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

Girls Basketball: Top 10 Breakthrough Players

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for The Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

A month ago these were not the names expected to carry their team this winter. A month ago, outside of their home gym, they were looked upon as good players, but not expected to steal the headlines in the papers of Journal Register Company's Philadelphia cluster (Reporter, Times Herald, Mercury, Montgomery).

Whether it is because of extended playing time or exponential improvement over the off-season, these are my TOP 10 BREAKTHROUGH PLAYERS OF THE FIRST HALF.

10. Jill Bolton (Christopher Dock) - The freshman has become a force for the Pioneers and helped them run out of the gate to a 6-2 record. The forward leads the team in points per game (13.8) and rebounds (8.1). Bolton looks to have a big future ahead of her.

Kayla McAneney (UD)

9. Kayla McAneney (Upper Dublin) - A role player on very successful teams over the last few season the seniors have become one of the go-to players on the Flying Cardinals club that is currently undefeated. She is one of the leading scores in Suburban One and alongside Regan Gallagher the duo have been dynamic every night they hit the floor.

8. Laura Killion (Lower Moreland) - She has not needed to be the go-to scorer every night for the Lions, but the sophomore sees her team struggling she has not been afraid to answer the call. The Lions sit at 11-1 overall and Killion's emergence is a big reason they have league and district aspirations.

7. Taylor Herd (Lansdale Catholic) - Herd has the ability to go off any night for the Lady Crusaders. The sophomore in her first season in Lansdale is averaging over 16 points and 6 rebounds. The Crusaders offense can come from all five spots in the floor, but Herd has been a hero on several occasions this season.

6. Asia Baker (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) - The 5-10 senior forward has flourished for the Colonials this season. Baker does her damage on both sides of the court, scoring well over 16 a night and pulling down time rebounds left and right. The inside-combo with her and Alynna Williams have made the Colonials of tall task for opponents.

Vicky Tumasz (NP)

5. Vicky Tumasz (North Penn) - We should have seen it coming with Tumasz. In years past she was good for the occasional three-pointer, yet it always seemed to me at a clutch time in the ball game. For her senior season she has been clutch all game. She has emerged as the Maidens main scorer and vocal leader. Losing Lauren Crisler (American University) is a lot easier with Tumasz shooting lights out this season.

4. Jana Goodman (Phil-Mont Christian) - Goodman has always been a great rebounder and defensive player in the post. But now the senior, who is headed to Kutztown, is dominating the Bicentennial League from all areas on the floor. She is a four year starter, but now is truly showing why she received a scholarship to play for the Bears.

3. Michael Harris (Abington) - The potential has always been there for Harris and college coaches saw it. Before Harris ever averaged double-doubles she was having calls coming her way. But this senior season Harris is having a breakout season, leading the Ghosts to another strong season.

Allison Gallagher (SOUD)

2. Allison Gallagher (Souderton) -  Her partner in crime Bianca Picard gets a lot of the attention, rightfully so with her Division-One abilities, but Gallagher has grabbed the headlines through the midway point. She has been the leading scorer on most nights and giving the Indians the extra effort needed to win the close games. Gallagher will be a difference maker down the stretch for Big Red.

1. Ashley Jones (Cheltenham) - She may be a freshman, but she is already the most prolific scorer in the Suburban One League. Averaging well over 20 points per game she has put the Panthers back on the map after a down year. She's already receiving extra-attention, something she will certainly have to get used to over the next four seasons.


10. Plymouth-Whitemarsh Colonials (9-2) (quarter rank: otw)
9. Souderton Indians (9-3) (quarter rank: otw)
8. Methacton (9-4) (quarter rank: 8)
7. Germantown Academy Patriots (8-0) (quarter rank: 7)
6. Central Bucks West Bucks (9-3) (quarter rank: 4)
5. North Penn Maidens (9-2) (quarter rank: 6)
4. Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals (11-0) (quarter rank: 9)
3. Archbishop Wood Vikings (8-1) (quarter rank: 3)
2. Mount Saint Joseph's Magic (12-1) (quarter rank: 2)
1. Spring-Ford Rams (11-2) (quarter rank: 1)

Others to watch: Norristown (6-5), Jenkintown (9-4), Lansdale Catholic (6-5), Lower Moreland (11-1), Cheltenham (8-3), Abington (7-5), Saint Basil (8-1), Pope John Paul II (12-1)

Boys Basketball: Top 10 Breakthrough Players

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for The Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

A month ago these were not the names expected to carry their team this winter. A month ago, outside of their home gym, they were looked upon as good players, but not expected to steal the headlines in the papers of Journal Register Company's Philadelphia cluster (Reporter, Times Herald, Mercury, Montgomery).

