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Clifford’s a Lion who is ready to roar

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Former Berwick coach Frank Sheptock hired to coach Bloomsburg University

Wyoming Valley Conference boys basketball teams will have nearly a month of games under their belts when conference play kicks off on Jan. 3.Those games used to be referred to as exhibitions, but are far from that. Every game counts in the Power Rating System to determine District 2 playoff berths. So slow starts now could end up being costly when the WVC season concludes Feb. 8.A couple things have changed since last season. The WVC is now two divisions instead of three as Coughlin, GAR and Meyers have merged to form Wilkes-Barre Area. The conference will shrink again for the 2020-21 season as Northwest departs to play in the Mid Penn Conference&#8217;s Northern Tier League.There are also new coaches at Nanticoke Area and Pittston Area. Long-time Meyers coach Pat Toole will run the new WBA team.Here&#8217;s a look at the WVC with teams listed in predicted order of finish.DIVISION 11. HAZLETON AREACoach: Mike Joseph2018-19 WVC record: 15-2 Div. 1, 1st; 18-8 overall2018-19 postseason: D2/4-6A Playoffs &#8211; Delaware Valley, W 61-40; Scranton, W 48-35. PIAA 6A Playoffs &#8211; Methacton, L 64-42State classification: 6AKey players lost: Da&#8217;Mir Faison; Kyle Franek; Warren Seigendall; Sparky WolkKey players: Scott Campbell, 6-1, Sr.; Andrew Vayda, 6-0, Sr.Outlook: Campbell and Vayda return to the lineup, but after that there are plenty of holes to fill. The two biggest are point guard, where Wolk ran the show for the past few seasons, and on offense where Faison stepped up big time on the way to a Division I ride at NJIT. Plus, several role players have departed. The Cougars have won four consecutive Division 1 titles, but a fifth is far from certain.2. CRESTWOODCoach: Mark Atherton2018-19 WVC record: 14-3 Div. 1, 2nd; 21-8 overall2018-19 postseason: D2-5A Playoffs &#8211; West Scranton, W 45-33; Wallenpaupack, W 44-33; Abington Heights, L 43-36. PIAA 5A Playoffs &#8211; Frankford, W 65-35; Pottsville, L 59-46State classification: 5AKey players lost: Camden Boris; Frank Casarella; Sean Murphy; Mike PalmieroKey players: Brad Papura, 6-2, Sr.; Ryan Petrosky, 6-2, Jr.; Marcus Vieney, 5-10, Jr.; Jacob Zaleski,6-1, Jr.Outlook: Crestwood should have some punch offensively as top scorers Petrosky and Papura return. The questions on offense are who is going to distribute the ball with Murphy gone and how will the team perform inside without significant height. The Comets are always tough defensively and there&#8217;s no reason to think that will end. A strong contender for the Division 1 crown.3. DALLASCoach: Mark Belenski2018-19 WVC record: 10-6 Div. 1, 3rd; 14-11 overall2018-19 postseason: D2-5A Playoffs &#8211; Pittston Area, W 58-47; Abington Heights, L 59-51; Wallenpaupack, L 60-50State classification: 5AKey player lost: Justin FinarelliKey players: Luke DelGaudio, 6-3, Sr.; Logan Evanofsky, 6-7, Sr.; Jack Farrell, 6-4, Sr.; Sam Nocito, 5-9, Sr.; Dylan Schuster, 6-0, Sr.; Austin Finarelli, 5-10, So.; Nick Nocito, 5-8, So.Outlook: Dallas was young last season with just one senior on the roster. That showed early on as the Mountaineers started 3-5. But after that, they played much better and nearly knocked off state semifinalist Abington Heights for the D2-5A championship. The team has a nice mixture of seniors and underclassmen with experience, so improving on last season&#8217;s mark is very possible.4. WILKES-BARRE AREACoach: Pat Toole2018-19 WVC record: New program2018-19 postseason: New programState classification: 6AKey players lost: noneKey players: Watkeem Gumbs, 6-0, Sr.; Shawn Valenzuela, 6-1, Sr.; Jordan Diggs, 6-3, Jr.; Matt