First Posted: 12/26/2013
Teams are listed in predicted order of finish.
DIVISION I
1. HAZLETON AREA
Coach: Mike Joseph
12-13 WVC record: 12-2 WVC Div. I, 1st; 17-6 overall
12-13 postseason: Lost 54-46 to Scranton in D2/4-4A semifinals.
State classification: 4A
Key players lost: Abel Felix, F; Kurtis Wright, F
Key players: Brett Barron, 6-0, Sr.; Sal Biasi, 5-11, Sr.; Mark Brehm, 6-4, Sr.; Jon Fogarty, 5-11, Sr.; William Hierro, 6-0, Sr.; Kyle Karmonick, 6-3, Sr.; Hunter Samec, 6-6, Sr.; Chris Woodring, 5-11, Sr.; Chris Panzarella, 6-2, Jr.; Reynal Santana, 6-3, Jr.
Outlook: Biasi, last season’s divisional MVP and an All-WVC selection, is the WVC’s premier guard after averaging 28 points and hitting 42 three-pointers in league play. Barron (10.9 ppg, 41 three-point FGs) gets overshadowed at times, but is quite the marksman himself. Karmonick (8.6) improved offensively late last season. Plus, there is plenty of size and talent beyond those three. Everything seems in place for the Cougars to repeat as divisional champs and be the favorites to take home the D2/4-4A title as the other teams in the bracket seem to lack the same firepower.
2. CRESTWOOD
Coach: Mark Atherton
12-13 WVC record: 10-4 Div. I, 3rd; 17-9 overall
12-13 postseason: Defeated Wyoming Area 65-48 in D2-3A first round. Defeated Lake-Lehman 56-44 in the quarterfinals. Lost 40-29 to GAR in the semifinals. Lost 53-29 to Scranton Prep in the third-place game.
State classification: 3A
Key players lost: Steve Roberts, F
Key players: Luke Casey, 6-6, Sr.; Chris Fazzini, 6-4, Sr.; Brady Gallagher, 5-10, Sr.; Brian Markowski, 6-2, Sr.; Leonny Rojas, 6-1, Sr.; Jason Dotzel, 6-3, Jr.; Cole Wasco, 6-2, Jr.; Robbie Hopkins, 5-10, So.; Josh Malkemes, 5-10, So.; Lance Blass, 6-1, Fr.
Outlook: All-WVC selection Fazzini (14.8 ppg) and active guard Gallagher (12.5) lead a talented and experienced bunch that has played well in the preseason. Wasco and Markowski, who each averaged just under 10 points, are also back to the starting lineup. Casey, who was declared ineligible last season after transferring from Nantico*ke, gives the Comets a big body they lacked last season. The deep bench is a blend of experience and youth, so the cupboard won’t be completely bare next season. Will challenge for the divisional and D2-3A titles.
3. PITTSTON AREA
Coach: Alan Kiesinger
12-13 WVC record: 8-6 Div. I, 4th; 13-11 overall
12-13 postseason:Defeated Coughlin 48-46 in D2-3A first round. Lost 57-24 to Scranton Prep in quarterfinals.
State classification: 3A
Key players lost: Jayson Crawford, G; James Tobish, F
Key players: James Emmett, 6-2, Sr.; Mason Gross, 6-5, Sr.; Carmen Lobrutto, 6-2, Sr.; Hassan Maxwell, 6-0, Sr.; Michael Schwab, 5-11, Sr.; Michael Delaney, 5-9, Jr.; Tyler McGarry, 6-5, Jr.; Kyle Gattuso, 5-7, Jr.; Ryan Hannon, 5-8, Jr.
Outlook: Gross (16.1 ppg), Schwab (7.5) and Emmett (3.7) return to the starting lineup. Gross will play at Wilkes next season. McGarry (7.1) provided a spark off the bench last season and will contribute more, while Maxwell worked his way into more playing time late. LoBrutto and Delaney are also expected to contribute quite a bit. Then there is a drop-off as the Patriots search for some role players to fill in the cracks. They struggling in the early going in the preseason, but have reversed their fortunes so that’s a good sign going forward.
4. WYOMING VALLEY WEST
Coach: George Reimiller
12-13 WVC record: 12-2 Div. I, 2nd; 16-10 overall
12-13 postseason: Defeated Wallenpaupack 59-43 in D2/4-4A quarterfinals. Lost 67-56 to Williamsport in D2/4-4A semifinals. Lost 59-48 to Scranton in D2-4A championship game.