Last year this list included Brendan Casper, John Kanas, Tyrell Long, Zach Quattro, Purnell Wilson. Whether it is because of extended playing time or exponential improvement over the off-season, these are my TOP 10 BREAKTHROUGH PLAYERS OF THE FIRST HALF.

Joe Molettiere (PHS)

10. Joe Molettiere (Pennridge) - If you do not count the garbage minutes Molettiere received as a sophomore, this year is really the first varsity experience for the guard, playing center for the undersized and conference leading Rams. At 6-1 he is the Rams go-to rebounder and also their leading scorer. Coach Dean Behrens' team is a surprise first place squad and its because they have a surprise first-team all-leaguer in Molettiere.

9. Amin Taylor (Bishop McDevitt) - The Royal Lancers were looking for a secondary scorer behind forward Tyrell Long and Taylor has answered the call in his senior season. The sharpshooting 6-1 guard has already had his share of 25 point games and has his team 6-6 overall with their challenging schedule.

8. Carter Knight (Souderton) - From sixth man to the man in a season, Knight has grown into quite the offensive threat. A quick first step allows him to get to the basket and a strong pull-up jumper has him as one of the leading scorers in the Suburban One League. Knight has proven to be fearless in the leadership position.

7. Amir Hinton (Abington) - No one was quite sure where they Galloping Ghosts would go to get offense after the departure of Anthony Durham and Jordan Simmons from last year's state playoff team. Hinton has become a junior wing with the ability to go off. Luckily with the help of multiple emerging talents, he has not needed to score 20 every night, but Hinton is in store for a big career numbers when it is all said and done.

Tim Guers (GA)

6. Tim Guers (Germantown Academy) - The 6-2 junior guard is the leader for a  trio of Patriots putting up points on a nightly basis. He is probably a passer and point guard at the next level, but in the Inter-Ac he is doing it all. Guers already garnered MVP hardware during the Holiday Tournament they took part in.

5. Joe Robinson (Abington Friends) - The 6-5 Robinson has shown the ability to take over a game for the Roos if needed. One game this season he had 30 points and 18 rebounds, a true man's man's double-double. Robinson does most of his work in the paint, but is not afraid to step outside and test his range. The Roos had a jumper in Robinson.

4. James Bleming (Pope John Paul II) - The senior shortstop is going to play baseball at Lehigh, but right now he is playing ball for the Panthers, who are in a stiff fight for second place in the PAC-10. His three-point prowess has him averaging over three three's a game 14 per in total.

3. Nick Stanek (Spring-Ford) - The 6-4 senior has broken out in a big way. He has the Rams rolling along, well in front in the PAC-10. He is averaging close to 18 points per game and has been no slouch on the glass either. His partner in crime Drew Kakareka makes the Rams a team to watch come district playoff time.

Andre Mitchell (PW)

2. Matt Alden (William Tennent) - He is one the hardest working warriors on the floor and his senior season is turning out to be something special. With media-darling Horace Spencer off the Panthers and in Vegas, Alden has stolen the show. He is averaging close to 20 points per game and if the Panthers find a way to win enough game to reach the district playoffs I would not be shocked if Alden leads his squad to a big first round upset single-handedly.

1. Andre Mitchell (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) - The 6-1 junior has arrived. The Colonials are back from a down year and a threat to make some postseason noise thanks to Mitchell and crew. There is not a body in the paint Mitchell will back down from and is doing most of his damage on the drive. Not many teams have a defender that can defend Mitchell moves around the basket. The Colonials are 8-2 and in for two good years with Mitchell manning the floor.