Egidio, 6-2, Jr.; Jack Gilgallon, 6-5, Jr.; Brandon Hall, 6-4, Jr.; Blake Masker, 6-4, Jr.; Saquan Portee, 5-6, Jr.; Cole Walker, 6-4, Jr.Outlook: Former Meyers coach Pat Toole will be trying to mold three schools into one team. Walker and Masker started for him at Meyers, while Diggs was solid off the bench. Egidio, Hall and Valenzuela were regulars at Coughlin, while Portee comes over from Wyoming Valley West were he saw plenty of minutes. Expect some ups and downs as everyone tries to get on the same page.5. NANTICOKECoach: Zach Pientka2018-19 WVC record: 13-5 Div. 2, 1st; 22-8 overall2018-19 postseason: D2-4A Playoffs &#8211; Hanover Area, W 65-45; Tunkhannock, W 49-48; Scranton Prep, L 47-41. PIAA Class 4A Playoffs &#8211; Montoursville, W 57-35; Bonner-Prendergast, L 70-52State classification: 4AKey players lost: Nate Kreitzer; Trahjan Krupinski; Dylan SzychowskiKey players: Colby Butczynski, Sr.; Collin Brown, Sr.; Andy Kozlofski, Sr.; JJ Bielecki, Jr.; Jake Krupinski, Jr.; Luke Myers, Jr.Outlook: Assistant Zach Pientka takes over for John Beggs, who is taking the season off for health reasons. The Trojans have two major holes. Nate Kreitzer was a dynamic playmaker and perimeter scorer, while Trahjan Krupinski was one of the toughest guys in the paint. Butczynski and Jake Krupinski bring experience, but others will need to succeed in bigger roles as the Trojans play bigger schools this time around.6. PITTSTON AREACoach: Al Semenza2018-19 WVC record: 9-7 Div. 1, 4th; 13-10 overall2018-19 postseason: D2-5A Playoffs &#8211; Dallas, L 58-47State classification: 5AKey players lost: Sevion LeakKey players: Logan Booth, 6-0, Sr.; Mike George, 5-10, Sr.; Brennan Higgins, 6-1, Sr.; Andrew Krawczyk, 6-3, Sr.; Alex Penxa, 6-4, Sr.; JJ Walsh, 5-11, So.Outlook: Semenza, a coaching veteran from the Lackawanna League, takes over the program. He inherits a solid group of returning players who could improve on last season&#8217;s finish. The Patriots demonstrated they could score last season, but they&#8217;ll need to tighten things up defensive in order to improve on last season&#8217;s record.7. WYOMING VALLEY WESTCoach: Rich Jones2018-19 WVC record: 1-15 Div. 1, 6th; 1-21 overall2018-19 postseason: noneState classification: 5AKey players lost: Danny Gibbons; Saquan Portee (transferred to WBA)Key players: Tyler Gillespie, 6-3, Sr.; Roland Hamad, 6-2, Sr.; Joe Lombardo, 6-1, Sr.; Justus Simpson, 5-8, Sr.; Christian Michak, 6-0, Jr.; Jordon Redguard, 5-11, Fr.Outlook: The Spartans&#8217; only win last season came against Berwick. There were a handful of close losses, but too many times they were overmatched, especially on defense. Several returning players showed they could put the ball in the basket, but that&#8217;s not going to matter if Valley West doesn&#8217;t show significant improvement on the other side of the court.8. BERWICKCoach: Jason Kingery2018-19 WVC record: 1-16 Div. 2, tied 5th; 1-21 overall2018-19 postseason: noneState classification: 4AKey players lost: Zach Evans; Jarret Groshek; Jacob SeeleyKey players: Eric Montes, 6-2, Sr.; Blaine Cleaver, 6-3, Jr.; Devon Smith, 5-7, Jr.; Peyton Williams, 6-1, Jr.; Brayden Boone, 5-8, So.; Miles Doll, 6-0, So.; Tashjee Taylor, 6-3, So.; Sean Murphy, 5-11, Fr.Outlook: The Dawgs went very young last season, with three freshmen playing important roles throughout the season. The on-the-job training resulted in a lone win over Wyoming Area and numerous games where Berwick couldn&#8217;t crack 40 points. If those young guys improve and the Dawgs can get the ball inside to tough guys Montes and Cleaver, they should pick up a few more victories.DIVISION 21. WYOMING SEMINARYCoach: Pete Moses2018-19 WVC record: 15-1 Div. 3, 1st; 26-3 overall2018-19 postseason: D2-3A Playoffs &#8211; Lake-Lehman, W 72-32; Lakeland, W 