State classification: 4A
Key players lost: Brett Good, F/G; Jaquan Ingram, C/F; Chris McCue, G; Lucky Williams, F
Key players: Larry Anderscavage, 5-9, Sr.; Mike Baur, 6-4, Sr.; Jamie Calloway, 6-0, Sr.; Steve Doroskewicz, 6-2, Sr.; Evan McCue, 6-0, Sr.; Hason Milton, 6-1, Sr.; Mike Sands, 5-11, Sr.; Damian Clark, 6-0, Jr.; Bailey Ryneski, 6-0, Jr.; Sean Judge, 5-9, Fr.
Outlook: All-WVC selection Ingram will be missed because of the total package he brought under the basket. The other graduation losses will probably knock down the Spartans a notch or two on the athletic scale. Guys like Baur, Sands and Judge shined on the football field, but whether that translates to the court will be interesting. The Spartans, though, have a couple sharpshooters on the outside in Anderscavage (11.6 ppg, 27 three-point FGs) and Calloway (6.8 ppg, 21 three-point FGs). However, it’s hard to win nightly living exclusively from the perimeter.
5. DALLAS
Coach: Doug Miller
12-13 WVC record: 2-12 Div. I, tied 7th; 3-20 overall
12-13 postseason: Lost 69-31 to GAR in D2-3A first round.
State classification: 3A
Key players lost: Darik Johnson (transferred to Coughlin)
Key players: Chad DeBona, 6-0, Sr.; Gurmail Mathon, 6-1, Sr.; Payden Rybicki, 5-10, Sr.; Stephen Wempa, 6-2, Sr.; Brian Drouse, 6-5, Jr.; Allen Fell, 6-6, Jr.; Omar Nijmeh, 6-3, Jr.; Matt Ross, 6-0, Jr.; Suk Mathon, 6-8, So.; Michael Farrell, 6-3, Fr.
Outlook: Dallas was 1-4 before the Christmas break but, aside from the Scranton Prep game, was in every contest. More of that is expected as the season progresses with Ross (14.8 ppg) DeBona (9.0), Suk Mathon (7.9) and a healthy Fell (7.6) returning to the lineup. The Mountaineers also have nice size, with perhaps the biggest frontcourt in the WVC. They had some issues on both side of the ball last season, going 0-14 in games where they surrendered 60 or more points. Dallas probably won’t make a run at either Hazleton Area or Crestwood, but third place isn’t out of the question.
6. TUNKHANNOCK
Coach: Dustin Babco*ck
12-13 WVC record: 7-7 Div. I, 5th; 8-14 overall
12-13 postseason: Lost 48-40 to Honesdale in D2-3A first round.
State classification: 3A
Key players lost: Brett Christy, G/F; Jimmy DeWitt, G/F; Brian Stephenson, F
Key players: Adam Billings, 6-3, Sr.; Sean Soltysiak, 6-2, Sr.; Brian Beuachemin, 5-11, Jr.; Matt Grebeck, 5-11, Jr.; Eric Stamer, 6-0, Jr.; Austin Yanora, 5-9, Jr.; Cody Brown, 5-9, So.; Tony Maloney, 6-4, So.
Outlook: The Tigers look solid in the backcourt with Yanora (12.5 ppg, 26 three-point FGs) returning for his third year at the point and Sean Soltysiak (13.0 ppg) providing offense as a combo guard. After that, things get a little fuzzy. Billings and Beauchemin have the most experience of the other guys being counted on to contribute. Across the board, the Tigers don’t have much size. Tunkhannock has allowed quite a few points in the preseason, so the defense will need some tightening to improve on last season’s finish.
7. COUGHLIN
Coach: Mike Day
12-13 WVC record: 3-11 Div. I, 6th; 5-18 overall
12-13 postseason: Lost 48-46 to Pittston Area in D2-3A first round.
State classification: 3A
Key players lost: Conner Flaherty, F; Malik McDonald, G/F Nate Oliver, G
Key players: Alex Cerep, Sr.; Kendal Davis, Sr.; Darik Johnson, Sr. (Dallas transfer); Nick Peterlin, Jr.; Nick Cerep, So.; Devin Rajza, So.; Collin Krokus, So.; Jose Rivera, So.; Charles Cobb, Fr.
Outlook: The Crusaders have played fairly well defensively in the preseason, but the offense has some catching up to do. That was expected with first-team division all-star Oliver and Flaherty, the team’s two top scorers in 2012-13, graduated. Johnson averaged 9.1 points at Dallas, so that will help. Davis bring additional athleticism on the perimeter. Alex Cerep, another senior, had to deal with a broken hand to start the season. Coughlin is rather young overall, but has some really good athletes who should develop as the season goes on.
