Countdown to Opening Day: #23 Philadelphia Phillies

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#23: Philadelphia Phillies: Place your bets on the vets

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Ben Revere
SS Jimmy Rollins
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
RF Marlon Byrd
LF Dominic Brown
C Carlos Ruiz
3B Cody Asche

PROJECTED ROTATION

Cliff Lee
Cole Hamels
AJ Burnett
Kyle Kendrick
Roberto Hernandez

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Jonathan Papelbon

Set-up: Brad Lincoln

Top Prospect: Maikel Franco (3B)

I think it may be time to break up the band in Philadelphia. But if you decide to rebuild right now it also means General

Ryan Howard

Manager Ruben Amaro is out the door. So in hopes to save his job, already on a tight budget because of the big deals he handed out in past seasons, Amaro went work to win in 2014. His only options were veterans on short term deals.
So joining an often injured Chase Utley and Ryan Howard is Marlon Byrd and AJ Burnett. If they can repeat their stellar campaigns that helped the Pittsburgh Pirates reach the playoffs last year, then maybe the Phils have something. But they are more likely to join Jimmy Rollins and Carlos Ruiz as players on the decline.
If things do not go well this year Amaro will be out and this team will look entirely different in 2015. We are talking about Utley, Rollins, and Howard all walking. It is an important year in Philadelphia and they doing it against two of the top teams in the National League (Atlanta and Washington) in their own division.

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - It's actually easy to see the Phillies find a groove and make one more

AJ Burnett

run at a title. They have four MVP caliber bats in the middle of the lineup between Rollins, Utley, Howard, and Dom Brown. They have three starters with no-hit stuff in Hamels, Lee and AJ Burnett. The bridge to Papelbon is stabilized by Brad Lincoln and Antonio Bastardo and thanks to all the talent and experience, manager Ryne Sandberg wins Manager of the Year in his first full season.

REAL TALK - If you could guarantee an injury free season for the Phillies than I may pick them to win a playoff spot. But with five everyday players 34 years of age and older the body is bound to breakdown in a 162 season. The Phillies are built to win in the playoffs or a short season, but not built to win a marathon the way the regular season is currently constituted. Maybe some pop off the bench (Ruf) or in the minors (Franco) could save them is Ryan Howard or Chase Utley go down, but I would not bet on it. The core group that won the 2008 World Series is nearing it's end.

Breakout: Ben Revere (OF)

Bust: Marlon Byrd (OF)

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Darin Ruf (1B/OF)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 73-89 (4th in NL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 77-85 (4th in NL East)

**Check back tomorrow for the Los Angeles Angels*

Countdown to Opening Day #24 Toronto Blue Jays

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#24: Toronto Blue Jays: They better score seven every night

PROJECTED LINEUP
SS Jose Reyes
LF Melky Cabrera
RF Jose Bautista
1B Edwin Encarnacion
DH Adam Lind
3B Brett Lawrie
CF Colby Rasmus
C Dioner Navarro
2B Ryan Goins

PROJECTED ROTATION

R.A. Dickey
Mark Buerhle
Brandon Morrow
Kyle Drabek
Marcus Stroman

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Casey Jansenn

Set-up: Steve Delabar 

Top Prospect: Aaron Sanchez (RHP)

They were 25th in Major League Baseball in ERA and only the Rockies and Twins had fewer Quality
Starts (6 innings pitched with three runs or less). So with gruesome numbers like that the Blue Jays were bound to bolster their pitching staff. Nope.

RA Dickey

This year the Canadian club has decided to go with what they had in house. That means 39 year old RA Dickey, 34 year old Mark Buerhle, the often injured Brandon Morrow and Kyle Drabek, rounded out with the less than illuminating JA Happ. One-time first round pick and all-star Ricky Romero has lost his mechanics to the point he is not ever in the conversation. Maybe a Liam Hendriks or Todd Redmond get a shot. But it does not look good for a squad that is top ten in payroll.
It's a shame they did not put more attention to the mound, because if Joey Bautista and Brett Lawrie stay healthy, they could be one of the better offenses in the American League. But in the AL, especially the East, it could be another year in the cellar. 

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - It is a renaissance year for the wiley veterans for Buerhle and Dickey and they lead the staff from one of the worst to, well not the best, but good enough to let the offense do its damage and win games to contend. Third basemen Brett Lawrie breaks out and Joey Bats stays healthy. The Jays hit the most home runs in the American League.

Brett Lawrie

REAL TALK - I would not be surprised if some players coming off a down year rebound. Lawrie, Reyes, and Morrow to name a few, but I still think in the difficult AL East they are fourth place at best and I am not going to bet on more than a fifth place finish. They are two starters short of being able to contend in this division.

