Yard Waste Collection Set Through Dec. 21

200 Medley Relay - 1. Wvw, (b. Keating, N.

By MICHAEL LELLO mlello@leader.net
 Saturday, December 08, 2001 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 4B 





Parity is the buzz word in Wyoming Valley Conference boys basketball as the
regular season approaches. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Four of five Times Leader Dream Team members have graduated, along with a
host of other standout players, and while some of the league's premier players
do return, most teams will have to deal with some inexperience in their
starting five. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In Division I, Wyoming Valley West and center Brian Mattes look to repeat
as champions. Mattes is joined by forward Jeff Pianelli, the Spartans' sixth
man last year, who should combine with the highly sought after football
recruit to form one of the WVC's most effective frontcourts. Coughlin and
Hazleton Area are always in the mix, but don't be surprised if Tunkhannock
gives Valley West its toughest challenge. The Tigers return four starters and
have the tallest lineup in the league. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Crestwood, the defending Division II champ, lost its two most productive
players, Gerald O'Hara and Joe Dorzinsky, but sophomore guard Grant Carter is
poised to become one of the premier wing players in the WVC. But if Dallas can
find some backcourt players to compliment the twin towers of Chuck Suppon and
John Simonitis underneath, the Mountaineers could knock the Comets off their
perch. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Last year, Division III was a two-team race between Meyers and Seton
Catholic, with Seton prevailing. The Mohawks and Eagles may need to make room
for GAR in this year's battle. While Meyers returns four starters and Seton's
Bill Burke is one of the WVC's best centers, GAR boasts standout sophomore
guard Chris Shovlin and 6-8 center Kevin Brown. If Brown realizes his
potential, he can join Mattes and Burke among the elite WVC big men. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The WVC begins Dec. 18. Preview capsules are below in predicted order of
finish. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 DIVISION I &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 1. Wyoming Valley West &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Dan Messinger &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 15-1 WVC, 20-4 overall &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: Lost 58-56 to North Pocono in District 2 semifinals &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: 4A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Brian Mattes, 6-6, Sr. (17.8 ppg); Jeff Pianelli, 6-3, Sr.;
Kevin Craig, 5-8, Jr.; Scott Poplawski, 6-0, Sr.; Mike Drake, 6-2, Jr. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Frontcourt power, namely Mattes, the WVC's best big man, and
Pianelli, one of the league's most unheralded but most effective forwards last
season. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Messinger is concerned with the team's perimeter shooting in
the wake of the graduation of Greg Pieczynski (11.9 ppg). The Spartans must
also find replacements for graduated starters Clancy Boylan and Francis
Crossin. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: Teams will continue to double-team Mattes, but if Pianelli
continues to develop and a go-to guy emerges among the wing players, that
strategy may be rendered obsolete. If so, the Spartans will be even better
than last year. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 2. Tunkhannock &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Tony Konieski &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 10-5, 15-9 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: Lost to Abington Heights in District 2 first round &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: 3A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Mike Starzec, 6-4, Sr. (13.9 ppg); Mike Gruen, 6-4, Sr. (10.9
ppg); Adam Boettcher, 6-8, Sr.; P.J. Mulhern 6-2, Jr.; A.J. Emmi, 6-0, Sr.;
Dustin Babcock, 6-4, Sr.; Darren St. Clair, 6-0, Sr.; Matt Blaisure, 6-3, Jr.;
Cody LaValley, 6-5, Fr. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Experience - the Tigers return five lettermen and four starters
- and height - seven Tigers are at least 6-3. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: The Tigers enter the season without a proven outside shooter
besides Starzec, who was suspended from the team for 20 days (three exhibition
games) for violating a school rule. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: Tunkhannock was the most improved team in the league last year,
winning 13 more games than it did in '99-'00. With their big, experienced
lineup, though, the Tigers won't be able to sneak up on anyone this season.