8. BERWICK
Coach: Jason Kingery
12-13 WVC record: 2-12 Div. I, tied 7th; 5-19 overall
12-13 postseason: Defeated Western Wayne 67-51 in D2-3A qualifier. Lost 90-46 to Abington Heights in first round
State classification: 3A
Key players lost: Jeremy Clausen, F.; Eric May, G Will Morales, G; Zach Ladonis, F
Key players: Matthew Dalo, 6-2, Sr.; Joshua Edwards, 5-10, Sr.; Tyler Evans, 6-3, So.; Jude Goodard, 6-1, Fr.
Outlook: A five-win season might not seem too impressive, but considering where this program had been, it was a solid accomplishment. However, the bulk of the offense has departed and it’s shown in the preseason. The Dawgs will be young, with Edwards the only senior expected to play a significant role. Dalo (2.7 ppg) is a solid inside/outside player. Evans (3.2 ppg) showed potential as a freshman, while Goodard is a developing post player. Still, the overall lack of experience could make reaching last season’s win total quite challenging.
DIVISION II
1. GAR
Coach: Paul Brown
12-13 WVC record: 12-1 Div. II, 1st; 17-10 overall
12-13 postseason: Defeated Dallas 69-31 in D2-3A first round, Holy Redeemer 74-45 in quarterfinals and Crestwood 40-29 in semifinals. Lost 56-37 to Abington Heights in D2-3A championship game. Lost 64-44 to Donegal in PIAA 3A first round.
State classification: 3A
Key players lost: Christian Skrepenak, C; Willie Winstead, G; Darius Washingon, G (transferred to Holy Redeemer)
Key players: Isaiah Francis, 6-3, Sr.; Jahlil Harvey, 6-1, Sr.; James Holmes, 5-10, Sr.; Nigebo Francis, 6-7, Jr.; Rashaun Jackson, 6-2, Jr.; Greg Skrepenak Jr., 6-4, Jr.; Tydus Winstead, 6-2, Jr.; Justin Crosby, 6-1, So.; Dajon Rush, 6-0, So.
Outlook: Don’t be fooled by GAR’s ho-hum start in the preseason. Like last season, the Grenadiers play a brutal exhibition schedule and are better than indicated. Isaiah Francis (14.2 ppg) was the division MVP and All-WVC last season. He makes the game look easy at times. His cousin Nigebo needs to smooth out some rough spots, but he can jump to the rafters. Harvey and Holmes can push the action up and down the court. Minus a big man, expect the Grenadiers to run more with a lot of fellas seeing time. They have the potential to be a D2-3A final four team.
2. LAKE-LEHMAN
Coach: Brian Cutter
12-13 WVC record: 7-6 Div. II, tied 2nd; 12-12 overall
12-13 postseason: Defeated West Scranton 44-40 in D2-3A first round. Lost 56-44 to Crestwood in quarterfinals.
State classification: 3A
Key players lost: Jared James, G
Key players: Scott Bean, 6-5, Sr.; Pete Borum, 6-6, Sr.; Adam Dizbon, 6-0, Sr.; Cody Paraschak, 6-4, Sr.; Brian Devine, 6-0, Jr.; Mike Symeon, 5-11, Jr.; Ben Brooks, 5-9, So.; Connor McGovern, 6-3, So.
Outlook: All-WVC selection Borum (17.3 ppg) along with fellow divisional all-star Dizbon (14.2) lead a team that many coaches view as a legitimate contender for the divisional crown. Paraschak (8.2) isn’t a boxscore guy, but does all the little things well. Devine also saw his share of varsity time as a sophom*ore. There also a couple intriguing – albeit inexperienced – big men on the roster and some depth coming off the bench. Certainly a team to keep an eye on as the season moves forward. Despite some of the accolades, D2-3A is stacked so getting past the quarterfinals will be difficult.
3. HOLY REDEEMER
Coach: Paul Guido
12-13 WVC record: 7-6 Div. II, tied 2nd; 10-14 overall
12-13 postseason: Defeated North Pocono 63-53 in D2-3A first round. Lost 74-45 to GAR in quarterfinals.