Breakout: Brett Lawrie (3B)

Bust: RA Dickey (RHP)

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Brandon Morrow (RHP)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 74-88 (5th in AL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 73-89 (5th in AL East)

**Check back tomorrow for the Philadelphia Phillies*

Countdown to Opening Day: #25 Chicago Cubs

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#25: Chicago Cubs: What's another two, after waiting 106 years

PROJECTED LINEUP
LF Junior Lake
SS Starlin Castro
1B Anthony Rizzo
RF Nate Schierholtz
CF Justin Ruggiano
3B Mike Olt
C Wellington Castillo
2B Darwin Barney

PROJECTED ROTATION

Jeff Samardzija
Travis Wood
Edwin Jackson
Jason Hammel
Jake Arrieta

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Jose Veras

Set-up: Pedro Strop

Top Prospect: Javier Baez (SS)

Anthony Rizzo

The day Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer took over in the front office they preached patience. And after waiting 106 years a few more seasons of suffering will not hurt the lovable losers in the North Side. Now with one of the top farm systems in the baseball the Cubs could be back on their way toward contending.
Major leaguers Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo have dealt with the ups and downs early in their career but they are 23 and 24 years old respectively. The breakout seasons are yet to come and if they both find their groove this season they could make the National League Central a five team race.
Hoyer has done it right and whether it this year or two years from now when Javier Baez and can't miss product Kris Bryant are in Chicago, this team will break the curse of the Billy Goat.
As for this season, there are too many holes offensively around Rizzo and Castro to truly contend with the Cardinals and the two other squads that made the postseason from this division last year. 

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - Anthony Rizzo realizes his potential and puts his name in the MVP race as the Cubs get off to a hot start and never look back. Kris Bryant is too good in Triple A and is up in July for the stretch run. The starting five pitchers are nothing special, but keeps the club in the game while Jose Veras and Pedro Strop shut down the eighth and ninth innings.

Jeff Samardzija

REAL TALK - I like a lot of the young talent on this team, but the outfield of Junior Lake, Justin Ruggiano, and Nate Scheirholtz should be a contending teams threesome in Triple-A, not Wrigley Field. Too many misses with Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters in recent years have set Chi-town to the basement and they are more likely to finish fifth again. But Hoyer has done a great job and the future is bright. Just not this season.

Breakout: Anthony Rizzo (1B)

Bust: Travis Wood (LHP)

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Jose Veras (CL)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 66-96 (5th in NL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 72-90 (5th in NL Central)

**Check back tomorrow for the Toronto Blue Jays*

Countdown to Opening Day: #26 Minnesota Twins

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#26: Minnesota Twins: Minny Youth Movement in the Making

PROJECTED LINEUP
LF Alex Presley
2B Brian Dozier
1B Joe Mauer
DH Josh Willingham
3B Trevor Plouffe
RF Oswaldo Arcia
C Kurt Suzuki
CF Aaron Hicks
SS Pedro Florimon

PROJECTED ROTATION

Ricky Nolasco
Phil Hughes
Kevin Correia
Mike Pelfrey
Kyle Gibson

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Glen Perkins

Set-up: Jared Burton

Top Prospect: Byron Buxton (OF)

The cavalry is on the way in Minnesota, but top prospects Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton (MLB.com's #1 overall) are still probably a year away, at the earliest September call-ups. So the Twins went with a "stop

Ricky Nolasco

gap" philosophy this season.
Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes are better than the starters than they had last year, but it is unclear whether they are enough to make Minny competitive. Nolasco pitched solid last season, 13 wins and 3.70 ERA, and if you are going to the American League at least it's the Central. The worst scenario would have been the A.L. East, where Phil Hughes is coming from. There is no pressure on these guys and they could excell away from the bright lights of New York and Los Angeles.
It is going to take one of the younger Twins taking it to the next level for there to be any playoff hopes in Target Field. Some deep sleepers and game changers are outfielder Aaron Hicks and pitchers Kyle Gibson and Alex Meyer.

Joe Mauer

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - All it takes is Joe Mauer putting up MVP numbers and one of the starting pitchers pitching like an ace to turn the goals around in Gopher Town. All of the sudden Sano and Buxton come up to help contend and they are buying at the deadline. Moving Mauer to first base was the best decision Minnesota has made in a long time.

REAL TALK - The Twins are a year or two away. They continue to revamp how they tool the Twins thanks to their new digs. They no longer playing in the Metrodome and homers are not the way to build this squad. The Twins have already got more speed on the lineup and once they strengthen the pitching the will be back in the mix. Just not this year.

