Last season was one to remember for Pottsville.
The Crimson Tide had an undefeated regular season and a 28-game winning streak, both firsts in program history. Pottsville won its sixth consecutive Schuylkill League Division I title, reached the league title game for the sixth straight season and won its fifth championship during that span with a 33-28 overtime victory over Tamaqua.
Pottsville also won its first District 11 Class AAA title since 2010, beating Allentown Central Catholic 57-47. The Crimson Tide then reached the PIAA second round for the second straight year before their season ended at 28-1 with a 44-37 loss to Susquehanna Township.
The Crimson Tide were also consistently ranked in the top 10 in Class AAA in Pennsylvania for most of the season, and were at No. 5 in the Harrisburg Patriot-News/PennLive.com poll before their loss to Susquehanna Township.
Last year was indeed one for the history books. Last season is also history.
Pottsville was hit hard by graduation, losing four starters. It’s a new season, and plenty of new faces look to carry on the tradition and reputation the Crimson Tide have built in recent years. The expectations, however, simply don’t change for Pottsville, and this winter will be no different.
For coach Dave Mullaney, who is in his ninth season at Pottsville, he sees that this group is ready to put the past behind them and make a new identity. The Crimson Tide have talent, but what’s missing, of course, is game experience.
“I think for these kids, they just have so much to prove,” Mullaney said. “They want to show that, obviously they were behind some very good kids (last year), but that they can play. And they can play. It’s a different makeup. The team is different than last year. They are worse in a lot of ways and there are some ways in that they are better.”
Pottsville finds itself in a similar situation to where it was entering 2011-12.
That season, the Crimson Tide lost a good bit of their offensive production from the previous campaign, including Nick Schlitzer, who is currently playing professional ball in England for the Surrey Scorchers, and Bobby Schappell. That group led Pottsville to its second consecutive league title and a third-place finish in District 11 Class AAAA playoffs. The season ended with a 64-45 loss to Neshaminy in the first round of the PIAA playoffs.
Despite the graduation losses, the 2011-12 group went 22-3 overall and won its third straight league title.
This year’s Crimson Tide is even more inexperienced than the 2011-12 team.
To continue its winning ways, Pottsville needs to replace a group that averaged 62.3 points per game last season. Leading that squad was Republican-Herald Player of the Year and Class AAA third-team All-State selection Travis Blankenhorn, who averaged 16.6 points per game and hit 46 3-pointers. Blankenhorn finished with 1,588 career points, second in school history behind Schlitzer (1,884). Also gone is Eli Nabholz (12.4 ppg, 26 3s), Connor Hinchliffe (4.4 ppg) and Ty Painter (3.1 ppg).
The lone returning starter is senior Jordan Melochick (9.4 ppg), who’s been a starter since he was a freshman. Melochick is an excellent defender and Mullaney has always liked his basketball smarts. Melochick is also unselfish and Mullaney is looking for him to be more aggressive on the offensive end as well as take on more of a leadership role.
Melochick, however, won’t be expected to carry the offensive load. This season might be more of committee approach.
Junior Jordan Abdo (5.7 ppg, 20 3s) saw plenty of minutes as a sophomore. Others expected to contribute are seniors Christian Witman (1.9 ppg), Maldeen Thomas (3.5 ppg in 15 games) and Tanner Gerchak. Six-foot-7 sophomore Ian Renninger is also expected to see plenty of minutes after he recovers from a broken foot he suffered during football season.
“We have more guys on the floor who are going to be able to make plays and shoot the basketball,” Mullaney said. “When you lose
high-level guys like Eli and Travis, those are huge holes to fill. And I thought last year’s team, with those seven seniors, they were all really bright, high basketball IQs. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime class. That’s a lot to overcome. But our style of play will be a little different, too.”
What’s never changed, and likely won’t this season, is the Crimson Tide’s ability to play tough, man-to-man defense. Pottsville has had the No. 1-ranked defense in the league four out of the past five seasons — it was second to Mahanoy Area in 2013-14 — and last year allowed 31.9 points per game.
Right now, Mullaney is looking for more consistency in that department.
“It sounds like a cliché, but if we keep getting better every day, I think we will have a chance,” he said. “That is all you can ask for.”
Last season turned out to be a successful one for the league overall. In addition to Pottsville, Tamaqua (Class AAA), Mahanoy Area (Class AA), Minersville (Class AA) and Nativity (Class A) all qualified for the PIAA playoffs. Mahanoy Area beat Minersville 51-49 in overtime in the District 11 title game and both also won their first-round PIAA contests.
In addition to Blankenhorn, the league lost four others who finished their careers with more than 1,000 points, including Tamaqua’s Brett Kosciolek (1,502) and Bo Rottet (1,117), Nativity’s Jeff Yordy (1,729) and Pine Grove’s Kobe D’Agostino (1,041). Add it up and that’s a whopping 6,977 career points among the five.
