Pub Basketball Preview, 2005-06

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   This appeared in the Phila. Daily News on Dec. 13

Stating a case for Prep Charter
by Ted Silary

UPON FURTHER reflection, coach Dan Brinkley has changed his mind.
He does, it turns out, want his Prep Charter basketball squad to win a
state championship.
After last year falling to Central for the Public League title, the
Huskies entered the PIAA Class AA playoffs and were dumped by York
Catholic in a second-round game.
Brinkley was so incensed by what he thought was shaky officiating, he
said - off the record, at the time - he planned to tell PC officials to
forget about ever again competing in state playoffs.
"I've backed off that statement,'' he said, laughing.
"I will stand on the fact that 11 charging calls in one game is crazy,
but that was a heat-of-the-moment thing. The people at our school are
big on competing for a state title and that accomplishment, for anybody,
should receive the credit it's due.
"Toward the end of the season, we've scheduled some games that will
hopefully get us ready for state competition... But, hey, I came up in
the Pub, and played there [at Dobbins], so Pub bragging rights are very
important to me.''
Will winning league laurels be easy? No way. Does PC have an excellent
chance? Way.
Six-five wing guard Rodney Green, the king of transition, is a La Salle
signee, and the junior Twin Towers, 6-8 Marcus and 6-9 Markieff Morris,
are being pursued by numerous D-I programs.
"And those schools have learned this early: You have to recruit both,''
Brinkley said. "They are going together.''
There's more. The frontcourt rotation also includes 6-8 Cullen Askew and
6-6 Paris Griffin, while the transfer winds have brought in
interchangeable point guards Josh Martin (Cardinal Dougherty) and Doug
Davis (Abington Friends).
"Our theme this year is 'No Excuses','' Brinkley said. "I keep thinking
about that Kanye West song, how 'nothing's ever promised tomorrow
today.' It keeps going through my head. We have the pieces to get in
that groove. Now it's up to us.''
PC's biggest threat could come from Simon Gratz, where the headliner is
an explosive, UTEP-bound guard, Malik Alvin. Also strong is
Communications Tech, a John Bartram offshoot with the Braves' former
coach, Lou Biester, and many of its players.
Frankford and Central were hit hard by graduation, but have
upper-echelon senior returnees in Lewis Leonard and Kenny St. George,
respectively. At Strawberry Mansion, Matthew "Moo'' Johnson heads a
veteran crew.
The 16-team regular playoffs, following some preliminaries, will include
eight schools from AAAA, four from AA and two apiece from AAA and A.
The two new schools are CT and Mastery Charter.
New coaches: Brett Oslon, Bartram; Pat Durkin, Swenson; Lou Biester, CT;
Greg Moore, Dobbins; Ben Dubin, Frankford; Tony Stephens, Penn; Derek
Oh, Lamberton; Quincy Reed, Mastery; Mike Sidebotham, Phila. Electrical;
Rob Powlen, Robeson (formerly Human Services); and Kahlef Webb, World
Communications.
Matt McGuire (Parkway), Elsa Cohen (Northeast) and John Rech (Olney) are
back in control at schools where they previously coached.
A final decision on the vacant West Philadelphia position is expected
later this week.
RETURNING ALL-PUBLICS
(Selected by Daily News)
SECOND TEAM
Lewis Leonard, Frankford, F; Rodney Green, Prep Charter, G-F.
THIRD TEAM
Markieff Morris, Prep Charter, C.
FIFTH TEAM
Matthew "Moo" Johnson, Mansion, G; Malik Alvin, Gratz, G; Zahir
Carrington, Masterman, F; Kenny St. George, Central, G.
HONORABLE MENTION
GUARDS: 1-Jernardo "Jay" Lucas, Bartram; Rashiid Coleman, Central;
Tyrell Coleman, Germantown; Kylieff Brown, Overbrook; Tyrone Palmer,
Parkway; Aaron Stephens, Univ. City; Malcolm Eleby, Franklin LC;
2-Brandon Williams, Franklin LC; David Hill, Hope; Curtis Jackson,
Imhotep; 3-Eric Drew, Hope; Eric Funaro, GAMP.
FORWARDS/CENTERS: 4-Chris Edwards, Dobbins; 5-Rockeed McCarter,
Northeast; John Brooks, Mansion; Carl Chapman, CAPA; John Morrow, Phila.
