2019-20 Mercury-Area Boys Basketball Season Previews
Boyertown
Head coach: Mike Ludwig, 11th season
Last year’s record: 1-9 PAC Liberty, 9-13 overall
Players to watch: Aarick Salata, Jr., G; Chris Kiefer, Jr., F; Mason Marinello, Sr., G; Alex Obarow, Sr., G; Tre Diguglielmo, Jr., G/F; Kameron Metcalf, Sr., F; Ryan Barnes, Sr., G; Ryan Schaefer, So., C; David Leh, Jr., G/F
Outlook: Boyertown was an inexperienced team last season competing in a loaded PAC Liberty Division that sent three teams to the District 1 quarterfinals and four teams to the PIAA Tournament. Though they graduated leading scorer Hunter Borgmann (13.3 ppg), the Bears have a nice blend of experience, size and depth that should help them compete in a division that 10 of its 14 all-league players. Junior point guard Aarick Salata (9.9 ppg), who already has two varsity seasons under his belt, will lead the show, and junior wing Tre Diguglielmo, who averaged 12.9 ppg in 10 games last year, can give the Bears a scoring punch.
Coach’s Thoughts: “We are focused on developing good chemistry and a championship culture and looking to make a return trip to both district and PAC playoffs. The team has had a solid offseason with the guys working hard in the weight room and on the court. If we can develop a tough-minded mentality, we can have success on the court.”
Daniel Boone
Head coach: Jim Sands, third season
Last year’s record: 0-10 Berks I, 7-15 overall
Players to watch: Logan Hinkle, Sr., G; Owen Wagenmann, Jr., C; Moses McDonnell, Sr., G; Larnell Towson, Jr., F; Dalton Cymbalski, Jr., G, Mason Fontana, Sr., F
Outlook: Daniel Boone was a bit overwhelmed in the Berks Conference Division I last season and with teams like Wilson and Reading looking loaded, the Blazers will have their hands full once again. Boone graduated four starters, including 1,000-point scorer Chaunce Johnson, who averaged 20.6 ppg last season, so the Blazers will have to rely on some new faces and a more balanced offensive attack this season. Senior guard Logan Hinkle (7.1 ppg) is the top returning scorer. Head coach Jim Sands said 3-point shooting and defending without fouling will be key factors in the team reaching double-digit wins.
Coach’s Outlook: “We look to be competitive in a lot of games through tough team defense and sharing the ball offensively,” head coach Jim Sands said.
Hill School
Head Coach: Seth Eilberg, 19th season
Last year’s record: (MAPL final, PAISAA semifinals)
Players to watch: Zach Lezanic, post, G; Tori Buchmann, post, F; Caleb Dorsey, Sr., G/F; Gabe Dorsey, Jr., G; Daniel Nixon, Jr., G; Paul Henson, Jr., G; Anthony Wise, So., G; Gabe Moss, So., F; Oliver Hutchinson, So., G
Outlook: After a PAISAA title in 2017-18, the Hill School took a little while to get going last season. The Blues got hot down the stretch and won eight of their last 10 games a season ago, dropping a tight MAPL championship game to Blair Academy and falling to Westtown in the PAISAA semifinals in another. Caleb Dorsey, a Penn State signee, leads a group of talented upperclassmen that also includes his brother Gabe Dorsey and Daniel Nixon, who have several Division I offers themselves. The group is joined by post grads Zach Lezanic (Conestoga) and Toni Buchmann (Germany). Sophomore Gabe Ross, a 6-8 forward, leads a sophomore class that should see three or more players in the Hill rotation. Hill has a deep rotation and still has a few holdovers with championship-level experience that will help once again compete for a PAISAA title and challenge for a MAPL championship.
Coach’s Thoughts: “Our goal is the same every year. Work hard to get better each day, have fun, and be great teammates.”
Methacton
Head coach: Jeff Derstine, 10th season
Last year’s record: 10-2 PAC Liberty, 24-8 overall (PAC championship, District 1-6A quarterfinal, PIAA-6A quarterfinal)
Players to watch: Erik Timko, Sr., G, Jeff Woodward, Sr., C; Brett Eberly, Sr., G; Owen Kropp, Sr., G.
