DLN-Area Boys Basketball: Team-by-team preview capsules
Ches-Mont American
Great Valley
Coach: Paul Girone
2015-16 record: 16-8
Key Players: Alex Capitano, Soph., F; Robert Geiss, Sr., F; Matt Porecca, Sr., G; Nate Graef, Sr., C.
Outlook: One of the main contenders for the Ches-Mont American crown and a district playoff team. Capitano should be a breakout star.
Kennett
Coach: Brian Grashof
2015-16 record: 2-20
Key Players: Ben Lescher, Jr., F; Bowen duPhilly, Sr., G; Mitch Kosama, Soph., G.
Outlook: Grashof will bring new energy to a program that has floundered recently.
Octorara
Coach: Gene Lambert
2015-16 record: 20-6
Key Players: Dom London, Sr., G; Gary Grove Sr., G; Jamonti Mayo, Sr., F; Joe Meyer, Sr., F.
Outlook: The Braves are always tough. Theyy will be in the league race and a district playoff team.
Oxford
Coach: Kevin Kelly
2015-16 record: 12-10
Key Players: Troy Brown, Sr., F; Brian Dorsey, Sr., G.
Outlook: The Hornets will have to make up for a lack of size by playing good defense.
Unionville
Coach: Joe Kilptarick
2015-16 record: 9-13
Key Players: Scottie Burich, Sr., F; Andrew Burich, Soph., G; Brendan Barrett, Sr., G.
Outlook: The Indians should be improved and get to the .500 mark.
West Chester Rustin
Coach: Keith Cochran
2015-16 record: 11-11
Key Players: Jake Nelson, Soph., C; Tajir Asparaus, Soph., F; Miles Thomas Sr., G; Bryce Barouk, Jr., G.
Outlook: The Golden Knights have a tough nonleague schedule, but they are the pick to win the American Division.
Ches-Mont National
Avon Grove
Coach: Roy Blumenthal
2015-16 record: 6-16
Key Players: Brandon McCullough, Sr., G; Ali Sarr, Sr., G; Scooter Whiteside, Sr. G.
Outlook: First-year coach but veteran basketball man Blumenthal will bring discipline to the Red Devils, which should yield a 10-win season.
Bishop Shanahan
Coach: Ken Doyle
2015-16 record: 15-8
Key Players: Dave Angelo, Soph., G; Dan Browne, Sr., F; Kevin Dodds, Sr., C.
Outlook: The Eagles lost a couple of key pieces, but should contend for the National title.
Coatesville
Coach: Chuck Moore
2015-16 record: 16-10
Key Players: Kamau Brickus, Sr., G; Tyrel Bladen, Sr., G; Aaron Young, Soph., G.
Outlook: The talented Red Raiders are the favorites to win the league, and may be a district threat.
Downingtown East
Coach: John Goodman
2015-16 record: 12-10
Key Players: Malik Slay, Sr., G; Ryan Cahill, Sr., F; Jared Desroches, Sr, G.
Outlook: The Cougars will be a veteran group that will be a factor in the National race, and should earn a district playoff spot.
Downingtown West
Coach: Stu Ross
2015-16 record: 22-6
Key Players: George Gordon, Sr., F; Matt White, Sr., G; Matt Carson, Sr., G.
Outlook: Coming off their wildly successful season, the Whippets have a new coach, but should be Coatesville’s main competition in the division.
West Chester East
Coach: Chris Cowles
2015-16 record: 11-11
Key Players: Zae Murray, Sr., G; JD Carrol, Sr., F; Reggie Loper, Sr., G.
Outlook: The Vikings are on the rise. It may not lead to a division title, but it may result in playoff berth.
West Chester Henderson
Coach: Chris Bruno
2015-16 record: 1-21
Key Players: Joe Saulino, Sr., F; Adrien Piel, Sr., G; Ryan Brida, Sr., G.
Outlook: The Warriors hope a seasoned squad will result in a much improved record.
Other Schools
Conestoga
Coach: Mike Troy
2015-16 record: 17-10
Key Players: Scott Shapiro, Sr., G; Chrlie Martin, Sr., F; Angus Mayock, Sr., C.
Outlook: The Pioneers are one of the favorites for the Central League title.
Malvern Prep
Coach: John Harmatuk
2015-16 record: 16-12
Key Players: Tommy Wolfe, Sr., G; Danny Sullivan, Sr., G.
Outlook: The Friars are in the rugged Inter-Ac, but should be right behind Haverford School in the league race.
Westtown
Coach: Seth Berger
2015-16 record: 23-6
Key Players: Mo Bamba, Sr., C; Cameron Reddish, Sr., F; Brandon Randolph, Sr., F;
Outlook: The Moose are the best team in the state, and it would be fun to see how they match up with big PIAA schools, if they were a member. The Westtown schedule is rugged, but the Moose copuld go undefeated.
Church Farm School
Coach: Marc Turner
2015-16 record: 18-7
Key Players: James Lawton, Sr., G; Jon Bol Ajak, Soph., G.
Outlook: The Griffins should ride their traditional strong defense to a Bicentennial League title.
Devon Prep
Coach: Jason Fisher
2015-16 record: 10-14
Key Players: Dan Shannon, Sr., G; Jimmy Loftus, Sr., F.
Outlook: The Tide will rely on Shannon, who is one of seven seniors on the squad, and is one of the best players in the Bicentennial. The returning experience should help Devon over the .500 mark.