10. Wissahickon Trojans(6-4) (quarter rank: 6)
9. Methacton Warriors (7-5) (quarter rank: 8)
8. Academy New Church Lions (7-5) (quarter rank: nr)
7. Germantown Academy Patriots (9-4) (quarter rank: otw)
6. Pennridge Rams (9-2) (quarter rank: otw)
5. Abington Friends Roos (8-2) (quarter rank: 9)
4. LaSalle Explorers (9-2) (quarter rank: 4)
3. Plymouth-Whitemarsh Colonials (8-2) (quarter rank: 3)
2. Spring-Ford Rams (11-1) (quarter rank: 5)
1. Abington Galloping Ghosts (10-1) (quarter rank: 1)

Others to watch: Christopher Dock (6-3), Phil-Mont Christian (8-2), Pope John Paul II (6-5), Lower  Moreland (7-3)Bishop McDevitt (6-6),North Penn (5-5), Norristown (6-3), Archbishop Wood (5-5)

Girls Basketball: Pre New-Year Area Top 10 Teams & Top Scorers

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for The Lansdale Reporter
Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

Aubree Brown (AW)

After two weeks will still sit with a similar group of girls leading the way. We could be looking at Class 4A, Class 3A, and Class 2A title winners with Spring-Ford, Archbishop Wood, and St. Basil. Even the Class A schools like Jenkintown, PhilMont Christian, and Faith Christian are proving to be no slouches.

It was a tough decision, but Souderton and Abington have fallen out of my Top 10 and into the Others to Watch. Both teams could be back in the rankings next year, but Lansdale Catholic and Upper Dublin have done enough to earn those spots.

Kayla McAneney

First year head coach Amy Kradzinski has here Crusaders rolling right now. Taylor Herd has proven to be a dynamic scorer and the roster is deep and the roster is young. Look out this year, but next year they could possibly challenge for a District 12 championship.

I have to apologize for the credit I did not give the Flying Cardinals, last year's 3-seed in districts. I thought they lost too much talent to graduation, but the tandem of Regan Gallagher and Kayla McAneneny has the group right back in the mix.




10. Lansdale Catholic Crusaders (4-1) (preseason rank: NR)
9. Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals (5-0) (preseason rank: NR)
8. Methacton Lady Warriors (5-2) (preseason rank: 10)
7. Germantown Academy Patriots (3-1) (preseason rank: 6)
6. North Penn Maidens (4-0) (preseason rank: 4)
5. St. Basil Panthers (6-0) (preseason rank: 9)
4. Central Bucks West Lady Bucks (3-1) (preseason rank: 2)
3. Archbishop Wood Vikings (3-1) (preseason rank: 5)
2. Mount St Joseph's Magic (5-1) (preseason rank: 3)
1. Spring-Ford Rams (7-1) (preseason rank: 1)

Others to watch: Souderton (4-2), Cheltenham (2-2), Faith Christian (4-0), Jenkintown (4-2), Lower Moreland (4-0), PhilMont Christian (5-0), Plymouth-Whitemarsh (4-0), Pope John Paul II (5-0), Abington Friends (6-1), Abington (3-2), William Tennent (5-1)

BIG NIGHT SCORING (20+ points)
Margaret Ann Hubbell (Germantown Academy) 33 pts vs Baldwin
Lucy Raymond (ANC) 32 pts vs Del-Val Friends
Regie Robinson (Upper Merion) 28 pts vs West Windsor
Taylor Herd (Lansdale Catholic) 28 pts vs Nazareth
Jana Goodman (PhilMont Christian) 28 pts vs Jenkintown (12/19)
Jana Goodman (PhilMont Christian) 27 pts vs Jenkintown (12/7)
Taylor Herd (Lansdale Catholic) 24 pts vs Hatboro-Horsham
Brianna Hedgepath (Norristown) 24 pts vs Upper Merion
Alex Louin (Mount Saint Joseph's) 24 pts vs Methacton
Vicky Tumasz (North Penn) 23 pts vs Souderton
Ashley Jones (Cheltenham) 22 pts vs Upper Dublin
Shelby Mueller (Spring-Ford) 22 pts vs Perkiomen Valley
Emma Dorshimer (Jenkintown) 22 pts vs Girard College
Emma Dorshimer (Jenkintown) 22 pts vs PhilMont Christian (12/19)
Emma Dorshimer (Jenkintown) 21 pts vs Bishop McDevitt
Kayla McAneney (Upper Dublin) 21 pts vs Wissahickon
Alex Louin (Mt St Joes) 21 pts vs Merion Mercy
Kelly Glatthorn (Methacton) 21 pts vs Owen J. Roberts
Kelly Glatthorn (Methacton) 21 pts vs Boyertown
Nikki Aldens (William Tennent) 20 pts vs Pottsgrove
Asia Baker (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) 20 pts vs Upper Moreland