Breakout: Kyle Gibson (RHP)

Bust: Josh Willingham (OF)

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Jared Burton (RHP)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 66-96 (4th in AL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 71-91 (4th in AL Central)

**Check back tomorrow for the Chicago Cubs*

Countdown to Opening Day: #27 Colorado Rockies

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#27: Colorado Rockies: Health is the key in Coors

PROJECTED LINEUP
2B DJ LeMahieu
3B Nolan Arenado
SS Troy Tulowitzki
LF Carlos Gonzalez
RF Michael Cuddyer
1B Justin Morneau
C Wilin Rosario
CF Drew Stubbs

PROJECTED ROTATION

Jorge de la Rosa
Brett Anderson
Jhoulys Chacin
Tyler Chatwood
Jordan Lyles

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: LaTroy Hawkins

Set-up: Rex Brothers

Top Prospect: Eddie Butler (RHP)

Meet Keith Dugger. He is the Colorado Rockies head athletic trainer and boy has he been busy over the

Troy Tulowitzki

past few seasons. If I could predict or expect the stars that call Coors Field home to stay on the field, then maybe they would be more than a last place team. But the line to Dugger's office in Mile High is a mile long and some and the acquisitions General Manager Dan O'Dowd made this off-season did not really address that issue.
Joining the often injured Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez was Justin Morneau and Brett Anderson. Morneau has battled concussions since winning the MVP award in 2006 and Brett Anderson has been held back by elbow ligament surgery and a stress fracture in his foot last season.
The pitching staff has a lot to prove before I can be confident Colorado can compete with the likes of L.A., Arizona in their own division. Choosing a 41 year-old LaTroy Hawkins to be your closer is not the best idea either. He has not had more than 14 saves in a decade and while it's not the same ol' Coors Field from the early 2000s, it is still not pitcher's park.
The Rockies really need to out-slug squads to win in the National League this season. That starts with having Tulo and Car-Go healthy in the middle of the order.

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - Brett Anderson avoids the injury bug and teams up with other ground ball pitchers. At Coors you need arms that can avoid the long ball and it looks like the Rockies finally have done so with Jorge de la Rosa, Jhoulys Chacin, and Tyler Chatwood. The group gives just enough quality innings that the bullpen does not get overtaxed and the offense explodes. In his second season as manager Walt Weiss wins Manager of the Year.

Jorge de la Rosa

REAL TALK - I feel like this team could put it all together and surprise me, but there are too many ifs and too many talented teams in their division for me to pick them anywhere but the basement of the N.L. West. They can do some things well, but the Dodgers have more pitching, the D'Backs play stronger defense, the Giants win every other year, and the Padres are a team on the rise. Wrong year to need too much to go right. Maybe in 2015 they are a playoff team, but not this year.

Breakout: Nolan Arenado (3B)

Bust: LaTroy Hawkins (CL)

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Drew Stubbs (OF)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 74-88 (5th in NL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 70-92 (5th in NL West)

**Check back tomorrow for the Minnesota Twins*

Countdown to Opening Day: #28 Chicago White Sox

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#28: Chicago White Sox: Trying to recreate the 2005 magic

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Adam Eaton
LF Alejandro De Aza
SS Alexei Ramirez
DH Adam Dunn
1B Jose Daniel Abreu
RF Avisail Garcia
2B Gordon Beckham
3B Matt Davidson
C Tyler Flowers

PROJECTED ROTATION

Chris Sale
Jose Quintana
John Danks
Erik Johnson
Dylan Axelrod

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Nate Jones

Set-up: Matt Lindstrom

Top Prospect: Jose Daniel Abreu (1B)

Rick Hahn (GM) and Kenny Williams (president) are not just going to sit around and accept a 63 win
season. If they are going to struggle, they are going to struggle under their own terms. The White Sox flipped their roster last year for some younger and more athletic pieces. Whether it results in a competitive roster right away or not, Hahn had a hand in it.

Jose Daniel Abreu

Out goes closer Addison Reed and starter Hector Santiago and in comes Adam Eaton, Matt Davidson, and Cuban slugger Jose Daniel Abreu. White Sox legend Paul Konerko and Dayan "Tank" Viciedo go to the bench and part-time roles. Announcer Ken "Hawk" Harrelson may not be able to "Put in on the Board" as often, but there is a chance this group could create more runs.
Jose Daniel Abreu is a difference maker and his impact should depict how well the White Sox perform this season. But the White Sox are rolling the dice and you have to appreciate that if you are a South Side fan, compared to sitting with 25 guys that you know cannot compete in the A.L. Central. 

