be one of the team’s top players.

Two more to watch

Clairton and Carmichaels

Key players

Aaron Agostoni, Geibel, G-F

Tyler Boyd, Clairton, G

Bryan Clifford, Clairton, G

Titus Howard, Clairton, F

Brandon Miller, Avella, G

Justice Rawlins, Monessen, F

Derek Riggelman, Mapletown, G

SECTION 4

Team to beat

St. Joseph. With Serra and Clairton moving out of the section, St. Joseph looks like the team to beat. Guard John Arcuri averaged 15 points a game last year and will be one of the top players in the section. Michael Connelly averaged 22 a game last season and will be sorely missed.

Two more to watch

Wilkinsburg and Imani Christian

Key players

John Arcuri, St. Joseph, G

Chris Gamble, St. Joseph, G

Kyle Kregar, Wilkinsburg, F

Chris Swank, Leechburg, G

John Wallace, Trinity Christian, G