Look for Tunkhannock to challenge Valley West, Hazleton and Coughlin for the
Division I title again. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 3. Hazleton Area &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Bruce Leib &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 12-4, 17-8 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: Lost 41-38 to Delaware Valley in District 2 first round &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: 4A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Eric Dion, 6-2, Sr.; Jay Grobelny, 5-10, Sr.; Russ Canzler,
6-0, Soph.; Joe Nicholas, 6-3, Jr.; George Evancho, 6-2, Jr.; Frank Stish,
6-4, Sr. (10.5). &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Three of the league's best post players in Stish, Evancho and
Nicholas. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: The graduation of point guard Chris Leib, one of the most savvy
floor generals in the WVC, and gritty off-guard Bobby Broyan. Stish will miss
the early part of the season with an ankle injury. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: Like last year, the usually stacked Cougars are without any
Division I collegiate prospects. But with Bruce Leib still running the show,
expect suffocating defense and a slow, methodical, pass-oriented offense. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 4. Coughlin &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: John Quinn &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 8-8, 12-12 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: none &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: 3A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Justin Dotzel, 6-4, Jr.; Mike Sklarosky, 6-5, Sr. (11.6); Jeff
Lucchino, 5-10, Jr.; Bob Montville, 6-5, Sr.; Chris Heister, 6-1, Sr.; E.J.
Rogan, 6-6, Sr.; Jared Harris, 5-10, Jr. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: The team is improving every day, Quinn said. In addition,
Sklarosky is arguably the WVC's best rebounder, and Dotzel should be a key
offensive threat. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Inexperience. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: With Mike Lucchino (16.5), the Crusaders only finished with a .500
record last year. It'll be interesting to see what they'll do without him. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 5. Pittston Area &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Al Brogna &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 3-12, 5-19 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: none &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: 3A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Dave Troynacki, 6-3, Sr.; John Pasquarello, 6-3, Sr.; Jon
Munski, 6-1, Jr. (11.1); Blake Barbini, 6-1, Sr.; Aaron McAndrew, 5-10, Sr.;
Sean Tigue, 5-11, Jr.; Greg Ratchford, 6-2, Jr.; Mike Echalk, 6-1, Sr.; Kyle
Wruble, 5-10, Sr.; Jeremy Yedesko, 6-6, Sr.; Paul Chmiel, 6-2, Fr. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Team speed. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Brogna said his team needs to know when to pull back and work
for the open shot. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: With five lettermen and four starters back, plus the addition of
the baseball and football standout Barbini - ``an outstanding basketball
player, which I never knew,'' according to Brogna - the Patriots could be
vastly improved and might pull a few upsets along the way. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 6. Berwick &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Joe Zelinske &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 1-14, 1-23 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: none &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: 3A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Jeff Bailey, 6-2, Sr.; Don Batz, 6-4, Sr.; Mark Keifer, 5-10,
Sr.; Josh Nespoli, 5-9, Jr.; Brandon Sheats, 6-3, Jr.; Joe Slavick, 6-3, Fr. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Keifer's perimeter play. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Inexperience. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: The Dawgs lost Jim Promm and his 19.7 points per game, but with
him they only won one game. It's hard to imagine they could be worse without
him. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 DIVISION II &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 1. Dallas &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Pat McCue &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 14-10, 11-4 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: Lost 47-31 to Nanticoke Area in District 2 first round &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: 3A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Paul McCue, 6-1, Jr.; Blake Saba, 6-2, Sr.; Herb Bressler,
6-1, Sr.; Chuck Suppon, 6-6, Sr. (14.7); John Simonitis, 6-6, Sr. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Frontcourt power. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Replacing graduated guard Jay Carroll (15.3). &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: With Suppon and Simonitis, both three-year starters, the
Mountaineers are the preseason favorite in Division II. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 2. Crestwood &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Mark Atherton &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 10-6, 15-9 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: Lost 64-58 to Pittston Area in District 2 first round &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: 3A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Jesse Payton, 5-8, Sr.; Jeff Calaide, 6-3, Sr.; Grant Carter,
6-3, Soph.; Austin Hollen, 6-2, Sr. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Carter, a three-point specialist last year, may emerge as the
league's best pure shooter. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: The Comets lost a combined 27.3 points per game when Joe
Dorzinsky and Gerald O'Hara graduated. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: If Carter and Calaide form an outside-inside tandem comparable to