State classification: 3A
Key players lost: none
Key players: Brian Banas, 6-3, Sr.; Mike Boutanos, 5-8, Sr.; John Kane, 6-5, Sr.; Mike Prociak, 6-8, Sr.; Jerry Busch, 5-10, Jr.; Lenny Radziak, 5-10, Jr.; Jim Slavinski, 6-4, Jr.; Darius Washington, 6-1, Jr. (GAR transfer)
Outlook: Guido, an assistant under former coach Mark Belenski for about a dozen seasons, takes over a once-dominant program that has suffered three consecutive losing seasons. The Royals have a nice point guard in Boutanos (9.4 ppg) and noticeable height in Banas (10.2), Kane (5.3) and Prociak (4.9). But for some reason, the pieces never quite fit properly in 2012-13. The offense was inconsistent, scoring at least 50 points just once against opponents with winning records. It has struggled out of the gate during the preseason, so a quick fix might not be in the offing.
4. NANTIco*kE
Coach: John Beggs
12-13 WVC record: 7-6 Div. II, tied 2nd; 11-12 overall
12-13 postseason: Lost 57-37 to Wyoming Seminary in D2-2A first round.
State classification: 2A
Key players lost: Nate Seise, G; Cairee Walker, F
Key players: Mike Malshefski, 6-2, Sr.; Tyler Myers, 5-9, Sr.; Rees Roberts, 6-1, Jr.; Matt Winters, 5-11, Jr.; Brent Piontkowski, 6-4, So.; Scott Stout, 5-10, So.
Outlook: Beggs takes over for long-time coach Ken Bartuska. Through the early preseason, the defense has allowed too many points and the offense has been inconsistent. Of course, that might have been expected with Malashefski (9.8 ppg) and Myers (7.4 ppg) the only two returners who saw significant varsity time last season. Piontkowski showed flashes of being a quality big man as a freshman. Overall, the Trojans aren’t very big or experienced enough to make a big improvement in last season’s record.
5. WYOMING AREA
Coach: Al Brogna
12-13 WVC record: 2-12 Div. II, tied 5th; 3-20 overall
12-13 postseason: Lost 65-48 to Crestwood in D2-3A first round.
State classification: 3A
Key players lost: Mike Carey, G; Bart Chupka, F/C; Derek Dorman, G; Trent Grove, F; Jordan Zezza, G/F
Key players: Zach Gibbons, 6-0, Jr.; Nick Gushka, 6-1, Jr.; Evan Musto, 6-1, Jr.; Jeremy Zezza, 6-1, Jr. ; Ryan Murray, 6-0, So.; Anthony Shaver, 5-10, So.
Outlook: Brogna has the same issue as past coaches at Wyoming Area. The team has some good athletes, but they excel in sports other than basketball. Zezza (2.8 ppg) is the top returning scorer, so offense will once again be hard to come by. The Warriors have gone 45 consecutive games without reaching 60 points. Plus, there is very little in the way of size and experience. The freshmen class has some potential, but it will take time.
DIVISION III
1. MEYERS
Coach: Pat Toole
12-13 WVC record: 13-0 Div. III, 1st; 23-4 overall
12-13 postseason: Defeated Carbondale 64-36 in D2-2A first round, Wyoming Seminary 64-43 in quarterfinals and Mid Valley 43-40 in semifinals. Lost 59-45 to Holy Cross in D2-2A championship game. Lost 57-47 to Trinity in PIAA 2A first round.
State classification: 2A
Key players lost: Ryan Krawczeniuk, G; Rasheed Moore, C/F.; C.J. Szafran, G; Matt DeMarco, G/F
Key players: Curtis Blue, 6-0, Sr.; Dominic Pittman, 6-3, Sr.; Tyler Smallcomb, 6-0, Sr.; Tyriek Steward, 6-4, Sr.; Tyon Thomas, 5-8, Sr.; Shahee Aurelus, 5-8, Jr.; Andrew Davidson, 6-2, Jr.; Simran Mangat, 6-2, So.; Raheem Twyman, 6-3, So.; Ryan Wasley, 6-5, So.
Outlook: Gone are Times Leader Co-Players of the Year Krawczeniuk and Moore, as well as two more starters. First-team divisional all-star Steward (12.2 ppg) is back, though. Steward is a force under the boards and is a match-up problem because he is also a skilled ballhandler. Whether the Mohawks can find the other pieces will be the key. In five preseason games before Christmas, they are 3-2 but were right there in setbacks to Crestwood and Holy Cross. So things might be coming together quicker than anticipated. However, don’t expect a dominant team like last season.