Elec.
1-now at Communications Tech. 2-now at Abington Friends; 3-now at Hope;
4-now at North Catholic; 5-now at Roman.

DIVISION A
ALVIN SWENSON
Coach: Pat Durkin, first year. Education: La Salle, Penn State. Career:
0-0.
Last year: 2-12 league, 3-15 overall.
Savvy seven: Krentz Sainte, 5-9, G; Greg Febles, 6-3, F-C; Khayree
Brown, 6-3, F-C; Lorenzo Carter, 6-foot, G; Tony Padilla, 6-3, F; Shawn
Beatty, 5-9, G; Kobina Anderson, 6-3, F.
Durkin's comment: "Our lack of size is exceeded only by our
inexperience."
CENTRAL
Coach: Haviland Harper, eighth year (also Parkway, 1982-98). Education:
Central, George Washington. Career: 269-270; 104-71 at Central.
Last year: 14-0, 26-3.
Savvy seven: Kenny St. George, 6-4, G; Rashiid Coleman, 5-9, G; Joseph
Graves, 6-5, F-C; Marcus Morris, 6-1, F; Sean Gadson, 6-1, G; Acquil
Cook, 6-4, F; Yusef Nuriddin, 5-11, G.
Harper's comment: "After an exciting year, we'll see who will now step
up."
EDWARD BOK TECH
Coach: Lloyd Jenkins, sixth year. Education: Bok, North Carolina A&T.
Career: 42-53.
Last year: 8-6, 10-8.
Savvy seven: Keith Williams, 5-6, G; James Jones, 5-8, G; David Lorn,
6-3, F; Gary Harris, 6-3, F; Darnal Simpson, 6-2, F; Andre Thompson,
5-10, G; Gregg Myers, 6-2, F.
Jenkins' comment: "Definitely a rebuilding year. But interesting."
FRANKLIN TOWNE CHARTER
Coach: Josh Rorer, second year. Education: Judge, Temple. Career: 3-13.
Last year: 3-13, 2-13.
Savvy seven: Francis Patriarca, 5-8, G; Chris Stein, 5-8, G; Juan Soto,
5-9, G-F; Javier Muniz, 6-foot, F; Ron Gunning, 6-1, C; Jullil Garrett,
5-8, G; John Plumley, 5-10, F.
Rorer's comment: "Our goal is to get better every day."
GERMANTOWN
Coach: Otis Hackney, fifth year. Education: West Phila., Temple. Career:
36-40.
Last year: 6-8, 8-10.
Savvy seven: Tyrell Coleman, 6-1, G; Khalief Mason, 5-6, G; Leonard
Travis, 6-1, G-F; Giovanni Cooper, 5-10, G; Dwain Edwards, 6-4, F;
Elijah Clark, 6-3, F; Kelvin Campbell, 6-4, F.
Hackney's comment: : "I expect this team to be competitive in most games
and make a strong push for the playoffs."
HORACE FURNESS
Coach: Dave Connolly, 10th year. Education: Southern, Penn State.
Career: 60-96.
Last year: 0-14, 0-15.
Savvy seven: Robert Antrom, 5-8, G; Quieron Abbott, 5-8, G; Donald
Griffith, 6-2, F-C; Malik Tappe, 6-1, F-C; Gerald Abdullah, 6-5, C;
Dwayne Wilson, 5-10, G; Alphonso Harris, 6-foot, F.
Connolly's comment: "This team is athletic and unselfish. I think we'll
be competitive."
JOHN BARTRAM
Coach: Brett Oslon, first year; Education: Northeast, Pittsburgh.
Career: 0-0.
Last year: 11-3, 15-8.
Savvy seven: Antwine Tucker, 6-1, G; Christopher Purnell, 6-foot, G;
Winston Robinson, 6-4, F; Tyreese Wheeler, 6-foot, G; Clarck Dure, 6-4,
F; Novar Gadson, 6-4, G-F; Leon Ransom, 6-3, G-F.
Oslon's comment: "As long as progress is made each game, our long-term
future is bright."
MARTIN LUTHER KING
Coach: Harry Wood, second year (also King, 1987-91). Education:
Germantown, Florida A&M. Career: 33-68.
Last year: 6-8, 6-8.