O'Hara and Dorzinsky, the Comets should win the division. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 3. Wyoming Area &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Carlyle Robinson &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 11-5, 16-8 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: Lost 41-38 to East Stroudsburg North in District 2 first
round &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: 3A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Andy Castanaro, 6-0, Sr.; Jamie Kovitch, 6-2, Jr.; Luis
Ventura, 5-11, Sr.; Joe Marianacci, 5-10, Soph. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Marianacci is a world-class athlete and Robinson is impressed by
Kovitch, a ``very active'' center. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Six of the Warriors top seven players graduated - including
Steve Buzinski (15.6); Joe Falzone (12.7); Dave Hergan, their best shooter;
Brian Wolcott, their top defender - and coach C.J. Bufalino resigned. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: Wyoming has some talented athletes, but it may be a rebuilding
season. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 4. Greater Nanticoke Area &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Ken Bartuska &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 8-8, 11-14 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: Lost 72-52 to Scranton Prep in District 2 final &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: 3A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Bob Yonick, 6-1, Sr.; Andy Minnick, 6-3, Sr.; Bob Raineri,
5-11, Sr.; Bob Donahue, 5-10, Jr.; Dave Angradi, 5-11, Jr.; Zach Pientka, 6-0,
Jr.; Jared Lukowski, 6-3, Soph. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Depth. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Inexperience - only one Trojans starter, Yonick, returns. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: Nanticoke should contend for the division title but doesn't have
nearly as much firepower as Crestwood or Dallas. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 5. Hanover Area &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Bill Callahan &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 6-9, 9-15 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: none &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: 3A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Ryan Boyle, 5-11, Sr.; Jeff Shook, 6-2, Jr.; Ken Cwalina, 6-4,
Sr.; Andrew Miller, 6-0, Jr; Jeff Howanitz, 6-5, Sr. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Youth &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Depth at the post and inexperience. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: The athletic Hawkeyes have the talent to make some noise in
Division II. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 6. Lake-Lehman &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Scott Miner &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 0-14, 0-23 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: none &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: 3A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Joe Walko, Sr.; Dwayne Kalinay, Sr.; Dustin Kapson, Jr.; Chris
Coombs, Jr.; Andy Coombs. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: None yet. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Uncertainty. Miner hadn't named starters as of the media
breakfast on Nov. 25. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: The Black Knights look to rebuild after losing all their games
last season. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 DIVISION III &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 1. Meyers &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Joe Caffrey &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 12-2, 17-8 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: Lost 54-52 to Central Columbia in first round of state
playoffs &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: 2A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Scott Mudzik, Sr. (12.9); Mickey Dudish, Jr. (12.5); Jared
Carlo, Jr. (10.1); Chris Cresci, Jr.; Ken Kruk, Jr.; Kyle Tobin, Sr.; Dawyne
Moore, Sr.; Chris Lauer, Soph. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: The Mohawks return the most experienced lineup in the WVC.
Standout point guard Harlan Tabron graduated, but Meyers should be even deeper
this year. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Replacing Tabron's leadership. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: Meyers should be the preseason favorite to win the division and
should go far in the District 2 tournament, where state power Bishop Hannan of
the Lackawanna League looms. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 2. Seton Catholic &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Joe Long &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 11-3, 20-5 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: Lost to Lebanon Catholic in first round of state
playoffs. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Bill Burke, 6-7, Sr. (14.8); Brenden Carroll, 6-2, Sr.;
Charlie Rogers, 6-1, Sr.; Larry Pellegrini, 5-10, Sr.; Stephen Kopko, 5-10,
Soph.; Ryan Golden, 5-10, Soph. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Burke, one of the league's best centers, and depth. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Replacing the majority of the offense lost to graduation,
including star guard Jim Dessoye (17.5), now at College Misericordia. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: Division III could be a two-team battle again, between the Eagles
and Meyers, but GAR should be in the race as well. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 3. GAR &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Paul Brown &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 9-5, 15-8 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: Lost 61-58 to Lackawanna Trail in District 2 first round &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: 2A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Chris Shovlin, 6-1, Soph. (15.9); Kevin Brown, 6-8, Sr.