Boys Basketball: Pre-New Year Area Top 10 Teams & Top Scorers

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for The Lansdale Reporter
Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

Amir Hinton (ABI)

We are two weeks into the basketball season and the preseason picture has been turned upside down. My
number one team heading into the year Perkiomen Valley has played a difficult schedule and is 1-4 overall. While they could still turn it on by season's end, they have completely left the Top 10.

Others team that have fallen out of my Top 10 include North Penn, Cheltenham, and Academy of the New Church.

Nick Stanek (SF)

Five of the teams I considered "Others to Watch" have made it into my Top 10, with coach Jimmy Donofrio getting his new look Colonials back in the mix for a American Conference championship. Andre Mitchell and Jimmy Murray have become a solid 1-2 punch.

The number one team is now Abington, as they have moved on from Anthony Durham and the class of 2013, yet still are winning games. There have been breakout performances from Amir Hinton and just an overall great team effort so far this year. The real test for this group is in their own conference with Pennsbury.

First year head coach at Spring-Ford Chris Talley has his club playing lights out ball and they are the only team to crack the Top 10 after not even being on the "OTW" radar before the season began. Nick Stanek and Drew Kakareka are carrying this group to a PAC-10 title.

10. Bishop McDevitt Royal Lancers (4-3) (preseason rank: otw)
9. Abington Friends Roos (4-2) (preseason rank: 7)
8. Methacton Warriors (4-1) (preseason rank: otw)
7. Hatboro-Horsham Hatters (4-1) (preseason rank: otw)
6. Wissahickon Trojans (3-2) (preseason rank: 4)
5. Spring-Ford Rams (6-0) (preseason rank: nr)
4. LaSalle Explorers (4-1) (preseason rank: 9)
3. Plymouth-Whitemarsh Colonials (4-1) (preseason rank: otw) 
2. Archbishop Wood Vikings (2-1) (preseason rank: 2)
1. Abington Galloping Ghosts (5-0) (preseason rank: 5)

Others to watch: Central Bucks West (4-2), Pope John Paul II (4-2), Germantown Academy (3-4), Lansdale Catholic (2-1), Pennridge (4-2), Perkiomen Valley (1-4), PhilMont Christian (6-0), Upper Dublin (2-3)

BIG SCORING NIGHTS (25+ points)

Tyrell Long (B McD)

Tyrell Long (Bishop McDevitt) 41 pts vs New Foundations
Andre Mitchell (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) 35 pts vs Dobbins
James Bleming (Pope John Paul II) 33 pts vs Bishop McDevitt
Jordan Greene (Abington Friends) 32 pts vs Moses Brown
Joe Robinson (Abington Friends) 30 pts vs Friends Central
Tim Guers (Germantown Academy) 28 pts vs Pennington
Zach Dolton (PhilMont Christian) 28 pts vs Bishop McDevitt
Tyrell Long (Bishop McDevitt) 28 pts vs PhilMont Christian
Jimmy Murray (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) 27 pts vs Wissahickon
Zach Quattro (Hatboro-Horsham) 27 pts vs Upper Moreland
Matt Alden (William Tennent) 27 pts vs Council Rock North
Tim Guers (Germantown Academy) 27 pts vs St. Albans
Sam Lindgren (Germantown Academy) 27 pts vs Blue Ridge
Pat Smit (Archbishop Wood) 27 pts vs William Tennent
Carnell Harley (Academy New Church) 27 pts vs Haverford School
Amir Hinton (Abington) 27 pts vs Frakford
Andrew Riviello (Lansdale Catholic) 26 pts vs Pottsgrove
Joe Robinson (Abington Friends) 26 pts vs Barrack Hebrew
Jordan Greene (Abington Friends) 25 pts vs Barrack Hebrew
Amin Taylor (Bishop McDevitt) 25 pts vs Chichester
Matt Alden (William Tennent) 25 pts vs MLK

Pre-Season All-Area Girls Basketball Team

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

Welcome to the wonderful world of winter sports. Where it's cold outside and the games are indoors. I love football, but I am thankful this Holiday Season for no more standing on the sidelines while I lose the feeling in fingers.