Still, there is plenty of talent returning, including Shenandoah Valley’s Joel Santana (20.5 ppg), the 2014-15 Republican-Herald Rookie of the Year, Williams Valley’s Nick Rodichok (19.1), Blue Mountain’s Mark Chelius (15.8), Mahanoy Area’s Matt Yedsena (15.6), North Schuylkill’s Tevin Murray (14.1), Tri-Valley’s Jaden Buchanan (13.2) and Minersville’s Chris Leshko (12.4), just to name a few.
There are also three new coaches in the league this season: Ty Wartman (North Schuylkill), Ethan Eichhorst (Mahanoy Area) and Jim Barron (Tamaqua).
Here’s a breakdown of the divisions:
Division I
The two teams that appear to have the best shot at dethroning Pottsville, at least at the start, are Blue Mountain and North Schuylkill.
The Eagles (12-12) were young last season and that led to inconsistent play. After an 11-7 start, including a five-game winning streak from Dec. 22 to Jan. 10, Blue Mountain finished the regular season on a four-game losing streak before knocking off Lehighton 52-48 in the first round of the District 11 Class AAA playoffs.
The Eagles return four starters as Aaron Albertini (9.8 ppg, 43 3s), Brayden Lewis (9.4 ppg) and Connor Kerstetter (5.4 ppg) return along with Chelius. Blue Mountain, however, is still young. Chelius is the only senior expected to start, while the rest are juniors. Blue Mountain should score points, but the defense must improve. The Eagles allowed 52.4 points per game last season, ranking them 14th in the league.
The Spartans (17-6) have one of the league’s top returning big men in the 6-5 Murray. Also back is junior Major Jordan (8.4 ppg) and senior Bobby Grigas, who didn’t play last year.
Murray and Jordan are the only two returning starters — senior Jordan Marlow tore his ACL during football and will miss the entire season — while seniors Jonathan Smith (1.6 ppg in 12 games) and Connor Wood are expected to contribute.
Tamaqua (21-7) is coming off its best season since the mid 1990s. After reaching the league final, the Blue Raiders finished third in the district to qualify for the PIAA playoffs for the first time since 1995. Tamaqua’s appearance in the league playoffs was also its first since 1995.
Repeating that success is going to be a challenge. The Raiders were hammered by graduation, with the only returning starter being senior Russell Blaker (7.8 ppg, 29 3s). Sophomore Thad Zuber (1.4 ppg) is the only other returnee who saw significant varsity playing time last season.
Lehighton (14-9) had the top offense in the league last season at 63.4 points per game. But most of that offense graduated. The only returning starter is senior Nick Chambers (10.1 ppg), who will be a force inside for Indians. Another likely starter is Hunter Greene (4.4 ppg). Both Chambers (ankle) and Greene (knee) are working through preseason injuries.
The top returning outside shooter for Lehighton is Tanner Zwetolitz (5.6 ppg, 31 3s).
Blue Mountain
Head coach: Dustin Werdt (13th season)
Last year: 12-12 overall, 7-7 Division I. District 11 Class AAA qualifier
Returnees: Mark Chelius (sr., G), Christian Puzzi (sr., G-F), Connor Kerstetter (jr., F-C), Aaron Albertini (jr., G), Brayden Lewis (jr., G-F), Spencer Welsh (jr., G), Jakob Biever (soph., C)
Newcomers: Curtis Reynolds (sr., G-F), Vinny Bobbin (jr., G-F), Bret Caulfield (jr., G-F), Billy Hoynoski (jr., F), Mason Zerbe (jr., G-F), Brent Kaunas (fr., G)
Outlook: The Eagles were young and inconsistent last season, and the record showed it. They are still young, but have more depth and should be improved. Will be in the division title mix.
Jim Thorpe
Head coach: Jason McElmoyle (2nd season)
Last year: 8-14, 4-10 D-I
Returnees: Rayan Green (sr., C), Jordan McElmoyle (sr., G), Michael Jefferson (sr., F), Alec Lauer (sr., F), Rocco Twardzik (sr., F), Brendan Carroll (jr., G), Matt Elmore (jr., F), Chris Micciche (jr., G)
Newcomers: Nathan Rosahac (fr., C)
Outlook: Olympians return a solid group with varsity experience. Will have one of the tallest teams in the division and league, an area they will look to use to their advantage. The Olympians could potentially be in the division mix.
Lehighton
Head coach: Rich Oertner (5th season at Lehighton, 15th overall)
Last year: 14-9, 7-7 D-I. District 11 Class AAA qualifier
Returnees: Nick Chambers (sr., C), Tanner Zwetolitz (sr., G), Hunter Greene (sr., F)
Newcomers: Andre McDowell (jr., G), Steve Jackson (jr., F), Damian Mele (jr., F)
Outlook: The Indians lost key perimeter players from an offense that led the league in scoring last season. There are key performers returning, but two are healing from injuries. Will be competitive and could make noise in the division.
