MEET THE TEAMS

2 High school basketball WESTERN VALLEY MEET THE TEAMS RIVER RIDGE THE ROANOKE TIMES Thursday, November 30, 2006 SOUTHWEST EAGLES FRANKLIN COUNTY Coach: Doug Conklin Last year: 18-8, 5-3 (lost in Group AAA quarterfinals) Players to watch: F Andre Edwards (6-3, jr.), PG D.J. Willis (6-1, sr.), F Mark Kent (6-4, sr.), F Hasan Craig (6-3, sr.), G J.T. Edwards (5-10, soph.), PG Jarale Journiette (5-9, jr.); F Ray Keys (6-2, sr.), G Chris Tyree (5-11, fr.), P Mike Ross (6-3, jr.) Outlook: Franklin County must adjust to the loss of two-time Timesland player of the year Lewis Witcher, now a 6-foot-8 freshman forward at Virginia Tech. The Eagles will adapt by turning loose a stable of quick athletes. One key will be the availability of Kent, who didn’t make it all the way through last season. He could be a difference-maker inside. Andre Edwards played a major role down the stretch last year as the Eagles reached the Northwest Region final. George Washington is the consensus pick in the WVD, but Franklin County should contend for second place. CAVALIERS CARROLL COUNTY Coach: Jason Smith Last year: 12-12, 6-2 (lost in Region IV first round) Players to watch: PG Travis Green (6-1, jr.), C Jared Strickland (6-4, sr.), F Jacob Singleton (6-3, jr.), G J.T. Turner (5-9, sr.), SG Seth Hill (5-11, jr.), SF Brett Rogers (6-2, jr.), F James Lanning (6-0, soph.), PG K.J. Handy (5-10, soph.) Outlook: Three starters return from a team that won the regular-season district title before Martinsville delivered a dose of reality in the region tournament. Now the Cavaliers think they know what it takes to win in the playoffs. It appears they have the pieces for another run. Green can score from the point and Strickland will use his strength inside to be an offensive focus. Everyone will have to rebound to help out Strickland. PATRIOTS PATRICK HENRY Coach: Jack Esworthy Last year: 10-13, 3-5 (lost in district first round) Players to watch: G Ajee Elliott (6-1, sr.), F Gus Payne (6-3, sr.), F Anthony Banks (6-5, soph.), W McKenzie Statum (5-11, jr.), C J.R. Nowlin (6-7, sr.), G Marvin Asante (6-0, sr.), G Tymon Smith (5-10, fr.), P Jameko Manns (6-2, soph.), F Gerard Payne (6-1, jr.) Outlook: Patrick Henry lost leading scorer Mark Grogan off last year’s team, which started the season 6-2 before winning just four of its last 15 games. Elliott is the chief returnee from last season, giving Esworthy a reliable leader in the backcourt. Banks and Smith are two impressive young players, while Asante is an exchange student from Sweden. PH also added the services of Nowlin, a transfer from William Fleming who grew 4 inches from last year. The Patriots could contend for the league’s No. 2 berth. HIGHLANDS HURRICANE MARION Coach: Matt Hanshew Last year: 4-19, 0-6 (lost in district first round) Players to watch: G/F Poss Creasy (6-0, sr.), F Tim Whisman (5-11, sr.), G/F Tommy DeBord (5-11, sr.), G/F Aaron Wolfe (5-11, sr.), F Eric Cress (6-3, jr.), G Jordan Burrows (5-8, jr.), F Zach Blockston (6-1, jr.), G/F Zach Burton (5-10, sr.), F Josh Hughes (6-3, sr.) Outlook: The Scarlet Hurricane has a lot of ground to make up to challenge Abingdon, Lee and Virginia High and move out of the district basement, but a new coach has a crop of good athletes drawing motivation from others’ low expectations. Less skilled than most of the competition, they’ll try to compensate with a blue-collar work ethic and tough defense. They’re sick of being an easy win for the rest of the district, but improvement will come in baby steps. Blacksburg guard Tyler Holmes (left) and the Bruins hope to avoid the slow start that plagued them early last season. The Roanoke Times | File February BRUINS BLACKSBURG Coach: Doug Day Last year: 11-16, 3-7 (lost in Region III quarterfinals) Players to watch: W Daniel Mitchell (6-3, jr.), PG Tyler Holmes (6-0, jr.), W Jared Jaudon (6-4, jr.), F Harland Brown (6-4, soph.), P Nick English (6-5, jr.), G Charles Sullivan (6-0, sr.), F Morgan Jones (6-5, fr.) Outlook: Optimism is high as Blacksburg returns three starters and some promising young players from last year’s team that lost to Heritage in the regional quarterfinals. Mitchell is a slasher from the wing who can hit a perimeter shot. Brown was a big factor inside as the season wore on, helping the Bruins to a playoff win at Liberty. Blacksburg started 3-9 last year before winning eight of the last 15 including a win over Pulaski County in the River Ridge semifinals. Don’t expect another slow start. Blacksburg could challenge Hidden Valley for the district title. Day already won a state title in golf. BLUE DEMONS COUGARS CHRISTIANSBURG PULASKI COUNTY Coach: Doug Hylton Last year: 4-19, 0-10 (lost in district first round) Players to watch: F Drew Bailey (6-3, sr.), G Marcus Ford (6-0, sr.), F Isaiah Morris (6-1, sr.), G Will Shorter (6-1, sr.), PG Jonathan Overton (5-11, fr.), G Sid Brown (6-0, soph.), P Patrick Asconi (6-3, jr.), G Zac Evans (6-0, jr.), F Tyler Hartman (6-3, soph.) Outlook: Hylton, a William Byrd graduate, takes over a Christiansburg program that won just one River Ridge game in the last two years partly because of injuries to major personnel. Bailey is the team’s leading returning scorer, and he should easily double last year’s output of five points per game. Overton gets a chance to run the point for the Blue Demons, who have plenty of athletes to fill the lanes on the fast break. Christiansburg lacks overall size, but Bailey could be hard for bigger centers to guard. The Demons have simple goals: Win a few district games and make the tournament semifinals in Salem. Coach: Mark Hanks Last year: 16-10, 8-2 (lost in Region III semifinals) Players to