2. HANOVER AREA
Coach: Steve Harnischfeger
12-13 WVC record: 6-7 Div. III, 3rd; 11-13 overall
12-13 postseason: Defeated Dunmore 76-72 in double overtime in D2-2A first round. Lost 68-43 to Elk Lake in quarterfinals.
State classification: 2A
Key players lost: Troy Everetts, G; Ethan Hoolick, G/F; Jorge Colon, G
Key players: Ronnie Moreno, 5-9, Sr.; Jake Barber, 6-0, Jr.; Robert Brenner, 6-6, Jr.; Bob Kerestes, 6-4, Jr.; Tony Marcincavage, 6-2, Jr.; David Torres, Jr.
Outlook: Barber (13.8 ppg), Kerestes (7.2) and Marcincavage (7.1) all return to the starting lineup, yet the Hawkeyes remain young overall. The youth showed at times last season as Hanover Area lost five games by five points or less. There was also a bit of a tailspin at the end of 2012-13 as the Hawkeyes dropped seven of their last 10 games. Things can turn around this season if they can find a few more pieces and some reliable players off the bench.
3. NORTHWEST
Coach: Jerry Blazick
12-13 WVC record: 3-10 Div. III, tied 4th; 5-18 overall
12-13 postseason: Lost 50-20 to Holy Cross in D2-2A first round.
State classification: 2A
Key players lost: Kyle Cragle, F; Devon Mazonkey, G/F; Tyler Meninger, G; Alex Sirak, F
Key players: Charlie Margelevicz, 5-8, Sr.; Arlo Maurer, 6-0, Sr.; John Maul, 6-5, Sr.; Bruno Walkowiak, 5-10, Sr.; Mitchell Stepanski, 5-10, Jr.; Andrew Boberick, 5-9, So.; Bryce Harrison, 5-9, So.; Noah Howe, 6-5, So.; Mitchell Mazonkey, 5-9, Fr.
Outlook: The Rangers return limited varsity experience. Point guard Margelevicz (3.1) is the only starter back. Maurer and Walkowiak saw some time as well. Maul and Howe bring size, but lack court time at the varsity level. Scoring was a big issue last season as Northwest failed to crack 40 points on 12 occasions. The defense was solid for the most part and appears that way in the preseason. But if the offense doesn’t pick up, reaching .500 could be a challenge.
4. WYOMING SEMINARY
Coach: C.J. Kersey
12-13 WVC record: 7-6 Div. III, tied 2nd; 14-8 overall
12-13 postseason: Defeated Nantico*ke 57-37 in D2-2A first round. Lost 64-43 to Meyers in quarterfinals.
State classification: 2A
Key players lost: Alex Barilla, C; Jason Ellis, G; E.J. Flippen, F; Ander Gonzalez, F; Zach Wise, C
Key players: Brad Sedor, 6-0, Sr.; Seth Callahan, 5-11, Jr.; Allen Chuang, 6-0, Jr.; Doug Thomas, 6-0, Jr.; Marshall Bursis, 6-0, So.; Kyle Hall, 6-3, So.; Jake Ridilla, 6-2, So.
Outlook: Division III first-team all-star Callahan (16.3 ppg, 28 three-point FGs) is one of the premier players in the WVC, capable of doing damage anywhere on the court. Sedor (4.4 ppg) also saw solid minutes last season. After that, the Blue Knights are very young. They have a couple promising sophom*ores who should help out under the basket, but they will certainly miss Flippen’s presence in the paint. It will take plenty of work to reach last season’s victory total.
5. MMI PREP
Coach: Joe Flanagan
12-13 WVC record: 1-12 Div. III, 5th; 3-20 overall
12-13 postseason: Lost 48-43 to Susquehanna in D2-A semifinals
State classification: A
Key players lost: Tim Connors, F; Aaron Kollar, G
Key players: Charlie Karchner, 6-0, Sr.; R.J. Kupsho, 5-9, Sr.; Jesse Plaksa, 6-2, Jr.; Cory Rogers, 6-1, Jr.; Nicolas Vilov, 6-0, Jr.; Ed Herbener, 5-8, So.; John Stish, 5-11, So.
Outlook: Rogers (10.8 ppg), Karchner (8.6), Kupsho (7.2) and Herbener (2.5) will give MMI a veteran lineup. The key will be finding a point guard where Kollar ran the show the last three seasons. The Preppers are also undersized, but have dealt with that problem in recent seasons. While last season’s record wasn’t impressive, Prep gave most opponents tough battles. Nine losses were by eight points or less. Expect a similar feisty effort from District 2’s smallest program.