67-46; Holy Redeemer, 48-47. PIAA 3A Playoffs &#8211; String Theory, W 74-41; Neumann-Goretti, L 61-59State classification: 3AKey players lost: Ryan Anderson; Nick Bufalino; Nick Ganter; Dimitri GnallKey players: Alex Meuser, Sr.; Jeremy Callahan, Sr.; Todd Phillips, Sr.; Jake Koretz, Jr.; Ethan Meuser, Jr.Outlook: Division 3 MVP Dimitri Gnall and his inside running mate Nick Ganter are going to be a tough pair to replace. Yet, don&#8217;t count out Seminary from winning the division. Jeremy Callahan is an excellent perimeter shooter and has a very good backcourt partner in Jake Koretz. Todd Phillips is a top-notch athlete who brings length. Ethan Meuser didn&#8217;t score much last season, but was strong in the paint.2. HOLY REDEEMERCoach: Paul Guido2018-19 WVC record: 14-2 Div. 3, 2nd; 21-5 overall2018-19 postseason: D2-3A Playoffs &#8211; Riverside, W 73-55; Mid Valley, W 62-41; Wyoming Seminary, L 48-47. PIAA 3A Playoffs &#8211; Wellsboro, W 46-42; Trinity, L 57-47State classification: 3AKey players lost: Derek Answini; Collin Cook; Nick ProciakKey players: Jared Piontkowski, Sr.; Mason Mendygral, Jr.; Justice Shoats, So.Outlook: Mason Mendygral and Justice Shoats form an impressive backcourt and Jared Piontkowski is a force inside. But then comes some uncertainty, something the program hasn&#8217;t seen in a while. There is a need for leadership and for guys to up their game to fill out the starting lineup and key bench roles. There were more questions than answers early in the season.3. HANOVER AREACoaches: Chris Gray2018-19 WVC record: 8-8 Div. 3, tied 3rd; 10-13 overall2018-19 postseason: D2-4A Playoffs &#8211; Nanticoke Area, L 65-45State classification: 4AKey players lost: Justin Kopko; Evan MaternaKey players: Auggie George, Sr.; Lamarr Nelson, Sr.; Asad Whitehead, Sr.; Matt Barber, Jr.; Khairi Carson, Jr.; Joe Curcio, Jr.; Todd Kolbicka, Jr.Outlook: Hanover Area can certainly finish over the .500 barrier this season as several experienced players return to the court. Asad Whitehead scored in double figures in all 16 WVC games. Khairi Carson and Lamarr Nelson will add balance to the attack. Matt Barber played quite a bit and there appears to be decent depth for the first time in a while.4. TUNKHANNOCKCoach: Spencer Lunger2018-19 WVC record: 9-8 Div. 2, 3rd; 14-11 overall2018-19 postseason: D2-4A Playoffs &#8211; Valley View, W 59-51; Nanticoke Area, L 49-48; Western Wayne, L 53-39State classification: 4AKey players lost: Erik Bennett; Avery Billings; Tyler Faux; Nick ReposaKey players: Jack Frisco, 6-2, Sr.; Jaren Robinson, 6-2, Sr.; Jack Chilson, 6-6, Jr.; Ryan Harder, 6-4, Jr.Outlook: Few players in recent seasons could put the ball in the hoop like Tyler Faux, who was also a deadly 3-point shooter. He&#8217;ll be near impossible to replace. However, everything isn&#8217;t doom and gloom. Chilson and Harder were major contributors last season and they&#8217;ll likely be the focus on offense. The Tigers need some others to step up to fill some gaps.5. NORTHWESTCoach: Sean Miller2018-19 WVC record: 8-8 Div. 3, tied 3rd; 15-11 overall2018-19 postseason: D2-2A Playoffs &#8211; Old Forge, W 54-38; Susquehanna, W 47-29; Holy Cross, L 46-25. PIAA 2A Playoffs &#8211; Millville, L 42-41 OTState classification: 2AKey players lost: Bryce Koser; Sam Saxe; Tyler Stevens; Jaxson YapleKey players: Matt Saxe, 5-10, Sr.; Walker Yaple, 5-10, Sr.; Matt Pierontoni, 6-0, Jr.; Chase Biller, 6-3, So.; Landon Hufford, 6-1, Fr.Outlook: The Rangers are going to look a lot different in their final WVC season. Leading scorer Walker Yaple returns and a couple key reserves from last season, Matt Saxe and Matt Pierontoni, will take on bigger responsibilities. The basketball and football programs are moving to the Mid Penn Conference&#8217;s Northern Tier