North Schuylkill
Head coach: Ty Wartman (1st season)
Last year: 17-6, 10-4 D-I. District 11 Class AAA qualifier
Returnees: Tevin Murray (sr., C), Alex Mazur (sr., G), Connor Wood (sr., G), Jonathan Smith (sr., F), Bobby Grigas (sr., G, did not play last season), Major Jordan (jr., F), Pete Kotzo (soph., G-F), Len Bolinsky (jr., G), Doug Weist (soph., G)
Newcomers: Matt Roshoe (sr., C), Tavian McCabe (soph., G), Zack Strokes (fr., G)
Outlook: The Spartans are a senior-laden team, with four expected to start and two others coming off the bench. Speed and athleticism are strengths, but the depth needs to develop, as does playing consistently over four quarters. Spartans are always in the division picture and this season will be no different.
Panther Valley
Head coach: Patrick Crampsie (14th season)
Last year: 5-17, 2-12 D-I
Returnees: Nate Miller (sr., G), Sammy Stanko (sr., G), Matt Hudicka (sr., G), Anthony Micholik (jr., G), Tristan Blasko (soph., C)
Newcomers: Kyle Emmert (sr., F), Brian Fisher (sr., G), Brendan Morgans (jr., F), Allen Perez (soph., F), Rene Figueroa (fr., G)
Outlook: The Panthers are more athletic and should have more options on offense. The lineup will be small at times, a go-to scorer needs to develop and defense must improve. With 10 games in December, a strong start is a must to have meaningful games in January and February.
Pine Grove
Head coach: Frank D’Agostino (3rd season)
Last year: 3-19, 1-13 D-I
Returnees: David Snedden (jr., G-F), Collin Griffiths (jr., F-C), Jake Leininger (soph., G-F)
Newcomers: Joey Wolff (sr., F), Tristan Omlor (sr., C), Kyle Fidler (sr., F), Andrew Griffiths (fr., F), Dawson Ibarra (fr., F-C)
Outlook: Cardinals lost four starters to graduation and the likely projected starting lineup could be all underclassmen, including at least two freshmen. The desire to learn and improve is there and the goals are to improve and become competitive in the division.
Pottsville
Head coach: Dave Mullaney (9th season)
Last year: 28-1, 14-0 D-I. Division I champion, Schuylkill League champion, District 11 Class AAA champion, PIAA qualifier
Returnees: Jordan Melochick (sr., F), Christian Witman (sr., G), Jordan Abdo (jr., G), Ian Renninger (soph., F)
Newcomers: Tanner Gerchak (sr., G), Patrick Schenk (sr., G), Maldeen Thomas (sr., G), Mike O’Pake (sr., F), Justin Abdo (jr., G), Alex Pellish (jr., F), Eli Wood (soph., G)
Outlook: The Crimson Tide took a major graduation hit from one of the best seasons in program history. But the Crimson Tide always have a knack for finding new faces to step in and keep the success going. Don’t expect another undefeated regular season, but Pottsville will be in contention for division and league titles again.
Tamaqua
Head coach: Jim Barron (1st season)
Last year: 21-7, 11-3 D-I. Division I wild card, Schuylkill League runner-up, District 11 Class AAA third-place finisher, PIAA qualifier
Returnees: Russell Blaker (sr., G-F), Thad Zuber (soph., G)
Newcomers: Joe Berezwick (sr., C), Owen Bates (sr., C), Dylan Scott (jr., G), Zeke Wassell (jr., G-F), Gabe Gregoire (soph., F-C)
Outlook: Like the Crimson Tide, the Raiders also got hammered by graduation and have only two returning players who saw any quality varsity minutes last season. The strength will be the guards and there’s some talent in the sophomore class. The young players need to develop for the Raiders to have a good year.
Division II
Division II was supposed to be wide open last season, but Minersville (20-6 overall) ended up running away with the title by five games over Williams Valley.
Could this season provide the race that was expected in 2014-15? It’s very possible.
Minersville made its first appearance in the league playoffs since 2011 last year, while the trip to the district finals and PIAA playoffs was its first since 2001.
Minersville returns three starters from that club. In addition to Leshko, seniors David Graham (11.4 ppg) and Jon McBreen (7.6 ppg) also return. Other key players returning are Brian Brennan (3.2 ppg), Adam Stoppie (2.1 ppg) and Justin Fedornak.
Lourdes (8-14) had trouble scoring points in 2014-15, averaging 40.3 points per game. The Red Raiders got off to a 4-12 start before winning 4-of-6 to finish the season.