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - Back in 2005 the White Sox won the World Series behind Ozzie
ball. Ozzie Guillen is not just not with the Sox anymore, but his stint in Miami is going to keep him out of baseball for a while. But the club has tried to recreate that '05 magic. They tried to recreate Scott Podsednik and his 59 steals with the acquisition of Adam Eaton and they hope Konerko (a 40 homer, 100 RBI guy that year) can tutor the young Abreu to similar success. With the staff anchored by Chris Sale, the Sox bring something to talk about back to the Southside.

Chris Sale

REAL TALK - I am just not sold on the parts adding up to a winning team this season. Trying to get the same results out of Abreu that the Dodgers got from Yusiel Puig is very chancy. The only household name on the pitching staff is Chris Sale and I have never been a fan of his ability to stay healthy long term. He is Tim Lincecum from the left side with his funky delivery and slim stature. A Sale injury is in the future and could take this team from mediocre to miserable real quick.

Breakout: Adam Eaton (OF)

Bust: Nate Jones (CL)

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Jose Quintana (LHP)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 63-99 (5th in AL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 68-95 (5th in AL Central)

**Check back tomorrow for the Colorado Rockies*

Countdown to Opening Day: #29 Miami Marlins

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#29: Miami Marlins: Fernandez can't fix Marlins' mess alone

PROJECTED LINEUP
2B Rafael Furcal
CF Christian Yelich

RF Giancarlo Stanton
1B Garrett Jones
LF Marcell Ozuna
C Jarrad Saltalamacchia
3B Casey McGehee
SS Adeiny Hechavarria

PROJECTED ROTATION

Jose Fernandez
Jacob Turner
Henderson Alvarez
Nate Eovaldi
Tom Koehler

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Steve Cishek

Set-up: Carlos Marmol

Top Prospect: Andrew Heaney (LHP)

If you are looking for a spectacle and wins are secondary Miami is the place to be. Sprinkled in to one of

Jose Fernandez

the weakest collections of talent are some of the most entertaining young players. Giancarlo Stanton can still hit the sculpture in the center field with the long ball and Rookie of the Year Jose Fernandez has dominating stuff. Add in the 22 year-old Christian Yelich who had four homers and 10 steals in 62 games, the Fish do feature some incredible up-and-comers.  However you do not build a stadium, sign several free agents only to trade them the following year, and come back to relevance right away. Not even adding veterans Rafael Furcal and Jarrad Satalamacchia can turn this organization around right away. All that does is give them two players with letters down their arm in Salty and Adeiny Hechavarria. Sure, every fifth day they will have a chance to win with Fernandez, but Dade County should expect nothing more than another season in the cellar.

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - Jacob Turner finally lives up to his 9th overall selection in 2009 and gives the Marlins one of the best one-two punches in the National League. He and Jose Fernandez keep the Fish fighting all year long. The outfield trio of Stanton, Yelich, and Jake Marisnick make for are group to get giddy about for years to come.

Christian Yelich

REAL TALK - There is no depth on this major league roster. The pitching staff is weak 2-through-11, not counting Fernandez and closer Steve Cishek, and injuries are bound to happen. One guy goes down and suddenly the Marlins are exploited to the tune of double-digit losing streaks. The same could be said for the offense. Giancarlo Stanton has not played more than 130 games the last two seasons and Rafael Furcal has not reached 130 since 2009. All they can hope is they find mid-season trade value in Garret Jones or Jarrad Saltamacchia and turn them into more prospects. Becuase that is what the Marlins need - more young talent.

Breakout: Christian Yelich (OF)

Bust: Rafael Furcal (2B)

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Jacob Turner (RHP)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 62-100 (5th in the NL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 67-95 (5th in the NL East)

**Check back tomorrow for the Chicago White Sox*

Countdown to Opening Day: #30 Houston Astros

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#30: Houston Astros: Talented players on Houston's Horizon

PROJECTED LINEUP

CF Dexter Fowler
2B Jose Altuve
C Jason Castro
1B Chris Carter
3B Matt Dominguez
DH Marc Krauss
LF Robbie Grossman
RF L.J. Hoes
SS Jonathan Villar

PROJECTED ROTATION

Scott Feldman
Jared Cosart
Brad Peacock
Jerome Williams
Brett Oberholzter

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Matt Albers

Set-up: Chad Qualls

Top Prospect: Carlos Correa (SS)

Jose Altuve

They may not make the Opening Day roster, but there are some talented players on Houston's horizon. At least the city of Houston hopes so because this group has finished below .500 in six of the last seven years and under 60 wins in the last three. Outfielder George Springer and first basemen Jonathan Singleton have the chance to see the big leagues sometime this summer and could make an immediate impact. Springer, the 11th overall pick in 2011, is coming off 37 homers and 45 steals in the minors last season. Singleton, who came from the Philadephia Phillies in the Hunter Pence deal, is still looked at as a middle of the order threat. It may not be pretty in April and May with a pitching staff stocked with misfits, but if the Stros can finish strong in September, then the fan base may be able to finally feel good about where this organization is headed.