Outlook: Methacton came a last-second shot away from advancing to the PIAA semifinals last season. Colgate commit Jeff Woodward, a 6-10 center, leads a team hoping to improve on its District 1-6A quarterfinal finish and first state quarterfinal run in program history despite the graduation of 1,000-point scorer David Duda and two others from the Warriors’ rotation. Woodward (16.3 ppg, 13 rpg, 2.5 bpg), senior point guard Brett Eberly (153 assists) and senior wing Erik Timko (15.4 ppg) return to the starting lineup. Owen Kropp, arguably the team’s top on-ball defender last season, will join them after coming off the bench last season. Timko’s emergence last year pushed this Methacton group to new heights, and while the Warriors have a strong core in place, they’ll need some less experienced players to emerge and provide depth in order to three-peat in the PAC and make some more school history this season.
Coach’s Thoughts: “An energetic group of young players led by Brett Byrne, Cole Hargrove, and Ryan Baldwin, supplement the returning players as the team looks to build on last year’s success. The PAC is shaping up to be a tough conference once again and we look forward to the challenge of facing strong competition all season long.”
Norristown
Head Coach: Binky Johnson, third season
Last year’s record: 8-2 PAC Liberty, 21-7 overall (PAC semifinals, District 1-6A quarterfinal, PIAA-6A first round)
Players to watch: Nizer Kinney, Jr. G/F; Willie Anderson, Jr., Guard; John Paulino, Jr. F; DJ Johnson, So., G; John DiNolfi, So., C; Chris Dinolfi, Jr., G; Marshall Baker, So., G; Chaz Middleton, Jr., F
Outlook: Heartbreak continued for Norristown in the PAC postseason with a third straight loss in the league semifinals despite finishing as the Liberty division champs for the second consecutive season. The Eagles graduate hardworking big man Mikeel Allen (18.2 ppg), a first team all-league selection and four other starters from a team that went to the district quarterfinals and state playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Junior Nizer Kinney (14 ppg) is a talented inside-out presence for the Eagles and the only non-Methacton player returning from last year’s All-PAC Liberty teams. Junior guard Willie Anderson averaged eight points per game a year ago. With no returning starters, there is quite a bit unknown about this Norristown team.
Coach’s Thoughts: “I’m anticipating that early in the season, we will have our ups and downs because of our lack of varsity experience. … What I’ve noticed about this group is that their lack of experience can get overlooked because of their willingness to play hard, play smart and play together in addition to their genuine caring for each other, which is special.”
Owen J. Roberts
Head coach: Bill Detweiler, first season
Last year’s record: 1-9 PAC Liberty, 7-15 overall
Players to watch: Jalen Lucas, Jr.; Chase Johnson Jr.; Brody Bolyn, Jr.; Sam Cerimele, Jr.; Gus Coroniti, Sr.; Will Hurlock, Sr.; Tom McLean, Sr.
Outlook: Like Boyertown, Owen J. Roberts found itself in the wrong place at the wrong time last season — at the bottom of a division that was having a banner season. While the results were not on the Wildcats’ side in 2018-19, OJR stayed competitive in almost every game in a Liberty division that sent four teams to the state playoffs. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, they’ll have to start almost completely anew as junior Jalen Lucas (6.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg) is the only returner with significant varsity experience. Seniors Tom McLean and Gus Coroniti saw limited varsity action. While the Wildcats lack experience, a few others in the division are reloading as well. OJR will hope its juniors and seniors quickly get the team up to snuff before those other squads get their feet under them.
Coach’s Thoughts: “We are young and inexperienced but have been working hard in the off season to prepare. The league is as tough as ever so our guys will be tested every night. We will have to grow up fast.”
Perkiomen School
Head coach: Tom Baudinet
Last year’s record: 16-13 (PAISAA quarterfinal)
Players to watch: Steve Payne, post, G; Gilbert Otoo, Sr., F; Josh Odunowo, post, F; Will Johnston, Sr., G; Phillip Byriel, Jr., F; Honor Huff, Jr., G; Andrew Patnode, Sr., F
Outlook: The Panthers came one point away from advancing to the PAISAA semifinals, losing 68-67 to eventual runner-up Westtown in the quarters. Junior Phil Byriel, a 6-10 stretch big, and senior Andrew Patnode, a 6-7 power forward, are two of the top returners for the Panthers, who lost their top four players from a year ago, including post grads Chris Arcidiacono (Villanova) and Keeshawn Kellman (Princeton). There are a number of new faces ready to make an impact. Guard Gilbert Otoo and forward Josh Odunowo, both from Maryland, are potential Division I players and guard Will Johnston, from Australia, may be as well. Honor Huff (Dieruff) and Steve Payne (Lower Merion) come to Perk after standout careers at their previous schools. This will be the first season for Perk in The Great Atlantic Conference, where it will face other top prep programs like the Patrick School. The Panthers, who may have one of their deepest teams to date, also have their eyes on a PAISAA title. Their previous best finish was a semifinal appearance in 2018.