Three key players return in senior Vinnie Bucanelli (2.5 ppg) and juniors Michael Padula (3.2 ppg) and Jordan Fobia (9.1, 19 3s). One undergraduate starter not returning is junior center Larry Czeponis (12.1 ppg), Lourdes’ leading scorer last season. Czeponis has a rare bone disease and will miss the entire year.
Two newcomers, however, should boost the Red Raiders. Sophomore C.J. Reichard transferred from Line Mountain and averaged 12.4 ppg for the Eagles as a freshman, scoring 27 against Lourdes in the regular-season finale. Six-foot-5 freshman Thomas Schultz is also expected to contribute right away.
Tri-Valley (3-19) also struggled offensively and had a disappointing 2014-15. The Bulldogs started 2-1, but lost 18 straight before winning their season finale.
In addition to Buchanan, three other starters are back for Tri-Valley, including seniors Dan Opozda (6.3 ppg) and Bryce McNally (4.6 ppg), and sophomore Ashton Buchanan (2.9 ppg).
Williams Valley (11-12) should be in the mix, too, with senior Peppe Mini (5.8 ppg) and sophomore Jake Wolfgang (3.4 ppg in 15 games) joining Rodichok as key returnees for the Vikings.
Schuylkill Haven (10-12) finished a game shy of qualifying for the District 11 Class A playoffs last year and return seniors J.T. Hughes (10.3 ppg), Ethan Conage (5.4 ppg) and Austin Charles (3.9 ppg).
Lourdes
Head coach: Pete Long (14th season)
Last year: 8-14, 4-9 D-II
Returnees: Jordan Fobia (sr., G), Vinnie Bucanelli (sr., F), Michael Padula (jr., G)
Newcomers: Paul Ahrensfield (sr., C), C.J. Reichard (soph., G, transferred from Line Mountain), Thomas Schultz (fr., F)
Outlook: The Red Raiders are coming off a disappointing season, but return plenty of experience. There are also talented newcomers on the roster. Want to play more of an up-tempo game to take advantage of quick, athletic guards and forwards. Will be in the division title race.
Minersville
Head coach: Cliff Woodford (9th season)
Last year: 20-6, 12-1 D-II. Division II champion, Schuylkill League semifinalist, District 11 Class AA runner-up, PIAA qualifier
Returnees: Jon McBreen (sr., G), Chris Leshko (sr., G), David Graham (sr., G), Adam Stoppie (sr., G), Justin Fedornak (sr., C), Brian Brennan (sr., F)
Newcomers: Adrian Gray (sr., F), Shane Hoffman (jr., G), Lucas Rinaldo (jr., G), Aaron Snyder (jr., F), Casey Woodford (jr., G), Steele Fekette (jr., F), Justin Landers (jr., G), Keidre Taylor (soph., G), Stephen Wollyung (soph., G)
Outlook: Miners emerged as the class of the division last season and will be in the running for that spot again. Three starters are back, plus a host of others who have varsity experience. Keys to the season are rebounding and controlling tempo.
Schuylkill Haven
Head coach: Fran Murphy (4th season)
Last year: 10-12, 6-7 D-II
Returnees: Ethan Conage (sr., G), Austin Charles (sr., G-F), J.T. Hughes (sr., F)
Newcomers: Joey Cannavacciuolo (sr., C), Dane Boyer (sr., F), Matt Mills (jr., F), Tyler Allan (jr., F), Danny Lozada (jr., G), Nick Klotz (fr., G)
Outlook: Hurricanes lost some key contributors to graduation, but have three starters returning. There will be more depth as the program’s numbers are increasing. Team chemistry and enthusiasm are strong and the Hurricanes might be able to make some noise in the division.
Tri-Valley
Head coach: Mike Masser (5th season)
Last year: 3-19, 0-13 D-II
Returnees: Jaden Buchanan (sr., G-F), Bryce McNally (sr., G), Dan Opozda (sr., C), Justin Ziegmont (jr., F), Ashton Buchanan (soph., G)
Newcomers: Logan Yoder (soph., F), Daulton Leedy (fr., G), Nick Ziegmont (fr., G)
Outlook: Four starters are back for the Bulldogs, who were hampered last season by poor shooting and turnovers. A guard-oriented squad, they will play an up-tempo game and will look to score in transition off the defense. There is more depth, too. Expect a better record.
Williams Valley
Head coach: Denny Kasper (21st season)
Last year: 11-12, 7-6 D-II. District 11 Class AA semifinalist
Returnees: Nick Rodichok (sr., F), Peppe Mini (sr., G-F), Jake Wolfgang (soph., F)
Newcomers: Kenny Reed (jr., G), Brent Reinoehl (jr., F), Colin Weist (soph., F), Levi Engle (fr., G)
Outlook: Vikings return their best player from last season, but other players need to develop on the offensive end. The group is hard-working with a good attitude, but confidence and playing consistently as a team need to improve. Likely to be in the division mix.