watch: PG Jared King (6-1, jr.), G Nubian Peak (5-11, soph.), P Shay Dunnigan (6-2, jr.), W Demetrius Brown (5-11, jr.), W Benji Poindexter (5-10, sr.), F Zadock Long (6-0, sr.), F John Harris (6-3, sr.), G Clay White (5-9, jr.), G Ryan Adams (5-11, jr.) Outlook: Anyone who thought the Cougars would struggle last year was sadly mistaken as Pulaski topped Hidden Valley in a playoff for the regular-season title in the River Ridge. Although district player of the year Austin Twine is gone, Hanks still has many pieces in place. One concern early is a knee injury Peak suffered late in the football season that has limited his early work. Long is undersized inside but plays much bigger than his 6-foot frame. King is a strong 3-point shooter who could develop into a major scorer. Pulaski will solidly contend for another regional berth. SEMINOLE HOGOHEEGEE CAVALIERS JEFFERSON FOREST Coach: Paul Smith Last year: 3-20, 3-11 (lost in district first round) Players to watch: C Garry Brandt (6-5, sr.), PG Ben Lively (6-0, sr.), SG Jeff Miller (6-0, soph.), PF Ted Price (6-1, soph.), SF Noah Trumble (6-1, sr.), G Brandon Harrison (5-8, soph.), F/G Korey May (6-1, sr.), F/G Reed Shelton (5-11, sr.) Outlook: After seven wins the past two seasons, the Cavaliers start fresh with Smith, who coached Dan River from 1999-2005. He’ll rely on Brandt, an improved post man, and Lively, a combo guard who will score as much as pass. There isn’t much size — Price, despite good strength, will give up inches to many power forwards — but Lively, Trumble and May are good off the dribble. WARRIORS CHILHOWIE Coach: John Sabo Last year: 17-7, 11-3 (lost in district semifinals) Players to watch: PG Keith Fenner (5-11, sr.), W Josh Lewis (6-0, sr.), W Will Walker (6-0, sr.), P Jordon Polk (6-3, jr.), P Thomas Larimer (6-5, sr.), PG Chase King (5-10, sr.), W Jared Surber (6-2, sr.), W Tyler Hayden (6-2, sr.), P Adam Martin (6-4, jr.), P Adam Clampitt (6-2, sr.) Outlook: Four starters return along with the former sixth man, Polk, who figures to slide seamlessly into the lineup. Larimer averaged a double-double (14.5 ppg, 10.2 rpg) while shooting 55 percent from the field. This is a senior-dominated group that’s been playing together since elementary school which can play quickly and make its free throws. Look for the Warriors to take the next step and make the Region C tournament. KNIGHTS CAVE SPRING Coach: Billy Hicks Last year: 11-11, 5-5 (lost in district first round) Players to watch: W Pete Hamilton (6-3, sr.), W John Michael Bohon (6-1, sr.), G Andrew Lavinder (5-8, sr.), G Shane Butler (5-8, sr.), PG Greg Mackey (5-9, soph.), G Andrew Secrist (5-10, sr.), F Matt Burnett (6-3, jr.), C Justin Smedley (6-2, sr.) Outlook: Hicks knows guard play, and that’s good because he plans to go with a five-guard lineup much of the time this season. Cave Spring lacks size and experience, and the top two returnees both had offseason surgery. Hamilton had a dead spot in his kneecap, while Bohon underwent surgery on both ankles. Expect the Knights to spread the floor and force larger teams to wear themselves out trying to guard their perimeter. Hicks has three JV players 6-5 or taller, so inside help is on the way. Another .500 season in the River Ridge would qualify as a success. TITANS HIDDEN VALLEY Coach: Chris Morris Last year: 16-6, 8-2 (lost in district semifinals) Players to watch: G Ben Boggs (6-3, soph.), W Matt Partsch (6-3, sr.), F T.C. Bane (6-3, sr.), F Luke Hancock (6-5, jr.), C Logan Singleton (6-7, jr.), G Nelson Musselman (6-0, jr.), G Zac Barrett (5-11, soph.), C Rob Peterson (6-6, sr.), G Josiah Goins (5-9, sr.) Outlook: Hidden Valley hasn’t made it out of the River Ridge tournament the past two seasons, but the Titans could make up for those early exits in a big way. Boggs, a Division I prospect, will run the point, while Partsch and Bane return for their third year as starters. Hancock and Singleton could be among Timesland’s top newcomers. Musselman, Barrett, Goins and Peterson all have experience. Morris says he has simplified his system to let his athletes take over. Hidden Valley has the potential to reach the state tournament and do some major damage. SPARTANS SALEM Coach: Kevin Garst Last year: 17-9, 6-4 (lost in Region III semifinals) Players to watch: PG Melvin Felix (5-11, sr.), W Mark Hanabury (5-11, sr.), P George George (6-5, jr.), W Chuck Farabaugh (6-0, jr.), F Andrew Conner (6-2, jr.), F Phillip King (6-2, sr.), G Harrison Hudson (6-0, jr.), G Nick Leftwich (6-0, jr.), G Korey Gaines (5-11, jr.), F Adam Jones (5-10, sr.) Outlook: Garst — a former assistant at Hampden-Sydney — replaces Grant Smythers, who led Salem to the 2004 Group AA semifinals and the River Ridge tournament title last year. Replacing the inside production of Yanni’El DeJesus is a concern. King got several starts last season and could produce in the paint. Hanabury is a three-year veteran and leader. Farabaugh and Conner can score, although Conner will move to forward. One area of no concern is point guard, where Felix might be the area’s best. Hidden Valley is the River Ridge favorite, but Salem could make the regional again. MINUTEMEN LIBERTY Coach: Jeff Monroe Last year: 11-14, 8-6 (lost in Region III first round) Players to watch: G Julian Poindexter (6-0, sr.), F Caleb Tomlin (6-3, sr.), G Martrey Stevens (5-8, jr.), C Carlton “Boo” Payne (6-6, soph.), G Carson Stanley (5-11, sr.), F Matt Morgan (6-2, sr.), F Chris Harmon (6-2, soph.), F Nick Overstreet (6-3, sr.) Outlook: Last year’s leading scorer Andrew Oler and leading rebounder Darryl Robertson are gone, but Poindexter and Stevens give the Minutemen a pair of capable returning starters on