High School Basketball, in my opinion, is at its best in and around this area. Teams from Lansdale Reporter, Mercury, Times Herald, and Montgomery Media's coverage area always seem to be in the mix for district and even state championships. There are always a handful of players that commit to Division-One schools and more than you can count that go one to play Division Two and Three.

So without further adieu... Here is one man's opinion on the best teams and the best players in the area prior to the 2013-2014 season starts.

Check back to this blog all season for stats and scores. Go to www.gametimepa.com for stories everyday.

Top 10 Pre-Season Teams

1. Spring-Ford Rams - Out is coach Jeff Rinehimer and in steps long-time assistant and Athletic Director Mickey McDaniel. However the girls returns several of the stars from their state championship season a year ago. The duo of Stipa and Payonk are surrounded by talented roll players that could be stars on any other team.

2. Central Bucks West Lady Bucks - The Bucks continue to inch closer to the promise land and the group of juniors this season, led by Michigan bound Nicole Munger and shooting guard Mackenzie Carroll could have the girls in more than just league title contention. This team is state bound.

3. Mount Saint Joseph Magic - Alex Louin is back for her senior season and ready to send off the Magic to another District One Class AAAA title at Villanova before she makes The Pavillon her home floor. Louin could carry this team far by herself, but with hard working role players and a stellar coach in John Miller, the Magic are in for a magical season.

4. North Penn Maidens - Losing Lauren Crisler will be tough, but the Maidens have several girls that are more than capable of picking up the slack. Erin Maher and Vicky Tumasz are the known commodities and good ones at that, but girls like Bri Cullen and Michaela Giuliani make the Maidens a threat for league and district titles onnce again.

5. Archbishop Wood Vikings - Another year and another tough senior class to watch graduate. The perennial powerhouse is without coach Jim Ricci this season, but that does not mean they should not be expected to make noise early and often.

6. Germantown Academy Patriots  - Just becuase the Lady Pats have one senior is no reason to take Margaret Ann Hubell and her girls lightly. Look for the freshman to make and impact for this team to come on strong quickly.

7. Abington Galloping Ghosts - I am already regretting not ranking the Ghosts higher in the pre-season polls becuase this team is loaded with experience. Deja Rawls has been doing it for years and her supporting cast has only gotten stronger. The Ghosts could challenge for a District One championship this season.

8. Souderton Indians - After finishing the season one win away from a state playoff berth the Indians are back and more motivated than ever. The senior class, led by NJIT commit Bianca Picard, wants nothing more than a banner in the gymnasium commemorating the year.

9. St. Basil Panthers - The Panthers are coming off a District One Class AA title from last season and a surely prepared to repeat. The bring back sharpshooting Molly Greenberg for her senior season and the competition in the Class AA is not at its best these days. Delco Christian will be the biggest challenge again.

10. Methacton Warriors - The Warriors have taken a backseast to the Rams, and rightfully so with a state championship banner to show off, but the Kelly Glatthorn led group could play spoiler this year if they rebound and execute on both sides of the floor.

Other possible title contenders: Jenkintown, William Tennent, Norristown, Wissahickon, Plymouth-Whitemarsh, Christopher Dock

Pre-Season All-Area Teams

Alex Louin (Mount)

FIRST TEAM

Alex Louin (Mount St. Joe's)
Nicole Munger (Central Bucks West)
Bianca Picard (Souderton)
Deja Rawls (Abington)
Sammy Stipa (Spring-Ford)

Aubree Brown (Wood)

SECOND TEAM

Erin Maher (North Penn)
Sarah Payonk (Spring-Ford)
Margaret Ann Hubbell (Germantown Academy)
Aubree Brown (Archbishop Wood)
Mackenzie Carroll (Central Bucks West)

Emma Dorshimer (Jenkintown)

THIRD TEAM
Molly Greenberg (St. Basil)
Emma Dorshimer (Jenkintown)
Brianna Hedgepath (Norristown)
Bailey Greenberg (Archbishop Wood)
Regie Robinson (Upper Merion)

Pre-Season All-Area Boys Basketball Team

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

Welcome to the wonderful world of winter sports. Where it's cold outside and the games are indoors. I love football, but I am thankful this Holiday Season for no more standing on the sidelines while I lose the feeling in fingers.