Division III
Mahanoy Area emerged as the kings of Division III for the third consecutive season last year and will be one of the favorites for their fourth. Two others — Shenandoah Valley and Marian — will likely be in the mix.
Three full-time starters and another part-time starter return for the Golden Bears. In addition to Yedsena, senior Mike Wronski (7.1 ppg, team-leading 47 3s) and junior Mike Joseph (8.6 ppg) are back, as is senior Marcus Styka (2.6 ppg).
The Golden Bears once again were one of the league’s top defensive teams, finishing second behind Pottsville at 42.3 ppg. Mahanoy Area also excelled in winning close games in the postseason, as its three victories were by a combined seven points, including overtime wins over Marian and Minersville in the District 11 playoffs.
One of the league’s hottest teams at the end of last season was Shenandoah Valley (11-12). The Blue Devils started 2-8 but finished the regular season winning 9-of-12, and nearly knocked off eventual district champ Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg in District 11 Class A semifinals before losing 50-46.
Everybody is back for Shenandoah Valley, which averaged 6.8 3-pointers a game last season. Seniors Ian McCole (11.3 ppg, 49 3s) Josh White (3.7 ppg) and Ricardo Chagolla (6.0), along with junior Jermaine McNeil (7.3 ppg. 43 3s), are among just some of the players returning for the Blue Devils who either started or saw varsity playing time. Not only will Shenandoah Valley’s starters be solid, but there will be plenty of depth behind them.
Another team that got hot at the end of 2014-15 was Marian (11-12). The Colts were 6-9 after a 57-45 loss to Jim Thorpe on Jan. 31, but went 5-1 over their remaining six games to qualify for the District 11 Class AA playoffs.
Marian doesn’t have that true superstar offensive player — nobody averaged double figures in scoring last season. But the Colts have tons of depth and will get contributions from a variety of players.
One of Marian’s top scorers from last season is back in senior Aaron DeAngelo (8.7 ppg). Seniors John Woitko (2.7) and Hunter Puza (0.9), along with juniors Brandon Mohammed (7.0) and Ethan Kuczynski (6.0) are just a few of players who are returning and will see varsity minutes.
Nativity (15-10) made its first district championship game and PIAA playoff appearances since 2007 last season. But the Hilltoppers got hammered by graduation and have only three players returning with varsity experience.
Senior Ayden Adams (7.2 ppg) is the top returning scorer, while seniors Eric Nelson (3.4 ppg) and Travis Hunyara (1.4 ppg) are also back for Nativity.
Mahanoy Area
Head coach: Ethan Eichhorst (1st season)
Last year: 22-5, 11-2 D-III. Division III champion, Schuylkill League semifinalist, District 11 Class AA champion, PIAA qualifier
Returnees: Mike Wronski (sr., G), Matt Yedsena (sr., G), Marcus Styka (sr., F-C), Mike Joseph (jr., G)
Newcomers: Matt Derr (jr., G-F), Jordan McGee (soph., G-F), Randy Derr (jr., C)
Outlook: Golden Bears return three full-time starters and will be strong around the perimeter. Have several versatile players who are capable of scoring off the dribble and from 3-point land. Defense should be solid as always. Division title contender.
Marian
Head coach: John Patton (6th season)
Last year: 11-12, 7-6 D-III. District 11 Class AA semifinalist
Returnees: Hunter Puza (sr., G), John Woitko (sr., G), Aaron DeAngelo (sr., F), Ethan Kuczynski (jr., G), Jarod Paisley (jr., G), Brandon Mohammed (jr., G-F), Josh Inama (jr., F, didn’t play last season)
Newcomers: Ryan Karchner (jr., F), D.J. Mummey (jr., F), Ian Myers (jr., F), Jake Paluck (jr., F), Kyle Plesh (jr., F), Gabe Miller (soph., G), Jared Maylath (soph., G)
Outlook: Colts don’t have a standout performer, but might be one of the deeper teams in the league. There is a solid nucleus returning as the Colts look to build off their finish from last season. Should be in the division-title mix.
Nativity
Head coach: Kevin Kennedy (4th season)
Last year: 15-10, 8-5 D-III. District 11 Class A runner-up, PIAA qualifier
Returnees: Ayden Adams (sr., G-F), Travis Hunyara (sr., F), Eric Nelson (sr., C)
Newcomers: Jacob Evans (sr., G), Derek James (sr., G), Brett Rushannon (sr., G), Trent Shatalsky (jr., F-C), Price Szeliga (jr., G-F), Riley White (jr., F), Michael Winter (jr., F-C)
Outlook: Hilltoppers took a major hit to graduation, losing most of their offensive production in the process. Only three players with significant varsity experience are back. Will be taller than previous years, but new faces need to develop quickly for the Hilltoppers to compete in the division.