the perimeter. Tomlin is a good rebounder who will need to score more. The key to another regional berth, though, could be Payne, a youngster with the potential for consistent double-doubles and a future in college basketball. MAROONS GEORGE WYTHE Coach: Al Copenhaver Last year: 25-2, 14-0 (lost in Region C semifinals) Players to watch: G/F Tennis Simon (6-2, jr.), G/F Robert Yonce (6-2, jr.), G Devin Smith (5-9, jr.), C Jessie Dinger (6-5, sr.), G Ethan Mills (58, jr.), G Andrew Anderson (5-10, sr.), G Brett Grimes (5-10, soph.), P Josh Stephens (6-2, jr.) Outlook: Seven players who accounted for 58 ppg are gone from a team that was one point away against Radford from advancing to the Group A tournament. Simon and Yonce do have some starting experience, though, and they’ll try to lead a fairly young team back to the regional tournament. Dinger is the only player with much size, so the Maroons will have to rely on pressure defense and avoid the half-court game. George Wythe is always a serious player in this district, and that should not change. BLUE RIDGE VIKINGS NORTHSIDE Coach: Bill Pope Last year: 9-17, 2-6 (lost in Region III first round) Players to watch: PG Chance Smith (5-11, sr.), W Kyle Rucker (5-10, sr.), F Daniel Angell (6-2, soph.), F Zach Fisher (6-3, jr.), W David Thomas (6-1, jr.), W Arche’ Hicklin (6-3, fr.), F George Brooks (5-10, soph.), G Michael Mendez (5-4, jr.), W Logan Janney (5-8, jr.) Outlook: Smith returns for his third year as a starter, giving Pope veteran leadership on the floor. Rucker is the other lone returnee as the Vikings will break in a cast of new players in the paint. Even at 5-10, Brooks will get some minutes at the power forward spot and could be one of the team’s top rebounders. Hicklin, a transfer from Roanoke Catholic, is the son of former William Fleming star A.D. Ward. Expect Northside to reach double figures in wins this year and finish a notch or two higher than last year’s tie for fourth in the Blue Ridge standings. EAGLES STAUNTON RIVER Coach: Chris Carr Last year: 2-19, 2-12 (lost in district first round) Players to watch: PG Thomas Kasey (6-2, sr.), SG Roger Coles (5-7, sr.), G Bryce Hayter (5-7, sr.), C Gary Eggleston (6-6, sr.), F James Bell (6-5, jr.), G Mike Lynch (5-6, jr.), G/F Josh Lasley (5-10, jr.) Outlook: Kasey and Coles are the lone returning regulars from a team that finished last in the district after losing seven district games by less than four points. Carr, a former assistant, is trying to build a foundation of up-tempo ball in his first season at the helm. That’s good news for long athletes such as Bell and Lasley; less so for Eggleston, who has a tougher adjustment. The Golden Eagles are slowly learning the system, especially a new pressure defense. If they progress, it will be because Kasey and Coles pick it up quickly. How long will the growing pains last? INDIANS RURAL RETREAT Coach: Michael Brown Last year: 6-16, 4-10 (lost in district first round) Players to watch: G Matt Heldreth (5-10, sr.), G Chris Terry (6-0, sr.), F/C Zack Alford (6-3, jr.), G Daniel Cressell (5-11, sr.), G Jeremy Atwell (6-2, jr.), F Jared Dix (5-10, jr.), F Ryan Stamper (6-2, sr.) Outlook: Brown, who spent the past two years as the JV coach at Midlothian High School, steps into a difficult situation for a first-year head coach. Six of these guys play on the football team that advanced deep into the postseason, including quarterback Heldreth, forcing the JV team to come up and work with the varsity. A lack of depth could force Brown to play at a slower pace than he would like. We’ll have to wait until everybody gets to know each other before we can get a real gauge on this team. TERRIERS WILLIAM BYRD Coach: David Culicerto Last year: 6-17, 2-6 (lost in district first round) Players to watch: G Rusty Bays (5-9, sr.), W Cameron Shepherd (5-11, sr.), PG Matt Bernard (5-8, sr.), G Aaron Sturgill (5-10, sr.), F Landon Johnson (5-9, jr.), C Josh Cunningham (6-4, sr.), F Travis Coffman (6-2, jr.), C John Michael Zimmerman (6-4, soph.) Outlook: Byrd lost 1,000-point scorer James Childress to graduation, but the Terriers return six of their other top seven players so there is plenty of room for optimism. Bays is a proven 3-point threat while Bernard has been through the battles at point guard. The roster includes eight seniors, which could make a difference in some early season games. Two wins apiece over Staunton River and Northside and one each against Liberty and Christiansburg were all Byrd mustered last winter. The Terriers should show marked improvement on the floor and in the win column. VALLEY INDEPENDENT WILDCATS ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY Coach: Jason Buzzard Last year: 16-8, 12-4 (lost in district semifinals) Players to watch: G Tony Balisteri (5-10, sr.), G/F Marcus Mayo (6-0, sr.), G/F Jeff Early (6-2, jr.), G Chris Hamilton (5-11, sr.), F/C Shane Seaman (6-5, sr.), G Ian Ginger (6-0, sr.), PG Chris Diamond (5-9, sr.), F John Cerkey (6-1, sr.), F/C Stefan Janjic (6-4, sr.) Outlook: Coming over after three seasons as the head coach at Frank W. Cox in Virginia Beach, Buzzard inherits an experienced team with all the tools to duplicate or improve on last year’s second-place district finish. Balisteri, Mayo and Early provided 70 percent of the scoring last season, and Hamilton and Seaman will take on larger roles in a new uptempo style. Ginger will guard the opposition’s best perimeter scorer. The buzz in Lexington suggests this could be the Wildcats’ best chance at their first Valley title. Northside senior guard Chance Smith (left) returns for his third year as a starter, giving coach Bill Pope veteran leadership on the floor. The