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - George Springer has a spring that cannot be overlooked and is hitting third on Opening Day for the Astros. He runs away with the A.L. Rookie of the Year award and helps the club contend quicker than they ever could imagine. The trade for Dexter Fowler pays off as he and Jose Altuve atop the lineup is a dangerous duo that combines for 100 steals. For the first time in five years Houston has more than one player representing them at the all-star game.

George Springer

REAL TALK - The Astros are still a season or two from scaring anyone, but they are stockpiling prospects and slowly headed in the right direction. They seem to know when to hold them and when to fold them all while showing patience with the prospects. Maybe Fowler, Altuve, and Jason Castro are the only everyday players in the long-term game plan for this group and in an improving division the Astros will probably have to suffer through another long season.

Breakout: George Springer (OF)

Bust: Scott Feldman (RHP)

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Jared Cosart (RHP)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 51-111 (5th place in AL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 61-101 (5th place in the AL West)

**Check back tomorrow for the Miami Marlins**

BOYS & GIRLS BASKETBALL: All-Area Teams

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

Here is my annual all-league selections. You will not see Neumann Goretti's Ja'Quan Newton or Friere Charter's Chelsea Woods on these teams. Not even Quakertown's Griffin Schmidt or Central Bucks South's Matt Scamuffo.

The players on these teams displayed their skills in the suburbs of Philadelphia, on teams the four JRC (Journal Register Company) papers covered. The papers are the Lansdale Reporter, Montgomery Media, Times Herald and the Mercury.

These are unofficial all-league selections, just one man's opinion based on what I have seen, read, or heard over the last three months.

Without further adieu...

BOYS
FIRST TEAM

Nick Stanek (Spring-Ford)

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nick Stanek (Spring-Ford): An under the radar team to even contend for a conference championship, let alone an Elite Eight appearance in Districts and the school's first ever PIAA berth, senior Nick Stanek soared to new heights this season. Averaging over 18 and making Chris Talley's first year as head coach a memorable one. As a junior he average under 10 per game and his ability to take his game and his team to the next level makes him my pick.

Jimmy Murray (Plymouth-Whitemarsh): The 6-foot guard came into the season expecting to run the offense and play outstanding defense. Nobody had any idea he would score of 20 a night and bring the Colonials another conference championship. His decision making improved as the year went on and he turned himself into one of the best players in the area.

Chase Wilson (Wissahickon): Never count out Wissahickon with coach's son Chase Wilson handling the ball. Whatever is needed of him on a given night he gives. Pass, defense, shoot, lead. Wilson, whether top talent surrounded him or not, reached the 1,000 point bench mark and helped his team knock of 3rd-seeded Great Valley in districts.

Tyrell Long (Bishop McDevitt): He is a opponent's worst nightmare to see in the paint. Not every team has the player on the roster that can guard the athletic big man who averaged close to 22 points per game. Long broke out as a junior and only got better during his senior season.

Matt Alden (William Tennent): While the previous two seasons were spent playing Robin to Horace Spencer, Alden spent his senior season as Batman. Alden did not flinch at Spencer's transfer and took over as the go-to guy. The Panthers may have not made the playoffs, but it was not for a lack of effort from Alden.

Pat Smith (Archbishop Wood)

SECOND TEAM

Tim Geurs (Germantown Academy)
Matt Penecale (Abington)
Pat Smith (Archbishop Wood)
Carnell Harley (Academy New Church)
Zach Quattro (Hatboro-Horsham)

Carter Knight (Souderton)

THIRD TEAM
Carter Knight (Souderton)
Andre Mitchell (Plymouth-Whitemarsh)
Simeon Fryer (Upper Dublin)
Zach Dolton (Phil-Mont Christian)
Drew Kakareka (Spring-Ford)








HONORABLE MENTION
Andrew Riviello (Lansdale Catholic)
Jordan Greene (Abington Friends)
Jared Armstrong (Christopher Dock)
Zach Jenkins (Methacton)
Zach Muredda (Pennridge)



GIRLS
FIRST TEAM

Vicky Tumasz (North Penn)

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Vicky Tumasz (North Penn): She always had that three-point shot in her bag of tricks, but Vicky Tumasz was so much more than that this season. She learned how to score in a variety of the ways and a big senior season helped her reach 1,000 points, win a conference championship, and the state playoffs for the third straight season. Sure the Maidens have strong role players, but Tumasz put her team on her back too many times this season to not make her my Player of the Year.