Shenandoah Valley
Head coach: Robbie Miller (6th season)
Last year: 11-12, 9-4 D-III. District 11 Class A semifinalist
Returnees: Ian McCole (sr., F), Ricardo Chagolla (sr., G), Josh White (sr., F), Joel Santana (jr., G), Jermaine McNeil (jr., G), Isaiah Alvarez (jr., F), Bobby Ryan (jr., F), Matt Creasy (jr., F), Noah Allegretta (jr., G)
Newcomers: Austin Uholik (jr., G), Robbie Michalik (jr., C), Noah Raisner (jr., G,), Sydiq Shernoster (soph., C), Evan Kosar (fr., G)
Outlook: The Blue Devils finished the 2014-15 campaign on a high note and return everyone from that squad. There is plenty of depth, too. Size in a concern, but the Blue Devils have the potential to have a huge season.
Weatherly
Head coach: Ron Cann (9th season)
Last year: 5-17, 1-12 D-III
Returnees: Dillon Bizarre (sr., F), Zach Peiser (jr., C), Zach Moon (soph., G), Gary Buck (soph. F)
Newcomers: Jake Stover (sr., C), Steph Yurchak (soph., C), Jeremy Moser (fr., G), Jared Zaremba (fr., G), John Arthur (soph., F)
Outlook: Wreckers lost several key performers to graduation and will rely mostly on underclassmen. Do have more size than in previous years and the offense will change, focusing on scoring more inside than on the perimeter. The younger players need to develop for the Wreckers to have any success.
Tri-Valley League
Upper Dauphin
Matt Miller developed into the one of the best players in the Tri-Valley League last winter. In the process, Upper Dauphin ended up the best team in the league.
Miller, a 6-foot senior, put up some gaudy numbers in 2014-15, scoring 600 points (24.0 ppg), while knocking down 93 3-pointers. He was named third-team All-State in Class A and currently has 1,115 career points.
Also returning for the Trojans are their second- and third-leading scorers in Alex Uhler (9.7 ppg) and Jordan Gessner (7.8 ppg). Miller, Uhler and Gessner were part of an offense that averaged 65.6 points per game last season.
Upper Dauphin ended up winning its first overall league title since 2008 as the league was split into two divisions and had a four-team playoff for the first time. The Trojans beat Greenwood 53-47 in the semifinals and Juniata 60-51 in the title game.
Upper Dauphin is a senior-heavy team with nine on its roster. The Trojans are also strong at the guard position and most of their points will likely come from their perimeter players. What Upper Dauphin lacks is size.
Still, the Trojans will be one of the favorites in the East Division, and Tri-Valley League, again. Rivals Millersburg and Halifax are two of the teams likely to challenge in the East, while Juniata, perennial power Greenwood and Newport are the teams to watch in the West.
Upper Dauphin
Head coach: Anthony Weaver (6th season)
Last year: 20-5, 12-1 TVL East. TVL East champion, Tri-Valley League champion, District 3 Class AA qualifier
Returnees: Matt Miller (sr., G), Alex Uhler (sr., G-F), Jordan Gessner (sr., G), Travis Deitrich (sr., G), Calen Reigner (sr., F), Andrew Norris (sr., F), Drake Lenker (sr., G), Max Snyder (sr., G), Kolby Bond (sr., G)
Newcomers: None provided
Outlook: Trojans are coming off their first league title in seven years and have an experienced, senior-laden squad returning to go after another. Plenty of offensive firepower returns and the ingredients are there for the Trojans to be in the running for their second consecutive league championship.
Berks League
Hamburg
The Hawks have nowhere to go but up.
Not only did Hamburg suffer through a winless season in 2014-15, but the Hawks weren’t competitive on most nights, losing by an average of 27.1 points per game. Only three of Hamburg’s games were decided by 10 points or less.
The good news for the Hawks is that they return their two leading scorers in senior Logan Adams (8.0 ppg) and sophomore Corey Evangelista (4.8). Hamburg also has some size in the paint in 6-6 senior Jared Lesher (3.8 ppg) and 6-7 sophomore Quinn Nabozny (2.5 ppg).
Berks Section II will be tough as always, with overall league runner-up Berks Catholic, a 52-43 loser to Reading in the title game, Conrad Weiser and Fleetwood three of the teams expected to contend.