League where they will play more schools of similar size.6. LAKE-LEHMANCoach: Dwayne Kalinay2018-19 WVC record: 4-12 Div. 3, tied 5th; 6-17 overall2018-19 postseason: D2-3A Playoffs &#8211; Wyoming Seminary, L 72-32State classification: 3AKey players lost: CJ Cerone; Abe Dabsheh; Donnie ThompsonKey players: Alex Magdalinski, 6-2, Sr.; Sean Sabalusky, 6-4, Sr.; Ethan Adams, 5-10, Jr.; Neil Dougherty, 6-2, Jr.; Sean Hanley, 6-4, Jr.; Josh Kane, 6-0, Jr.; Hayden Klopp, 6-2, Jr.; Max Paczewski, 5-11, Jr.Outlook: Max Paczewski, Ethan Adams, Josh Kane and Neil Dougherty all played a good amount as sophomores, with Paczewski putting up some big numbers on occasion. Seniors Alex Magdalinski and Sean Sabalusky, neither of whom played last season, will provide some size inside. Still, reaching .500 is going to take plenty of effort on a nightly basis.7. WYOMING AREA Coach: Anthony Macario2018-19 WVC record: 1-16 Div. 2, tied 5th; 2-20 overall2018-19 postseason: noneState classification: 4AKey players lost: Nick Rubino; Dan WiedlKey players: Cole Coolbaugh, Sr.; Sam Solomon, Sr.; Jake Greenfield, Jr.; Jesse Mikoliczyk, Jr.; Jason Wiedl, Jr.; Nick Elko, So.; Evan Melberger, So.Outlook: Macario&#8217;s first year was a rough one as he had to replace the entire starting lineup. After a promising start, the Warriors lost their last 17 games and weren&#8217;t very productive on offense. Coolbaugh and Greenfield bring the most experience to the team. There is plenty of size inside with Elko, Mikoliczyk and Solomon.8. MMI PREP Coach: Joe Flanagan2018-19 WVC record: 4-12 Div. 3, tied 5th; 9-15 overall2018-19 postseason: D2/11-A Playoffs &#8211; Salem Christian, W 63-28; Nativity BVM, L 55-54State classification: AKey players lost: Tyler Degenhart; Matt Marchetti; Mason Marchetti; Zach Young; Keefer HooverKey players: AJ Jordan, 5-8, Sr.;Marcus Kassick, 6-2, Sr.; Chance Eyerly, 6-1, So.; Drew Sechler, 5-6, Fr.Outlook: MMI Prep was hit hard by graduation, losing guys who were key pieces for several seasons. The Preppers do have AJ Jordan and Marcus Kassick back and that&#8217;s where a bit of rebuild will begin. Sophomore Chance Eyerly and freshman Drew Sechuler will also start, but as far as the fifth guy and the bench it could be a case of mix-and-match on a game-by-game basis.<style>
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<div class="neCaption">Wyoming Seminary&#8217;s Jeremy Callahan is one of three starters returning for the District 2 Class 3A champion Blue Knights. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_TTL031019HSBB-Sem-StringTheory_4-1.jpg</photo0><caption0>Wyoming Seminary&#8217;s Jeremy Callahan is one of three starters returning for the District 2 Class 3A champion Blue Knights. </caption0><photoCredit0>Bill Tarutis file photo | For Times Leader </photoCredit0></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_crest_pot5_faa-1.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Crestwood&#8217;s Ryan Petrosky and his teammates will try to end Hazleton Area&#8217;s four-season reign atop Division 1 of the Wyoming Valley Conference. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo1>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_crest_pot5_faa-1.jpg</photo1><caption1>Crestwood&#8217;s Ryan Petrosky and his teammates will try to end Hazleton Area&#8217;s four-season reign atop Division 1 of the Wyoming Valley Conference. </caption1><photoCredit1>Fred Adams file photo| For Times Leader </photoCredit1></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><subheadMeta>A look at the H.S. boys basketball season</subheadMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta>By John Erzarjerzar@www.timesleader.com</bylineMeta></div>

H.S. Boys Basketball: A team-by-team look at the upcoming Wyoming Valley Conference season