Coach’s Thoughts: “We have multiple guys at multiple positions that will be able to help and contribute to our overall success. We are also long and athletic and will be able to defend at a high level. Offensively, we are unselfish and move the ball well, and have a number of players who can make shots and score the basketball.”
Perkiomen Valley
Head coach: Michael Poysden, eighth season
Last year’s record: 7-3 PAC Liberty, 20-10 overall (PAC final, District 1-6A quarterfinal, PIAA-6A first round)
Players to Watch: Mike Dougherty, Sr., G; Kameron Parks, Jr., F; Aidan Quinn, Aidan Gansz, Jr., F; Tyler Lapetina, Jr., G; Ethan Kohler, So., G; Dominic Miceli, Jr., G; Dawson Debebe, So., F; Anthony Martinez, Jr., G; Brayden Basile, Jr., G; Ryan McShea, Jr., G; Kevin Beattie, Jr. G
Outlook: The Vikings made three PAC championship (won in 2017) appearances in the last four seasons along with two district quarterfinal and two state playoff appearances in the last three years, but most of the faces that guided PV to those accomplishments are gone. PV lost six of the top seven members of its 2018-19 rotation, including PAC leading scorer Tyler Strechay (18.4 ppg). Junior forward Kameron Parks is the most experienced returner from last year’s Vikings team and showed flashes during PV’s playoff run that he might be ready to shoulder a larger offensive load. Parks and senior guard Mike Dougherty will be the leaders of this year’s group that has some athletes but lacks varsity experience.
Coach’s Thoughts: “This year’s team is made up of a hard working group excited to fill in and continue the success of last year’s team. A solid core of rising sophomores and juniors will have the opportunity to compete for playing time at every position. …PAC basketball has become a playoff atmosphere every night and we are looking forward to playing our best basketball by January and earning postseason play.”
Phoenixville
Head coach: Eric Burnett, sixth season
Last year’s record: 5-5 PAC Frontier, 11-12 overall (District 1-5A first round)
Players to watch: Steven Hamilton, Sr., G; Clay Kopko, Sr., F; Will Allain, Jr., G; Mike Memmo, Jr., G; Chris Weiah, So., C; Milton Weiah, Jr., C; Kade Breisblatt, Jr., G; Jackson, Jr., F; Jackson Kuranda, So., G; Chase McDonnell, So., G; Zavier Mayo, So., G; Troy Olsen, Sr., C; Zion Hopkins Quin, Sr., C
Outlook: The Phantoms ended the regular season with a loss to Pottsgrove in a winner-take-all contest for the final spot in the PAC playoffs and drew eventual District 1-5A champ Sun Valley in their opening district game. The graduation of KJ Quinn (Immaculata) and Dylan Clark, two of the league’s top 10 scorers a season ago, leaves Steven Hamilton (8.6 ppg) as Phoneixville’s top returning threat. The Phantoms have some size they haven’t had in the past with four players taller than 6-foot-4, and junior guards Mike Memmo and Will Allain could help Hamilton in the scoring department. Phoenixville lost seven games by seven points or fewer last season, including one-possession losses to eventual state qualifiers Perkiomen Valley and Spring-Ford. They’ll need to perform better down the stretch of close games this season to change their league postseason fate.
Coach’s Thoughts: “Our team is very young and inexperienced, but talented. They will take some time to learn how to win at the varsity level, but they are an exciting group, committed to playing hard and playing together for each other.”