Sammy Stipa (Spring-Ford):  What an incredible career for the senior guard. Stipa became the school's all-time leading scorer and lifted her team back to the state playoffs for another season. Longtime assistant coach Mickey McDaniel took over as the head coach, but the Lady Rams and especially Stipa never skipped a beat.

Alex Louin (Mount St. Joe's): Villanova has a special one coming into the program with signee Louin. She saw minutes as a freshman with the Magic on a talented team because right away coach John Miller knew she was that talented. Louin took off as a sophomore and never stopped scoring. She has a quick first step to the hoop and is just as aggressive on the defensive end.

Ashley Jones (Cheltenham): Like Louin did  in Flourtown four years ago, across Route 309 was another freshman bursting on the scene. Jones' impact was one that does not come around too often. The Panthers' Jones averaged 22 points per game in her first year at the varsity level. Four year from now she could pull a "Stipa" and become the school's all-time leading scorer if she keeps up her first year's pace.

Regie Robinson (Upper Merion): The junior Robinson averaged close to 18 points per game and carried her squad to the District One playoffs. She is one to watch in 2015 as she looks to close out her high school career in style.

Nicole Munger (C.B. West)

SECOND TEAM

Nicole Munger (Central Bucks West)
Kelly Glatthorn (Methacton)
Emma Dorshimer (Jenkintown)
Margaret Ann Hubbell (Germantown Academy)
Michael Harris (Abington)

Taylor Herd (Lansdale Catholic)

THIRD TEAM
Taylor Herd (Lansdale Catholic)
KT Armstrong (Perk Valley)
Allison Gallagher (Souderton)
Regan Gallagher (Upper Dublin)
Shelby Mueller (Spring-Ford)

Bianca Picard (Souderton)

HONORABLE MENTION
Bianca Picard (Souderton)
Rachel Day (Archbishop Wood)
Carly Monzo (Mount St. Joe's)
Mackenzie Carroll (Central Bucks West)
Jana Goodman (Phil-Mont Christian)

Boys Basketball: Predicting the District-1 4A Playoffs

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for The Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

(1) Conestoga
(32) Norristown
                           Conestoga
                           Ridley
(16) Ridley
(17) Methacton
                                          Conestoga
                                          Lower Merion
(8) Pennwood
(25) Bishop Shanahan
                          Pennwood
                          Lower Merion
(9) Lower Merion
(24) Central Bucks East
                                                          Lower Merion
                                                          Pennsbury
(4) Spring-Ford
(29) Kennett
                         Spring-Ford
                         Coatesville
(13) Coatesville
(20) Harriton
                                           Coatesville
                                           Pennsbury
(5) Pennsbury
(28) Academy Park
                        Pennsbury
                        Central Bucks South
(12) Oxford
(21) Central Bucks South
                                                                                 Great Valley over Lower Merion

(2) Chester
(31) W C Henderson
                       Chester
                       Pennridge
(15) Pennridge
(18) Souderton
                                              Chester                             
                                              Upper Darby
(7) Abington
(26) North Penn
                     Abington
                     Upper Darby
(10) Upper Darby
(23) Haverford
                                                                   Chester
                                                                   Great Valley
(3) Great Valley
(30) Wissahickon
                      Great Valley
                      Radnor
(14) W C Rustin
(19) Radnor
                                                  Great Valley
                                                  Plymouth-Whitemarsh
(6) Plymouth-Whitemarsh
(27) DTown East
                      Plymouth-Whitemarsh
                      Central Bucks West
(11) Penncrest
(22) Central Bucks West


PIAA Qualifiers: (1) Great Valley, (2) Lower Merion, (3) Chester, (4) Pennsbury, (5) Conestoga, (6) Plymouth-Whitemarsh, (7) Coatesville, (8) Upper Darby, (9) Abington, (10) Pennwood

Breakin' down the First Round Match-Ups

Norristown at Conestoga - Zack Yonda and crew get a tough 32-seed in the Eagles. The group is a perennial state playoff team, but most of the players on this year squad watch from the end of the bench with their warm-ups on over the last few seasons. The Eagles will put up a fight, but the top seed should eventually pull away. Win - Pioneers.

Methacton at Ridley - The Warriors will put out a gutsy performance every night, but with no true take-over scorer Ridley, who kept up with the top teams in the Central League, should cruise into the second round of the tournament. The Warriors best chance is to slow it down and execute their half court sets. Win - Green Raiders.