Hamburg
Head coach: Ryan McGinley (3rd season)
Last year: 0-22, 0-10 Berks II
Returnees: Logan Adams (sr., G), Jared Lesher (sr., F), Lucas Hauck (sr., F), Quinn Nabozny (jr., F-C), Corey Evangelista (soph., G)
Newcomers: Jacob Barr (jr., G), Austin Hartman (jr., F), Harold Greenawald (soph., G), Reece Adam (fr., G)
Outlook: Hawks have some size in the front court, and return their two leading scorers at the guard spots. Depth and inexperience are still a concern. Goals are to become more competitive and build confidence with some victories.
Independent
Gillingham Charter
The Wolf Pack enter their fourth season as a program and are still looking for their first victory. They also have their fourth new coach in Lenny Martin.
The wins may not have come yet, but progress is being made, at least from a competitive standpoint. Gillingham Charter scored 30 or more points in a game last season four times after going over the mark only once the previous season. The Wolf Pack’s best shot at victory was a 27-24 loss to Northumberland Christian on Dec. 22.
Senior Isaiah Thompson (6.9 ppg) was Gillingham Charter’s leading scorer last year, while senior Nate Woodling (4.5) also returns. The Wolf Pack currently have 13 games scheduled this season.
Gillingham Charter
Head coach: Lenny Martin (1st season)
Last year: 0-17
Returnees: Isaiah Thompson (sr., G), Nate Woodling (sr., F), Danny Cintron (sr., G), Jetsiel Rivera (soph., F), Jadiel Rivera (soph., G), Enoch Holbert (soph., F)
Newcomers: Shawn Krammel (jr., C), John Hindermeyer (jr., G)
Outlook: The Wolf Pack have the most experience returning they’ve ever had and were more competitive at times last season. A big goal this season is to break through and get the program’s first victory.
Schuylkill League Boys’ Basketball
2014-15 Standings
DIVISION I
Leag. Over.
Pottsville 14-0 28-1
Tamaqua 11-3 21-7
North Schuylkill 10-4 17-6
Blue Mountain 7-7 12-12
Lehighton 7-7 14-9
Jim Thorpe 4-10 8-14
Panther Valley 2-12 5-17
Pine Grove 1-13 3-19
DIVISION II
Minersville 12-1 20-6
Williams Valley 7-6 11-12
Schuylkill Haven 6-7 10-12
Lourdes 4-9 8-14
Tri-Valley 0-13 3-19
DIVISION III
Mahanoy Area 11-2 22-5
Shenandoah Valley 9-4 11-12
Nativity 8-5 15-10
Marian 7-6 11-12
Weatherly 1-12 5-17
League semifinals
Tamaqua 59, Minersville 53
Pottsville 59, Mahanoy Area 31
Championship
Pottsville 33, Tamaqua 28, OT
District 11 champions
Pottsville (Class AAA), Mahanoy Area (Class AA)
PIAA playoff qualifiers
Class AAA — Pottsville (reached second round), Tamaqua; Class AA — Mahanoy Area (reached second round), Minersville (reached second round), Class A — Nativity
Boys’ Preseason
Power poll
Team LY Rec.
1. Pottsville 28-1
2. Mahanoy Area 22-5
3. Minersville 20-6
4. Blue Mountain 12-12
5. Shen. Valley 11-12
6. North Schuylkill 17-6
7. Lourdes 8-14
8. Marian 11-12
9. Lehighton 14-9
10. Upper Dauphin 20-5
— Compiled by
Mike Carnahan
TODAY
Pine Grove at Pottsville, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11
Lehighton at Panther Valley, 7 p.m.
Blue Mountain at North Schuylkill, 7:30 p.m.
Mahanoy Area at Weatherly, 7:30 p.m.
Minersville at Williams Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Schuylkill Haven at Lourdes, 7:30 p.m.
Shenandoah Valley at Marian, 7:30 p.m.
Tamaqua at Jim Thorpe, 7:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15
Tamaqua at Panther Valley, 7 p.m.
Pottsville at Blue Mountain, 7 p.m.
Jim Thorpe at Lehighton, 7 p.m.
Marian at Mahanoy Area, 7 p.m.
North Schuylkill at Pine Grove, 7:30 p.m.
Weatherly at Nativity, 7:30 p.m.
Lourdes at Tri-Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Williams Valley at Schuylkill Haven, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
Tamaqua at Lehighton, 7 p.m.
Blue Mountain at Pine Grove, 7 p.m.
Pottsville at North Schuylkill, 7:30 p.m.
Marian at Weatherly, 7:30 p.m.
Tri-Valley at Minersville, 7:30 p.m.
Panther Valley at Jim Thorpe, 7:30 p.m.
Williams Valley at Lourdes, 7:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22
Panther Valley at Blue Mountain, 7 p.m.
Lehighton at North Schuylkill, 7 p.m.
Tamaqua at Pottsville, 7:30 p.m.
Jim Thorpe at Pine Grove, 7:30 p.m.
Shenandoah Valley at Mahanoy Area, 7 p.m.