Pope John Paul II
Head coach: Brendan Stanton, second season
Last year’s record: 7-3 PAC Frontier, 12-13 overall (PAC Frontier Champions, AAAA District 1 Finalist)
Players to watch: Drew McKeon, Sr., G; Justin Green, Jr., F; Kevin Green, So., G; Dave Smrek, Sr., F; Luke McCarthy, Jr., G; Jaden Workman, So., G; Liam Haffey, Jr., F
Outlook: The Golden Panthers claimed their first Frontier division championship since the league expanded to the two-division format in 2016 and came one-point away from a District 1-4A championship last season. An undersized squad in 2018, Pope John Paul II’s balance was key last season. Forward Sean Bustynowicz, the team’s second leading scorer, and guards Chris White and Tyshere Malachi leave holes to fill, but PJP returns leading scorer and sharpshooter Drew McKeon (13.4 ppg), second among PAC players with 75 made 3-point shots last season, and forward Justin Green (10.6 ppg), who nearly averaged a double-double last season. If PJP can replicate the balance and 3-point shooting with this year’s group, the Golden Panthers should be in the mix for a Frontier title and have a shot at a District 1-4A championship (only four teams).
Coach’s Thoughts: “This is a close-knit and competitive group. We return key contributors from last season in Drew McKeon and Justin Green but there are a number of newcomers capable of making a major impact this year. I am excited to see who steps up for us throughout the season and how we can continue to improve.”
Pottsgrove
Head coach: Jack Flanagan, fourth season
Players to watch: Evan White, Sr., G; Zion Dyches, Jr., G; Nick Stringer, Jr., G; Luke Kaiser, Jr., F
Last year’s record: 6-4 PAC Frontier, 15-13 overall (PAC playoffs, District 1-5A semifinals, PIAA-6A first round)
Outlook: After sneaking into the PAC playoffs on the final day of the regular season and bowing out to eventual league runner-up Perkiomen Valley in the first round, the Falcons heated up in the District 1-5A playoffs, reaching the district semifinals and earning a trip to states for the first time in nine years. The Falcons graduated the PAC’s second leading scorer Manny Clark (Gwynned Mercy), along with its other top two threats, Justin Robinson and Khaliym Smith and several others. Returning for Pottsgrove are senior Evan White and juniors Nick Stringer and Luke Kaiser, who will have to make the quick transition from role players to carrying this inexperienced Pottsgrove team in order to keep the Falcons in the competition for the PAC Frontier. Where Pottsgrove finds its scoring will be something to keep an eye on in the season’s early going.
Coach’s Thoughts: “We need to work hard, work smart and work together to get better each and every day (practice and/or game).”
Pottstown
Head coach: Scott Palladino, second season
Last year’s record: 6-4 PAC Frontier, 8-10 overall (District 1-5A first round)
Players to watch:
Wilchon Seward, Sr., G; Jamal Britton, Sr., G; Nastase Owens, Sr., G; Tahkeim Lowe, Sr., F; Donovan Towson, Sr., G; Tre’ Bass, Sr., F; Corey Cottman, Jr., G; Darius Smallwood, Jr., F; Jahzeel Watson, Jr., F; Robert Burress, Jr., F; Ni’Yell Clifford, Jr., G; Lekinte Barrett, Jr., G; Gage Sibilly, So., G
Outlook: Pottstown won its last three regular season games in 2018-19 to get into the playoff picture, but two losses to rival Pottsgrove proved the deciding tiebreaker in keeping the Trojans from their first PAC Playoff appearance since 2011-12. Pottstown loses All-Area guard Floyd Dashiell (14.7 ppg), but returns its next top three scorers in Donovan Towson (12.5 ppg), Tre’ Bass (9.5 ppg) and Robert Burress (7.6 ppg), who are all capable of leading the offense on a given night. Junior guard Corey Cottman will get the first shot at replacing Dashiell at the point, while senior forward Wilchon Seward and junior forward Darius Smallwood will be two of the top options in the front court. Senior guard Jamal Britton, who started at Church Farm School last season, adds varsity experience. The Trojans should once again be right in the thick of the Frontier division race and will need to blend their returners with some less experienced pieces in order to take the leap ahead of everyone else.
Coach’s thoughts: “This season our expectations are to take the next step. Our goals will be to compete for a Final Four spot, and qualify for district and state playoffs. These may seem like lofty goals to some but we feel we just may have the right mix of players to have a productive season.”