Roanoke Times | File 2005 WARRIORS OAK HILL ACADEMY Coach: Steve Smith Last year: 41-1. Players to watch: G Nolan Smith (6-3, sr.), F Julian Vaughn (6-9, sr.), F Alex Legion (6-5, sr.), G Brandon Jennings (6-2, jr.), F Howard Thompkins (6-9, jr.), F Terrence Boyd (6-5, soph.) Outlook: Oak Hill has its usual cast of stars, gleaned from high schools from across the country. This year’s group is led by Smith, a Duke signee; and Vaughn, who is headed to Florida State. Legion has committed to Michigan, while Jennings is rated the top point guard in the 2008 class and has offers from Southern California and UConn. Boyd already has an offer from Kansas State. Thompkins will have his pick from numerous powers. Oak Hill plays its usual NBA-style schedule, travelling to 12 states. The Warriors will appear on ESPN or ESPN2 at least twice and will make their annual appearance in Rocky Mount to play Franklin County on Jan. 19. MOUNTAINEERS CAVALIERS ALLEGHANY LORD BOTETOURT Coach: Jon Cook Last year: 14-9, 4-4 (lost in district semifinals) Players to watch: SF Darius Randolph (6-1, jr.), PG Harold Dill (6-0, sr.), PF Michael Sheffer (6-3, sr.), C Morgan Myers (6-2, sr.), SG Brook Arritt (5-11, jr.), SF Lance King (6-5, jr.), F Hunter Foley (6-2, soph.), F Rick Alderman (6-3, soph.) Outlook: Botetourt took a blow this summer when leading scorer and Furman recruit Noah States transferred to Hargrave Military Academy. The Cavaliers still should be very solid. Randolph could emerge as a prolific scorer, while Myers gives Botetourt an undersized but versatile athlete in the post. Dill is moving to point guard, where he is a 3-point threat. Arritt could be the team’s best defender. The Cavaliers did pick up King, a transfer from Brookville. Botetourt’s schedule includes just three teams that didn’t advance to regional play. The Cavaliers are a strong contender to make the regional. Coach: Thumper Leitch Last year: 15-8, 4-4 (lost in Region III quarterfinals) Players to watch: P Steven Wilkes (6-6, jr.), W Matt Crizer (6-3, sr.), W Cody Altizer (6-1, sr.), PG Ryan Kessinger (5-8, soph.), F Trey Lewis (6-3, sr.), G Adrian Jordan (6-0, sr.), F Jay Nagel (6-0, sr.), G Jonathan Jordan (5-10, sr.) Outlook: Even with a heartbreaking home loss to Salem in the regional tournament, last season was a success for Alleghany as the Mountaineers tied for second in the Blue Ridge and scored two nondistrict wins over Rockbridge County. Wilkes was named Timesland Sizzlin’ Sophomore of the Year, but he is still bothered by a broken bone in his hand dating back to last season. Kessinger will take over at point guard for graduated Eric Schoppmeyer. Crizer and Altizer are scoring threats on the wing. A difficult nondistrict schedule that includes R.E. Lee-Staunton, Rockbridge and Roanoke Catholic awaits. COLONELS WILLIAM FLEMING Coach: Mickey Hardy Last year: 25-3, 8-0 (lost in Group AA quarterfinals) Players to watch: P Jamel Hagins (6-6, soph.), W Bryan Ashford (6-3, jr.), PG Marcus Smalls (5-11, sr.), F Troy Daniels (6-3, soph.), F Eric Thomas (6-3, soph.), W Stephon Anderson (6-1, soph.), F Denlin Kumbi (6-4, sr.), F Vincent Pierson (6-3, sr.), G Marcus Bratten (6-0, jr.) Outlook: Fleming lost virtually every major contributor including first-team All-Group AA guard James Otey from last year’s team that lost only two regular-season games to Franklin County before being shocked in the state tournament by Bassett. Hagins played major minutes inside last year, while Ashford and Smalls were top reserves. The Colonels hope an infusion of talent from last year’s ninth-grade team — which often put on entertaining pregame dunk shows — will keep the Colonels at the top of the Blue Ridge, which they won last year by a four-game margin. THE ROANOKE TIMES Thursday, November 30, 2006 MEET THE TEAMS PIEDMONT High school basketball 3 PIONEER THREE RIVERS CHARGERS BATH COUNTY Coach: David Herscher Last year: 0-20, 0-10 (lost in district first round) Players to watch: C Tommy Shaver (6-7, sr.), F Brian Ailstock (6-4, sr.), F Cory Jessee (6-3, sr.), F Anthony Frady (6-2, sr.), G Stefan Brown (5-11, jr.), F John Barden (6-2, jr.), G Gates Herscher (5-8, soph.), G Eric Gentry (5-9, fr.) Outlook: As the second year of the Herscher administration begins, one preseason goal is clear cut. The Chargers must do something about an appalling turnover problem, approaching 30 a game last year. If the throwaways can be reduced, the team might be competitive. Certainly, size isn’t a problem with five players who figure to be in the rotation 6-2 or taller. The coach says he believes he has the players to do the job but worries about their frame of mind, especially if things start going wrong again early. There hasn’t been much time to work on things. Five players didn’t start practice until Nov. 27 because the Chargers were in the Division 1 Region C football playoffs. EAGLES AUBURN Coach: Shawn Good Last year: 6-16, 2-8 (lost in district semifinals) Players to watch: F Nathan Vaughn (6-2, soph.), C Brandon Musick (6-3, soph.), C Cotey Bentley (6-3, soph.), G/F Richard Ramsey (5-10, soph.), G Matt Wright (5-9, sr.), G Kelly Sutphin (5-9, sr.), G Zach Earles (5-10, jr.), F Carrington Altizer (5-11, jr.), F Ethan Alls (5-11, jr.) Outlook: There’s some buzz surrounding the Eagles this preseason, but they realistically could be a year away from taking a major step. Three sophomores figure to start as the team will run an up-tempo offense to take advantage of its speed. Vaughn’s not shy about putting up shots, and Wright can reach double figures on any given night. Other than that, the scoring should be spread out until the Eagles zero in on their roles. The goal here is