High School Basketball, in my opinion, is at its best in and around this area. Teams from Lansdale Reporter, Mercury, Times Herald, and Montgomery Media's coverage area always seem to be in the mix for district and even state championships. There are always a handful of players that commit to Division-One schools and more than you can count that go one to play Division Two and Three.

So without further adieu... Here is one man's opinion on the best teams and the best players in the area prior to the 2013-2014 season starts.

Check back to this blog all season for stats and scores. Go to www.gametimepa.com for stories everyday.

Top 10 Pre-Season Teams

1. Perkiomen Valley Vikings - And for his encore Rasaan Stewart will bring his leadership to the hardwood. The Vikings finished last season strong under first year coach Michael Poysden and now look poised for a state playoff appearance. Senior guard Purnell Wilson is one of the top play-makers in the area and the roster is full of hard-working athletes.

2. Archbishop Wood Vikings - The mix of new coach John Mosco and sharp-shooting Pat Smith is bound to cause some noise in the Philadelphia Catholic League. Smith is set to be atop the points per game leaders in the state and Mosco's South Philly vibe should work well in Warminster.

3. Germantown Academy Patriots - The Lindners and the Moores of the world have moved on but Jim Fenerty still has a deep and talented roster. Look for a few youngster to emerge this season. Sophomores Devon Goodman and Joe Stinson are ones to watch.

4. Wissahickon Trojans - With Chase Wilson running the show things cannot be that bad. Wilson learned how to create his own shot last year and the young Trojans got better with time. Now they return the majority of their roster and are the early favorite to win the Suburban One American Conference.

5. Abington Galloping Ghosts - After back-to-back seasons of deep District One runs, this is no longer that run-the-floor team. But coach Charles Grasty still has some ball players and while they may be unable to compete with the Lower Merion's and Chester's like last season, they still should be a tough out.

6. Academy of the New Church Lions  - Coach Kevin Givens has restocked. In comes Carnell Harley from Imhotep and Samir Phillips from Mastery Charter. Look for the Lions to contend in the Friends League.

7. Abington Friends Roos - The Roos are young, but filled with talent. Their players have been working hard all year around and while they get my 7th spot right now, they could be number one by the season's end. The squad includes junior Jordan Greene and an impact trio of freshman.

8. Cheltenham Panthers - There is a new coach in town, but Aaron Burton is comfortable running the show for the Panthers. His second season transferring from LaSalle, Burton now can let loose, lead, and score double digits on any night.

9. LaSalle Explorers - The Explorers graduated most of their scoring from last season, but should still be able to field a fierce fivesome. Shawn Witherspoon and Najee Walls should be a strong backcourt duo while junior Dan Corr could become an impact player.

10. North Penn Knights - The Knights did not shoot the ball great, nor rebound with the big boys, but their heart helped them squeak into the District One field and finish strong. The heart and hard work returns with Noah Melchior and Cordell Lord, while Brian Coleman has a chance to average around 15 points per game if he pleases. The Knights and healthy Central Bucks West squad should compete for Suburban One Continental Conference championship.

Other possible title contenders: Central Bucks West, Christopher Dock, Plymouth-Whitemarsh, Methacton, Hatboro-Horsham, Pennridge, Souderton, Bishop McDevitt

Pre-Season All-Area Teams

Chase Wilson (Wissahickon)

FIRST TEAM

Chase Wilson (Wissahickon)
Purnell Wilson (Perk Valley)
Pat Smith (Archbishop Wood)
Tyrell Long (Bishop McDevitt)
James Rodgers (Plymouth-Whitemarsh)








SECOND TEAM

Zach Quattro (Hatboro-Horsham)

Carnell Harley (Academy New Church)
Zach Quattro (Hatboro-Horsham)
Jared Armstrong (Christopher Dock)
Jordan Greene (Abington Friends)
Simeon Fryer (Upper Dublin)

Devon Goodman (GA)

THIRD TEAM
Devon Goodman (Germantown Academy)
Zack Muredda (Pennridge)
Brian Rafferty (Lansdale Catholic)
Aaron Burton (Cheltenham)
Matt Penecale (Abington)