Tri-Valley at Williams Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Minersville at Schuylkill Haven, 7:30 p.m.
Nativity at Marian, 7:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 5
Pine Grove at Tamaqua, 7 p.m.
Blue Mountain at Lehighton, 7 p.m.
Mahanoy Area at Nativity, 7:30 p.m.
North Schuylkill at Jim Thorpe, 7:30 p.m.
Weatherly at Shenandoah Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Pottsville at Panther Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Schuylkill Haven at Tri-Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Lourdes at Minersville, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 8
Tamaqua at North Schuylkill, 7 p.m.
Lehighton at Pottsville, 7 p.m.
Blue Mountain at Jim Thorpe, 7 p.m.
Mahanoy Area at Lourdes, 7:30 p.m.
Panther Valley at Pine Grove, 7:30 p.m.
Weatherly at Williams Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Shen. Valley at Tri-Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Marian at Minersville, 7:30 p.m.
Nativity at Schuylkill Haven, 7:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 12
Blue Mountain at Tamaqua, 7 p.m.
Pine Grove at Lehighton, 7 p.m.
Williams Valley at Mahanoy Area, 7 p.m.
Pottsville at Jim Thorpe, 7:30 p.m.
North Schuylkill at Panther Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Minersville at Weatherly, 7:30 p.m.
Tri-Valley at Marian, 7:30 p.m.
Lourdes at Nativity, 7:30 p.m.
Schuylkill Haven at Shen. Valley, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 15
North Schuylkill at Blue Mountain, 7 p.m.
Jim Thorpe at Tamaqua, 7 p.m.
Panther Valley at Lehighton, 7 p.m.
Pottsville at Pine Grove, 7:30 p.m.
Mahanoy Area at Minersville, 7:30 p.m.
Weatherly at Tri-Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Shenandoah Valley at Lourdes, 7:30 p.m.
Nativity at Williams Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Marian at Schuylkill Haven, 7:30 p.m.
MONDAY, JANUARY 18
Blue Mountain at Pottsville, 7:30 p.m.
Pine Grove at North Schuylkill, 7:30 p.m.
Tri-Valley at Mahanoy Area, 7 p.m.
Schuylkill Haven at Weatherly, 7:30 p.m.
Minersville at Nativity, 7:30 p.m.
Lourdes at Marian, 7:30 p.m.
Williams Valley at Shen. Valley, 7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 21
Pine Grove at Blue Mountain, 7 p.m.
Weatherly at Mahanoy Area, 7 p.m.
Jim Thorpe at Panther Valley, 7 p.m.
Nativity at Tri-Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Williams Valley at Minersville, 7:30 p.m.
Lourdes at Schuylkill Haven, 7:30 p.m.
Marian at Shenandoah Valley, 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 23
North Schuylkill at Pottsville, 7:30 p.m.
MONDAY, JANUARY 25
Blue Mountain at Panther Valley, 7 p.m.
North Schuylkill at Lehighton, 7 p.m.
Pottsville at Tamaqua, 7 p.m.
Mahanoy Area at Marian, 7:30 p.m.
Pine Grove at Jim Thorpe, 7:30 p.m.
Nativity at Weatherly, 7:30 p.m.
Tri-Valley at Lourdes, 7:30 p.m.
Shenandoah Valley at Minersville, 7:30 p.m.
Schuylkill Haven at Williams Valley, 7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28
Tamaqua at Pine Grove, 7 p.m.
Lehighton at Blue Mountain, 7 p.m.
Mahanoy Area at Schuylkill Haven, 7:30 p.m.
Weatherly at Marian, 7:30 p.m.
Panther Valley at Pottsville, 7:30 p.m.
Jim Thorpe at North Schuylkill, 7:30 p.m.
Minersville at Tri-Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Lourdes at Williams Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Shenandoah Valley at Nativity, 7:30 p.m.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Pottsville at Lehighton, 7 p.m.
North Schuylkill at Tamaqua, 7 p.m.
Blue Mountain at Jim Thorpe, 7:30 p.m.
Pine Grove at Panther Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Mahanoy Area at Shen. Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Weatherly at Lourdes, 7:30 p.m.
Williams Valley at Tri-Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Schuylkill Haven at Minersville, 7:30 p.m.
Marian at Nativity, 7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Tamaqua at Blue Mountain, 7 p.m.
Lehighton at Pine Grove, 7 p.m.
Nativity at Mahanoy Area, 7 p.m.
Jim Thorpe at Pottsville, 7:30 p.m.
Shenandoah Valley at Weatherly, 7:30 p.m.
Pan. Valley at North Schuylkill, 7:30 p.m.
Tri-Valley at Schuylkill Haven, 7:30 p.m.
Minersville at Lourdes, 7:30 p.m.
Marian at Williams Valley, 7:30 p.m.