to win home games and show improvement as the program develops. COUGARS COVINGTON Coach: Garland Jefferson Last year: 9-12, 6-4 (lost in district semifinals) Players to watch: PG Pete Moore (5-8, sr.), W D.J. Martin (5-10, sr.), P Brandon Wright (6-2, sr.), W Michael Madison (6-2, sr.), P Trip Tyree (6-3, jr.) Outlook: One of the biggest questions will be at point guard, where there is no incumbent starter. Moore will be under scrutiny as he attempts to adjust to the new role. Fortunately, scoring shouldn’t be a problem with Wright back. A three-year starter, Wright (12 ppg, 10 rpg, 80 percent free-throw shooter) has been all-district each of the past two seasons. Martin must establish himself as a consistent outside threat. The Cougars will present plenty of matchup problems if they develop some confidence in themselves. MUSTANGS EASTERN MONTGOMERY Coach: Gerald Thompson Last year: 5-16, 2-8 (lost in district first round) Players to watch: PG Allen Childress (6-0, sr.), P Joey Leech (6-3, sr.), SG Jeremy Smith (5-10, jr.), W Josh Leech (6-0, jr.), P Isaac Jones (6-1, sr.), G Chris Sisson (5-6, sr.), G Antion Myatt (5-9, sr.), G Jeremy Pickett (5-8, sr.) Outlook: Joey Leech, who averaged 15 ppg last season, is one of the top returning players in the district, but he’ll need some help. The Mustangs have four established players, and the competition is on to determine the rest of the rotation. EastMont will try to spread the floor on offense and find mismatches, then exploit those with quickness. This team should be better than it was a year ago but probably doesn’t have the firepower to topple Radford and Glenvar. Senior guards Emanuel Reid (right) and Jonathan Burman will lead a balanced offensive attack for Group AA champ Martinsville. The Roanoke Times | File February BENGALS BASSETT Coach: Tom Hering Last year: 15-9, 9-1 (lost in Group AA semifinals) Players to watch: P Tony Womack (6-5, jr.), G Josh McGill (6-2, jr.), P Jarius Johnson (6-3, sr.), G Anthony Brooks (6-0, sr.), PG Antwan Johnson (5-9, jr.), G Nick Goforth (5-11, jr.), F Dorian Valentine (6-3, jr.), C Matt Gordon (7-0, jr.) Outlook: Bassett beat out Martinsville for the regular-season district title last season and reached the state semis before the Bulldogs got revenge. But seven of the top eight players are gone, leaving Womack, a former key reserve, to carry the standard in Hering’s fifth season. Inexperienced but athletic, the Bengals will do all they can to stay near the top of the standings. Size all over the court should lead to a slower pace with more half-court sets. Gordon’s height intrigues, but he is a project. WARRIORS BULLDOGS COUGARS MAGNA VISTA MARTINSVILLE PATRICK COUNTY Coach: Kevin Johnson Last year: 10-8, 6-4 (lost in district semifinals) Players to watch: G/F Jonathan Williams (6-1, sr.), G Dennis Gravely (6-3, jr.), PG Maurice Kidd (5-8, jr.), C Jamie Keith (6-5, sr.), PF Justin Hairston (6-3, sr.), G DeShawn Strickland (5-9, sr.), F L.J. Stone (6-1, sr.), C Greg Dallas (6-2, sr.), G Brian Breedlove (5-10, sr.) Outlook: A squad composed exclusively of seniors and juniors seems ready for a run at the district title, with Williams taking over from the departed Jemar Fuller as the go-to scorer. Gravely, who was injured down the stretch last season, is back healthy. With him in the lineup, the Warriors knocked off eventual Group AA champion Martinsville. Keith is perhaps the most prominent of several players who will have to carry bigger loads. Coach: Troy Wells Last year: 23-6, 8-2 (won Group AA championship) Players to watch: C Mike Millner (6-6, sr.), F Tracy Hairston (6-2, sr.), F D’Andrew Jackson (6-3, jr.), G Emanuel Reid (5-11, sr.), G Jonathan Burman (5-7, sr.), PF J.D. Tyree (6-5, jr.), G/F Quinton Watkins (6-0, jr.), G Arthur Dandridge (6-0, sr.) Outlook: The defending state champions might be deeper than last year after losing star forward Shaquan Beamer, even though Wells listed them fourth in his preseason Piedmont predictions. The scoring will be spread around, starting with interchangeable guards Reid and Burman. Up front, Millner has added a few inches, and Hairston and Jackson are hard-working crashers from the wing. The nondistrict schedule starts with a game against Dobyns-Bennett (Kingsport, Tenn.) in the prestigious Arby’s Classic in Bristol, Tenn. Coach: Keith Gunter Last year: 4-19, 0-10 (lost in district first round) Players to watch: G Greg Cassady (6-0, sr.), F/C J.C. Belcher (6-3, sr.), F Andrew Jessup (62, jr.), SF Josh Cockerham (6-2, sr.), G Rontae Dodson (5-9, jr.), G Ronald Dixon (5-9, jr.), G Marcus Cobb (5-10, sr.), G/F Griffith Goodyear (6-1, jr.) Outlook: Climbing out of the Piedmont basement is no easy task, but the Cougars have their deepest team in some time, with eight returning players. Cassady, last season’s leading scorer, will try to make the leap from 15 points per game to 20-plus. Cockerham will need to provide secondary scoring, and the new point guard, whether it’s Dodson, Dixon or Cobb, will have to settle in quickly. Beating Dan River and Tunstall will be the first step toward respectability. ROCKETS CRAIG COUNTY Coach: Walt Raines Last year: 8-14, 2-8 (lost in district first round) Players to watch: F Steve Oiler (6-4, jr.), C Corey Tenney (6-4, jr.), C Brandon Baldwin (6-7, sr.), PG Kevin Crenshaw (6-6 jr.), PG/SG Lucas Faw (5-9, jr.), G Jesse Bayne (5-8, sr.), G Nick Ruble (5-10, jr.) Outlook: The puzzle for the Rockets is finding ballhandlers who can beat the press and deliver the basketball into the hands of the inside scorers. Interior size will not be a problem. A starting point guard has yet to emerge and take control of the position. For a big guy, Crenshaw