Spring-Ford
Head coach: Chris Talley, seventh season
Last year’s record: 5-5 PAC Liberty, 19-10 overall (PAC playoffs, District 1-6A second round, PIAA-6A first round)
Players to watch: Patrick Kovaleski, Sr., G; Tre Medearis, Sr., F; Tyler Scilingo, Jr., G; Michael Fitzgerald, Sr., G; Zack Skrocki, Jr., G; Nate Santiago, Jr., G; Jake Kressley, So., F
Outlook: The Rams won a double overtime thriller over Cheltenham for District 1’s final spot in PIAA Class 6A tournament last season, giving Spring-Ford its third state appearance since 2014. First team All-Area player Noah Baker (15.9 ppg) and all-league players Robert Bobeck (PSU-Harrisburg) and Ryan Hagan (Lycoming College) leave big holes to fill. Senior guard Tyler Scilingo (8.6 ppg), is one of the league’s top returning 3-point threats, after knocking down 51 triples as a junior (Methacton’s Erik Timko and PJP’s Drew McKeon were the only ones with more). Seniors Patrick Kovaleski (6-4) and Tre Medearis (6-5) are talented scorers with size. Zack Skrocki played key minutes during the Rams’ postseason run and Michael Fitzgerald is another guard with experience. The Rams currently have the longest active streak of appearances in the PAC postseason at four. Spring-Ford will likely need a few less experienced players to emerge in order to challenge Methacton for the Liberty and make another postseason run.
Coach’s Thoughts: “We have put together a tough non-league schedule as in years past, to get an idea of how we stack up against the always tough District 1 schools. Our goal is to be playing meaningful basketball in February.”
Upper Perkiomen
Head coach: Brandon Hibbler, first season
Last year’s record: 1-9 PAC Frontier, 2-10 overall
Players to watch: Sean Boyle, Sr., G; Hunter Flack, Jr., G; Drew Kupchak, Sr., F; Rich Clancy, Sr., C; Adam Shaak, So., F; Jack Cupitt, Jr., F; Nate Maiden, Sr., G; Cole Kendra, Jr., G
Outlook: One-year removed from a division championship, Upper Perk was the odd man out in a wild Frontier division last season, tallying just one league win. After three seasons as the head girls coach at Palisades (41-29 overall), Brandon Hibbler has a new-look Indians group in his first year. Upper Perk departs all-league player Riley Decker (8.3 ppg), but adds four key players who weren’t on the team last season. Three-sport athlete Hunter Flack (7.7 ppg) is the team’s top returning scorer. Flack and senior guards Cole Kendra, Nate Maiden and Sean Boyle give Upper Perk four capable ball handlers and lead a group whose speed at both ends of the floor should be a strength. The Indians are hoping for a .500 season and making it back to the district tournament if they can reel off some early wins. Hibbler is optimistic this group can surprise some teams this year.
Coach’s thoughts: “We are changing the culture at Upper Perk. A new staff that has dedicated the time to making the players a priority and we had a successful offseason. … I truly believe we have a shot at between 8-10 wins this season and a surprising W against one of the bigger schools.”
Upper Merion
Head coach: Jason Quenzer, seventh season
Last year’s record: 5-5 PAC Frontier; 9-14 overall (District 1-5A first round)
Players to watch: Chris Clark, Sr., F; Nick Shepperd, Sr., F; Dom Breece, Sr., G/F; Lukas Kim , Jr., G; Ty Jones, So., G
Outlook: Upper Merion has missed the Pioneer Athletic Conference postseason in the past two seasons after finishing as the Frontier Division champs in its league debut in 2016-17. In a league that departed quite a bit of talent after a historic 2018-19 campaign, the Vikings are poised to make another run at a division title as they return five starters from a team that finished a game out of the PAC playoffs and two games behind Pope John Paul II in the Frontier division last season. Senior forward Nick Shepperd (10.3 ppg), senior forward Chris Clark (8.2 ppg) and senior wing Dom Breece (8.2 ppg) lead the experienced group that has the depth to mix and match lineups on a nightly basis.
Coach’s thoughts: “This year we bring back a lot of experience, whereas last year we had a lot of guys get their first real varsity run. The bench will be a lot deeper than in years past with a large group of upperclassmen along with a few underclassmen that look to see significant minutes.”