Kennett at Spring-Ford - The Blue Demons Jackson Hyland has the ability to take over the game and down the road coach Chris Talley and his team may lack the experience to make a deep run. But I'll take the one-two punch of Nick Stanek and Drew Kakareka over Hyland and his 22 points per game. Win - Rams.

Souderton at Pennridge - The Rams beat the rivals Indians twice this year and I really only lean toward the 15 seed because they play so well in their home gym. This game is sure going to go down to the wire. The Rams need to rebound down the stretch and hit foul shots and the game and the second round is there for the taking. Win - Rams.

North Penn at Abington - The Knights are just glad to be in, though they get a final four team from a year ago, a very strong seven seed. However coach Jon Conrad's bunch nearly knocked off Upper Darby in the first round last year and they know the game is not won on paper. But coach Charles Grasty has his machine well-oiled and ready to reach the state playoffs. Win - Ghosts.

Wissahickon at Great Valley - It is senior year for the Trojans Chase Wilson, but he will not be able to reach his state playoffs goals without some help from his friends. A lot of help. Led by 6-7 Villanova recruit Mikal Bridges the Patriots are poised to win the District Championship. Win - Patriots.

Downingtown East at Plymouth-Whitemarsh - The Colonials can score with the best of them and the best of them includes the Cougars sophomore Cary Angeline. The 6-7, 215 scorer is a match-up nightmare, but guards Andre Micthell and Jimmy Murray are no easy assignment either. Win - Colonials.

Central Bucks West at Penncrest - The Lions are good, real good, and maybe under-seeded at 11. But the Bucks can surpise with their scrappy play and find a way to sneak by the Central League boys. Kelly and Kelley, Jared and Patrick, are the in-and-out presence needed to step up if they are going to prevail.

Girls Basketball: Predicting the District-1 4A Playoffs

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for The Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

(1) Mount St. Joe's
(32) Great Valley
                           Mount St. Joe's 
                           Souderton
(16) Boyertown
(17) Souderton
                                          Mount St. Joe's
                                          Bishop Shanahan
(8) Bishop Shanahan
(25) Haverford
                          Bishop Shanahan
                          Conestoga
(9) Ridley
(24) Conestoga
                                                          Mount St. Joe's
                                                          Spring-Ford
(4) Spring-Ford
(29) Chester
                         Spring-Ford
                         DTown West
(13) Pennwood
(20) DTown West
                                           Spring-Ford
                                           Methacton
(5) Central Bucks West
(28) Norristown
                        Central Bucks West
                        Methacton
(12) Methacton
(21) Cheltenham
                                                                                  Spring-Ford over North Penn

(2) Garnet Valley 
(31) Council Rock North
                       Garnet Valley
                       Abington
(15) DTown East
(18) Abington
                                              Garnet Valley                                  
                                              Neshaminy
(7) West Chester Rustin
(26) West Chester East
                     W C Rustin
                     Neshaminy
(10) Neshaminy
(23) Strath Haven
                                                                   Neshaminy
                                                                   North Penn
(3) North Penn
(30) Council Rock South
                      North Penn
                      Plymouth-Whitemarsh
(14) Central Bucks South
(19) Plymouth-Whitemarsh
                                                  North Penn
                                                  Harriton
(6) Upper Dublin
(27) Upper Merion
                      Upper Merion
                      Harriton
(11) Harriton
(22) Central Bucks East


PIAA Qualifiers: (1) Spring-Ford (2) North Penn, (3) Mount St. Joe's, (4) Neshaminy, (5) Garnet Valley, (6) Methacton, (7) Bishop Shanahan, (8) Harriton, (9) Central Bucks West, (10) Plymouth-Whitemarsh

Breakin' down the First Round Match-Ups

Great Vallet at Mount St. Joe's - Coach John Miller does a great job of preparing his girls to play smothering defense on a daily basis. And defense wins championships. The only question here is will the Patriots score 30 points? Congrats on making the playoffs G.V. Win - Magic.

Souderton at Boyertown - A great out of conference record of 9-0 has the Bears a home. But this out of conference clash comes against the Indians, who play in one of the toughest conferences in the area. Look for the Indians to out run the Bears behind the guard play of Allison Gallagher and Bianca Picard. Win - Indians.



Chester at Spring-Ford - The defending state champs await the Clippers, but they do not bring the same pedigree as the boys program in Chester. The Lady Rams are familiar with this moment and should storm away from La'Naysia Dixon and Camry Adams, a duo that averages a double-double. That's not enough here. Win - Rams.