has been surprisingly effective at the point in practice after being pressed into service and could end up establishing himself as the full-time floor general. Faw will be slowed early by a broken hand and may not be back as a lineup regular before Dec. 8 or 9. BUFFALOES FLOYD COUNTY Coach: Brian Harman Last year: 17-7, 5-5 (lost in district semifinals) Players to watch: G Stern Keith (5-10, sr.), G Timmy Harris (5-10, sr.), P Evan Phillips (6-2, sr.), G Blake Poff (5-11, sr.), P Aaron Lusk (6-4, jr.), G Zack Griffith (5-8, soph.), G Travis Bolt (5-11, jr.), G Brandon Marshall (6-1, jr.) Outlook: The Buffaloes return just 8 ppg from last year — always a cause for trepidation — but the team should be more balanced this season after relying on three main scorers a year ago. Harman will be able to substitute often, as 12 players can score and defend. The Buffaloes will try to outlast opponents with depth and, if they can find a go-to scorer or two down the stretch, they can cause problems for anybody. MOUNTAIN EMPIRE VACA SOUTH BEARS BLAND COUNTY Coach: Rich Hankins Last year: 13-12, 2-8 (lost in Region C first round) Players to watch: P Tyler Eastep (6-2, jr.), SG Nate Gore (5-11, sr.), PG Josh Shrader (5-8, soph.), SF Corey Kennedy (5-11, soph.), SB Kris Kennedy (5-8, soph.), G/F Kyle Kennedy (5-8, soph.), C/F Eric Harless (6-0, jr.), C Jared Hagan (6-1, jr.) Outlook: With nary a starter back from the district tournament champions, much will be expected of Eastep and Gore. Eastep (6 ppg, 3 rpg) has to improve on both his scoring and rebounding totals. Gore must adjust to the transition from point guard to off guard. The team has good quickness and ballhandling ability. The defense will have the carry the team through a tough early schedule. Worth noting: The Kennedys are triplets. KNIGHTS CHRISTIAN HERITAGE Coach: Ed Roller Last year: 5-8, 9-15 (lost in VACA South quarterfinals) Players to watch: PG Jared Atkinson (5-8, sr.), F Caleb Hargett (6-0, jr.), G Brady Jamison (5-10, fresh.), F Richard Jamison (6-0, sr.), F David Miller (5-10, jr.), G Ryan Meek (5-7, soph.), G Zachary Ray (5-10, soph.), C Ben Roller (6-4, jr.) Outlook: Off-court tragedy marred last year’s campaign before it started when senior Adam Spencer was killed in early November 2005. This season, first-year coach Roller’s Knights may struggle without Michael Martin and Garrison Brown, who both transferred to Franklin County, and graduated forward Matt Peters. The Knights will rely heavily on the coach’s son, Ben Roller, for offense and rebounding. Tim Burton (5-9, jr.), F Bo Waldo (5-11, jr.), F/C Chris Poff (5-11, jr.) Outlook: The Warriors have depth in the backcourt and at the wing but lack a proven frontcourt presence. Size issues could be a weakness against bigger and more experienced opponents. Five members of last year’s squad are gone, leaving Faith Christian with a team of all freshmen and juniors. The third-year program appears to be headed in the right direction, after winning eight more games last season than in 2004-05. SPARTANS GILES Coach: Mitch Reed Last year: 8-14, 3-7 (lost in district semifinals) Players to watch: G Nathan Tanner (6-2, sr.), P Josh McCann (6-1, sr.), P Jared Brown (6-3, sr.), G Nathan Frazier (5-11, sr.), PG Cody Griffith (5-10, jr.), G Zach Atkins (6-0, jr.), P Evan Lidgard (6-2, jr.), P Mario Jones (6-2, jr.) Outlook: Tanner was hoping last year would be his breakout season, but an ankle injury in early January slowed him. He’s healthy now and ready to emerge. Griffith was honorable mention all-district at the point as a sophomore. The Spartans have been practicing with 10 players — varsity and JV combined — as they wait for 20 players from the football team who have expressed interest in playing hoops. There is a little more excitement here than usual, but for a team with only one district title in school history, excitement is relative. RAMS HIGHLAND Coach: Curtie Gutshall Last year: 13-10, 4-6 (district semifinals) Players to watch: G Ben Botkin (5-7, sr.), G Brian Malcolm (5-8, jr.), C Josh Gwinn (6-4, sr.), F Eric Buzzard (6-1, sr.), F Justin Neil (6-1, jr.), F Elliott Boyd (6-0, jr.), F Shane Wiseman (6-0, soph.), G Justin Levin (5-10, jr.) Outlook: Gutshall moved up to the varsity coaching job from the same post on the JV to succeed Doug Puffenbarger, who returned to full-time farming. Botkin is the most reliable returning scorer for a team that relied on a couple of graduated seniors for most of its points last year. The current squad is expected to be much more balanced offensively. A rash of injuries have slowed the Rams in the preseason but all are expected to be back at full strength by Christmas. CRUSADERS GATEWAY CHRISTIAN Coach: Matt Linkous Last year: 26-12, 8-3 (lost in NACA third round) Players to watch: SG David Metzler (6-0, sr.), SG Travis Sawyer (5-9, sr.), PG Aaron Vest (6-1, fresh.), SG Philip Johnston (5-10, jr.), PF Daniel Wright (6-0, jr.), PF Jordan Powell (6-0, soph.), WF Kyle Reed (5-11, jr.), PF Justin Reed (6-1, fresh.). Outlook: Matt Aikens, who broke the school’s scoring record last year and finished his career with more than 2,000 points, won’t be easily replaced. Neither will fellow 2006 graduates Jared Goff (15.0 ppg.) and Nathan Wall, a strong defensive presence. The Crusaders are counting on combination guard Metzler to bear much of the scoring load. The Reed brothers could provide depth off the bench. PIONEERS FORT CHISWELL Coach: Derrick Jackson Last year: 16-7, 7-3 (lost in district semifinals) Players to watch: P Zayne Hamm (6-2, sr.), PG Josh Maxwell (5-9, sr.), P/W Jordan Poole (6-2, sr.), P Andrew Hamm (6-6 jr.), W Jacob Jones (6-2, jr.), W Hodey Viars (6-0, fr.), PG David Harmon (5-10, jr.) Outlook: After losing 10 players from last year’s team to graduation or other factors, the Pioneers will rebuild around Zayne Hamm (15 ppg, 8 rpg), a terrific athlete who many think is the district’s best player. In charge of the new construction is Jackson, the brother of last year’s coach Dyer Jackson, who has gone into administration. It might take a while for this group to come together, but there’s enough athletic ability and overall potential to believe that the Pioneers will be a major factor once the league schedule gets going. LIONS DAYSPRING CHRISTIAN Coach: Dug Hampton Last year: 29-9, 12-0 (won NACA championship) Players to watch: SG Joey Mock (5-11, sr.), PG John Thomas (5-9, sr.), F Philip Ribbens (6-3, jr.), G/F Tyler Gall (6-1, jr.), F Corbin Keith (6-3, sr.), F Nathanael Crum (6-3, jr.), F Russell Kroger (6-1, soph.), G Caleb Knautz (5-10, soph.) Outlook: Last year’s NACA title-winning cast lacked the services of five alumni of the class of 2005. These Lions have everyone back from a team that won all 12 of its conference games and the VACA South and state postseason tournaments. Leading the charge will be Mock (20.3 ppg. last year), Ribbens (13.6) and Thomas (12.2). With three players standing at 6-3, the Lions should be equipped down low for potentially tough games with public schools Auburn, Giles and EastMont. KNIGHTS JAMES RIVER Coach: Mike Goad Last year: 17-9, 9-2 (lost regular-season playoff with Parry McCluer; lost in Region C first round) Players to watch: C/F Corey Ware (6-2, sr.), SG Aaron Humphries (5-9, sr.), F Ryan Firebaugh (6-1, sr.), G Matt Ramsey (5-10, sr.), PG Ethan Humphries (5-7, fresh.), F Patrick Bennett (6-0, fresh.), C Oliver Surtrenant (6-3, jr.), G Jordan Pinkard (5-10, sr.), F Troy Huff (5-10, sr.) Outlook: Expect the Knights to battle to the end in the district title chase. The team strengths are experience,—particularly with Ware, Firebaugh, and Aaron Humphries — ballhandling, and depth. Although not particularly big across the front line, James River will compensate by pushing the pace at every opportunity. Ware and Firebaugh can both be expected to pick up their scoring pace from a year ago. Firebaugh will lead the defense. CONQUERORS SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA HOME SCHOOL Coach: Jamie Karnes Last year: 17-11, 9-3 (VACA state runner-up) Players to watch: F Eugene Terry (6-4, sr.), G John Fenzel (5-10, jr.), G Travis Smith (5-6, soph.), G Josh Beard (5-8, jr.), C Jack Goodman (6-6, sr.), G Todd Whittaker (6-0, sr.), F David Austin (5-11, fr.) Outlook: The Conquerors are coming off their best season. Terry is the best athlete in the league and will team with Goodman for a strong inside game. Goodman returns to the program after a year at Lord Botetourt. The backcourt is quick, and returnees Fenzel and Whittaker are strong defenders. Karnes, a former player, takes over the program following the death this fall of Larry Fenzel, who coached the team for two years. HIGHLANDERS GLENVAR Coach: Rick Crotts Last year: 23-6, 9-1 (lost in Group A quarterfinals) Players to watch: W Shawn Crawford (6-3, sr.), PG Colten Herald (5-5, sr.), P Ben Chester (6-5, jr.), SG Matt Dixon (6-0, sr.), P Jamie Johnson (6-4, sr.), PG K.J. Ford (6-0, jr.), G A.J. Looney (5-10, sr.), P Ryan Mowles (6-4, sr.), P Chris Ferguson (6-6, jr.), P Dakota Barlow (6-3, soph.) Outlook: Crawford is the only starter back from last year’s district championship team, but a good nucleus returns to try to keep things going. The Highlanders can play bigger than anybody in the league — starting four players at 6-foot-3 or taller if they so choose — which could cause some major matchup problems. The lack of experience is a concern but, as usual, Glenvar has a bunch of solid three-sport athletes who know how to compete. MAROON TIDE GALAX Coach: Verl Brown Last year: 5-15, 4-6 (lost in district semifinals) Players to watch: SG Aundrey Sams (5-10, jr.), F G Zachary (6-0, jr.), C/F Justin Cox (6-0, jr.), C Will Stewart (6-2, sr.), G Josh Sexton (5-10, jr.), C Jeremiah Criner (6-3, jr.), PG Cameron Frazier (5-1, soph.), PG Tyler Houk (5-8, soph.), F Jacob Bartlett (6-1, jr.), C Cole Davis (5-10, jr.), F Drew Burnett (6-0, jr.) Outlook: Quickness and athletic ability will be the Maroon Tide’s calling card. Reaching loose balls and being scrappy will be characteristics that should give some opponents many headaches. The question marks will be scoring and rebounding. Sams (13 ppg, 8 rpg) was the second-leading scorer from a year ago, so he’ll have to come through offensively. Galax will be a district title threat assuming that the members of last year’s undefeated junior varsity team produce as expected. KNIGHTS FAITH CHRISTIAN Coach: Leon Caldwell Last year: 9-13, 6-7 (lost in first round of NACA regional) Players to watch: F/C Tine Richardson (6-3, jr.), PG Cullen Reed (5-8, jr.), SF Bryan Strelow (6-0, jr.), PF Luke Coury (6-0, fresh.), PF VIRGINIA INDEPENDENT CONFERENCE CHIEFS CARLISLE Coach: Jeff Adkins Last year: 23-5, 8-4 (won Division III state tournament) Players to watch: C Sydnor Trent (6-7, soph.), F Woodrow Reece (6-2, sr.), PG Darius Echols (5-9, jr.), SG Cody Franklin (6-0, jr.), PF/C Harrison Hamlet (6-3, sr.), F Lucus Ransome (6-1, soph.), F Matt Chitwood (6-0, fresh.). Outlook: The Chiefs must fill some big shoes to contend for their sixth Division III title in the 14-year Adkins administration. Steven Echols, named the state player of the year as a junior and senior, is now on the roster at Lynchburg College. Fellow backcourt running mate Joe Manns, a firstteam all-state selection as a senior, is playing Division III ball at