(13.0); Tom Dohman, 6-3, Sr.; Ryan Gwynn, 6-1, Sr.; Anthony Cibello, 6-0, Jr.;
Nate Sickle, 6-1, Jr.; Chris Williams, 6-6, Jr. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Brown has the potential to be a force underneath, and Shovlin
should be a prime-time player soon. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Junior Justin Popovitch tore an ACL and may be out for the year
and reserve forward Howard Mapp was suspended until mid-December because of an
attendance problem. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: Shovlin and Brown can develop into one of the league's best
tandems and give Meyers and Seton a run for their money. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 4. Bishop O'Reilly &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Mark Belenski &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 6-8, 11-13 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: none &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Josh Hook, 6-6, Sr. (14.8); Ryan Hogan, 6-6, Sr.; Erik
Davidson, 6-1, Sr.; Chris Lynn, 6-2, Jr.; Mike Del Santo, 5-10, Jr.; Tim
Crossin, 5-9, Fr. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Size. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Outside play. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: The Queensmen are in that crowded mid-section of the division
behind Seton and Meyers, likely battling GAR, Hoban and Seminary for third
place. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 5. Wyoming Seminary &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Art McCann &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 8-6, 13-8 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: Lost 49-47 to Old Forge in District 2 first round &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Mehul Patel, 5-11, Sr.; Larry Bonczar 6-7, Sr.; Ross
Baltimore, 5-10, Soph.; Jon Lau, 6-2, Sr. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Size. Bonczar, offered a scholarship to play on the line for
Temple's football team, is enormous, and sophomore reserve Eamon Tracy is 6-5. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Seminary doesn't have a guard like graduated star Joel McAndrew
(21.1), but who does? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: It's tough to imagine the Blue Knights contending for the division
without McAndrew. Consider them a dark horse. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 6. Bishop Hoban &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Chet Hine &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 5-9, 10-13 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: none &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: John Mooney, 5-10, Sr. (15.1); Jeff Craig, 6-0, Jr.; Joe
Buczco, 6-3, Jr.; Mark Kostelansky, 6-3, Jr.; Justin Bartell, 6-0, Soph.;
Chase Susko, 5-11, Jr.; Chris Dickerson, 6-2, Soph.; Greg Durpura, 5-11, Jr. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Hine is impressed with Bartell's skills and the team's overall
athleticism and up-tempo style. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Size. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: The Argents look to improve upon last season's record and move
into the upper echelon of Division III. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 7. Bishop Hafey &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Jeff Fierro &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 4-10, 8-16 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: none &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Matt Chapman, 5-11, Sr. (13.7); Mike Matriccino, 5-10, Sr.;
Jim McDermott, 5-10, Sr. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Chapman's return. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Dedication, or lack thereof. Fierro said many of his players
would rather hunt than play basketball. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: ``We have some young kids,'' Fierro said. ``We'll see how quickly
they come along.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 8. Northwest Area &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Coach: Jerry Blazick &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 record: 1-13, 2-20 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 00-01 postseason: none &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 State classification: A &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Key players: Christopher Piatt, 6-5, Jr.; Anthony Wagner, 5-8, Jr.; Keith
Mazonkey, 6-1, Soph. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Strengths: Piatt, Wagner and Mazonkey all saw playing time last year.
Depth. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Weaknesses: Still at least a year away from contention, according to
Blazick. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Outlook: The rebuilding process continues. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wvw Wise To Watch Out For Tigers 
Wvc Division I Contenders Look The Norm  Crusaders, Cougars But Tunkhannock
Could Be Biggest Threat To Crown-holding Spartans.

Wvw Wise To Watch Out For Tigers Wvc Division I Contenders Look The Norm Crusaders, Cougars But Tunkhannock Could Be Biggest Threat To Crown-holding Spartans.