Norristown at Central Bucks West - At times the Lady Bucks has looked like of state playoff caliber and other times they slip and lose a winnable game. While the Eagles could pull off the biggest shocker of the first round, I still lean toward Michigan-bound Nicole Munger and fellow junior Mackenzie Carroll to control the game, start to finish. Win - Bucks.

Cheltenham at Methacton - Freshman phenom Ashley Jones could carry the Panthers to the promise land, but they landed a tough match-up with the Warriors. The PAC-10 squad has a prolific scorer of their own in Kelly Glatthorn. The Lady Panthers have promise, but they ran into a tough first round god fight. Win - Warriors.

Abington at Downingtown East - With a 19-4 record all the Cougars know is winning. But have they been challenged by an inside-out duo like guard Deja Rawls and center Michael Harris? If the Galloping Ghosts can get any type of production out of the role players they should be able to roll to a win. Win - Ghosts.

Council Rock South at North Penn - A match-up in the regular season the Golden Hawks got blown-out by Vicky Tumasz and the Maidens. Look for Allison Taub and crew to be more challenging than the first time, but in the end the Maidens move into the next round rather easily. Win - Maidens.

Plymouth-Whitemarsh at Central Bucks South - The Titans have their good and bad days, but they did enough in the SOL Continental to grab a home game. Crushing Pennwood and beating Central Bucks West helped that cause. The Colonials were in contention for a conference championship and Asia Baker and Alynna Williams are a challenging couple to slow down on the offensive end. Win - Colonials.

Upper Dublin at Upper Merion - The Flying Cardinals rallied to a league title after losing senior Kayla McAneny to an injury. They lost to the Vikings right after the awful news and came back to crush the a week ago. I could see the third go-around going either way. Win - Vikings.,

CHECK BACK FOR BOYS 4A PREDICTIONS

Boys Basketball: Area-Superlatives, Top 10 Teams, & Playoff Picture

By Andrew Marcus

Sportswriter for The Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

By the end of this week teams need to be done their regular season schedule and the playoffs will kick off next week. The area has a few teams that need to finish strong to reach the District One playoffs.

By this team I have been able to watch and read about the players dominating the area. So here are the area's Superlatives. All the players are in the coverage are for The Lansdale Reporter, Montgomery Media, The Mercury, and The Times Herald.

TOP SCORER:  Jimmy Murray (Plymouth-Whitemarsh)
BEST PASSER:  Najee Walls (LaSalle)
END-TO-END SPEED: Purnell Wilson (Perkiomen Valley)
BEST DEFENDER:  Chase Wilson (Wissahickon)
CLUTCH GENE:  Matt Penecale (Abington)
BEST 3 PT. SHOT:  Pat Smith (Archbishop Wood)
BEST SHOT BLOCKER:  Chris Evans (Norristown)
BEST REBOUNDER: Carnell Harley (Academy New Church)
BEST INSIDE GAME:  Tyrell Long (Bishop McDevitt)
MOST IMPROVED: Matt Alden (William Tennent)
ONCOMING STAR: Tim Guers (Germantown Academy)
MOST LIKELY TO WIN STATE PLAYOFF GAME:  Plymouth-Whitemarsh Colonials
SURPRISE TEAM:  Spring-Ford Rams
TEAM TO WATCH IN 2015:  Germantown Academy Patriots

TOP 10 TEAMS
10. North Penn Knights (10-9) (midway rank: otw)
9. Methacton Warriors (13-7) (midway rank: 9)
8. Abington Friends Roos (11-6) (midway rank: 5)
7. Pennridge Rams (14-5) (midway rank: 6)
6. Academy New Church Lions (15-7) (midway rank: 8)
5. Germantown Academy Patriots (16-6) (midway rank: 7)
4. LaSalle Explorers (15-4) (midway rank: 4)
3. Spring-Ford Rams (19-2) (midway rank: 2)
2. Abington Galloping Ghosts (17-3) (midway rank: 1)
1. Plymouth-Whitemarsh Colonials (18-2) (midway rank: 3)

Others to watch: Christopher Dock (13-7), Pope John Paul II (12-8), CB West (11-8), Wissahickon (11-8)

DISTRICT ONE 4A
LOOKING GOOD
Plymouth-Whitemarsh
Abington
Spring-Ford
Pennridge
Methacton
Wissahickon
Norristown
ON THE BUBBLE
North Penn
Central Bucks West
Cheltenham
Perk Valley
MAYBE NEXT YEAR
Souderton
Pottsgrove
Upper Dublin
Pottstown
William Tennent
Hatboro-Horsham
Upper Merion