Hamilton College in New York. Trent, a rebounding ace, needs to become a bigger force on offense. CELTICS ROANOKE CATHOLIC Coach: Joe Gaither Last year: 31-7, 14-2 (won Division II state championship) Players to watch: PG DeAngelo Robinson (6-3, sr.), F Michael Blanchard (6-4, sr.), WF Ben Shifflett (6-4, sr.), C Brandon Evans (6-8, sr.), SG Mindaugas Markevicius (6-3, jr.), F Rokas Gricius (6-8, sr.), PG Clarence Turpin Jr. (5-9, fresh.) Outlook: The Celtics lose about 40 points a game with the graduation of last year’s leading scorer, Turner King (17.0 ppg.), and four other key contributors. But the return of Robinson (13.7 ppg.) and three other seniors along with the addition of Lithuanian transfers Markevicius and Gricius could be enough for Catholic to make a run at a third straight Division II state title. Markevicius played on the Lithuanian Junior National Team last year. BLUE DEVILS GRAYSON COUNTY Coach: Thomas Owens Last year: 15-9, 8-2 (lost in district final) Players to watch: PG Steven Richardson (6-0, sr.), P Josh Wingate (6-4, sr.), W Andrew McKinney (6-0, sr.), P Greg Thompson (6-3, sr.), W Jhas Robinson (6-2, jr.), W Gage Grier (6-0, jr.), P Jordan Gillespie (6-2, sr.), W Jared Caudill (5-11, sr.) Outlook: With a group of 13 upperclassmen including five seniors, playing experience should be a big plus. Richardson, Wingate and McKinney all averaged double figures in scoring. Richardson adds the savvy of a seasoned floor general. In a district that appears to be wide open this year, the Blue Devils will be a leading contender to win the district. BLUES PARRY MCCLUER Coach: Nelson Fox Last year: 22-5, 10-1 (lost in Region C semifinals) Players to watch: G Bennett Thompson (510, sr.), PG Josh Woody (6-0, soph.), C Hunter Shanks (6-4, sr.), F Aaron Cash (6-5, soph.), F/C Dallas Lund (6-5, jr.), F/C Andrew Williams (6-3, sr.), F Bryan Loy (6-2, jr.), G Jon Camden (5-8, sr.), G Brandon Fitzgerald (5-10, soph.) Outlook: Year in and year out, this is the program by which the rest of the district is measured. Graduation took a good chunk of last season’s firepower and only one starter is back. Experience — as well as proven scorers and rebounders — is limited. Quickness, too, could be a problem. However, there is plenty of size and a number of decent outside shooters. The key for the Fighting Blues will be to make it through the early part of the schedule with confidence intact. Once the district season starts, this team should be able to handle itself against any opponent. BOBCATS RADFORD Coach: Rick Cormany Last year: 19-7, 9-1 (lost in Group A quarterfinals) Players to watch: C Jon Webb (6-4, sr.), G Josh Rigney (6-1, sr.), PG Caleb Meeks (6-2, sr.), F Evan Bell (6-1, jr.), G Michael McCown (6-0, jr.), G/F Jon Thompson (6-2, soph.), PG Patrick Webb (5-9, soph.), G Brandon Saul (6-1, jr.) Outlook: The Bobcats are hoping this is the year Webb busts out and becomes a bona fide star. He’s one of several very athletic players on this roster — Thompson can dunk on the fast break and will be a good one. The question here is whether the Bobcats will show the kind of toughness that has defined Cormany’s teams for years, the kind that the departed Benson triplets embodied. Regardless, Radford’s back in the favorite’s role. GREEN WAVE NARROWS Coach: Todd Lusk Last year: 13-9, 9-1 (lost in Region C first round) Players to watch: W David Thompson (6-4, jr.), PG/SG Derrick Reed (6-2, jr.), C Brett Buracker (6-4, jr.), SG Nathan Myers (5-10, jr.), PG Zach Guynn (5-9, sr.), SG/PG Corey Lowe (5-10, soph.), SG Adam French (5-10, sr.), PG Richard Elmore (5-9, jr.) Outlook: After losing eight of its top nine players from a year ago, Narrows is very much in a state of flux. Thompson in a versatile player who will help out in a number of ways, especially scoring. He has the touch to shoot from the perimeter and the size to post up. An early reading on this group came from the Bluefield Summer League, in which it produced a 5-7 record. A very difficult early schedule will provide a stern test. By the end of the year, look for the Green Wave to be a factor in the district title chase. RAIDERS NORTH CROSS Coach: Jim Muscaro Last year: 12-12, 7-9 (didn’t make VIC tournament) Players to watch: C Garrett Hollingsworth (6-6, sr.), SG Joe Revercomb (6-0, sr.), SG Wes Revercomb (6-0, sr.), G Nick Miller (5-11, sr.), F/C Brian Roach (6-2, jr.), F Davis Frith (6-2, soph.), PF Holt Bibee (5-11, soph.), G Glenn Williams (6-0, soph.), G Fuller Clark (5-7, 8th grader). Outlook: Muscaro, 62, may have his work cut out for him in his 36th and final season as the North Cross coach. For the second straight year, the Raiders return one starter. This time, it’s Hollingsworth (15.7 ppg., 13 rpg.), who will need a strong supporting cast to make up for the loss of David Callis (12.7 ppg.), Jordon Andrews (9 ppg., 6 rpg.) and Ben Althouse (37 3-pointers). EAGLES ROANOKE VALLEY CHRISTIAN Coach: Ed Bailey Last year: 2-18, 0-16, (didn’t make the VIC tournament) Players to watch: PG Joel Hill (5-10, jr.), SG Kyle Clark (5-11, jr.), SF Jonathan Rice (6-1, sr.), PF Daniel Colston (6-1, sr.), C Brad Kessler (6-3, sr.), C Ryan Anderson (6-3, jr.), PF Eli Tilley (6-1, jr.), SF Tim Ragan (6-1, jr.). Outlook: Bailey’s coaching predecessor, Ralph Manning, is now working under him as one of four assistants. Clark and Ragan played under Bailey last season when Bailey coached the school’s JV team to a 10-9 record. Seven of last year’s varsity losses came against the top three teams in the VIC. Bailey would like this team to run an up-tempo offense in an effort to wear down opponents. — Capsules by Robert Anderson, Ray Cox, Aaron McFarling and Jared Turner