Savvy seven: Dwayne Bradley, 6-4, F; Darnell Moore, 6-3, G; Zane Oxley,
6-4, F; Michael Waddell, 5-10, G; Marquis Clark, 6-2, F; Marcus McQueen,
6-foot, G; Michael Cruse, 6-6, C.
Wood's comment: "It might be hard, but we're striving to make the
playoffs."
OVERBROOK
Coach: Sam Jacobs, fourth year (also Phila. Regional, 1996). Education:
Roosevelt (Brooklyn, N.Y.), East Stroudsburg. Career: 27-50; 25-35 at
Overbrook.
Last year: 9-5, 12-8.
Savvy seven: Kylieff Brown, 5-10, G; Raheem Davis, 5-6, G; Malik Foman,
5-9, G-F; Pernell Thompson, 5-9, G; Nurideen Lindsey, 6-1, G; Kevin
Williams, 6-4, F; Naftalie "Talie" Ellis 6-5 C.
Jacobs' comment: "With all these guards, it'll be a run-and-gun
session."
PARKWAY
Coach: Matt McGuire, first year (also Parkway, 2001-04; Education:
O'Hara, Penn State. Career: 42-48.
Last year: 6-8, 6-9.
Savvy seven: Tyrone Palmer, 6-foot, G; Ahmed Ngobeh, 5-8, G; Martice
Marcus, 5-10, G; Ryan Davis, 6-4, F-C; Archie Alston, 6-2, F; Josh
Howard, 5-9, G; Jeff Anderson, 5-10, G.
McGuire's comment: "Not much size, but I like our guard play. If we can
minimize mistakes on defense and rebound, we have a chance to be good."
ROXBOROUGH
Coach: Terrell Burnett, seventh year. Education: Warrenton (Ga.),
Temple. Career: 59-63.
Last year: 3-11, 3-13.
Savvy seven: Derrick Segers, 6-foot, G; Calvin Jones, 5-10, F; Nick
Walker, 6-2, C; Chauncey Shuler, 5-7, G; Ian Monaghan, 6-1, F; Clayton
Brothers, 5-11, F; Joe Saunders, 6-foot, G.
Burnett's comment: "We'll show up with what we've got and hopefully have
a good season."
SIMON GRATZ
Coach: Leonard Poole, fourth year (also Phila. Regional, 1997).
Education: Gratz, East Stroudsburg. Career: 68-35; 66-19 at Gratz.
Last year: 13-1, 18-10.
Savvy seven: Malik Alvin, 6-foot, G; Karl Howard, 5-10, G; Velton Jones,
5-10, G; Jamal Watson, 6-3, F; Sean Gilbert, 6-4, F; Ishmawiyl McFadden,
6-5, F; Stevie Newton, 6-1, G.
Poole's comment: "We are a good, young team and should be there in the
end."
SOUTHERN
Coach: George Anderson, 13th year. Education: Evander Childs (Brooklyn,
N.Y.), Florida A&M. Career: 152-128.
Last year: 9-5, 10-8.
Savvy seven: Jason Sabb, 6-3, F; Bryheem Charity, 6-2, F; Daniel
Weatherly, 6-2, G; Ramone Moore, 6-4, G; Oliver Burbage, 5-10, G; Alston
Ross, 5-10, G; Eric Jones, 5-7, G.
Anderson's comment: "If we can connect the dots between practice and
games, we'll be successful."
UNIVERSITY CITY
Coach: Lou Williams, second year. Education: Franklin, Fisk (Tenn.).
Career: 17-8.
Last year: 11-3, 17-8.
Savvy seven: Aaron Stephens, 5-7, G; Kenny Moore, 6-4, G; Timmy Jones,
6-2, F; Khalil Montague, 5-8, G; Kris Byes, 6-3, F; Thomas Brown, 6-4,
F; Charles McKissick, 6-foot, G.
Williams' comment: "We think we can go as far as last year."
WEST PHILADELPHIA
Coach: Position vacant. (Information provided by assistant Harold
Alexander.)
Last year: 6-8, 6-8.
Savvy seven: Dwayne Jackson, 6-5 F; Wayne Johnson, 6-6, F-C; Khalile
Coley, 6-foot, G; Derrick Pitts, 5-10, G; Malik Johnson, 6-1, G; Javon
Brown, 6-2, G-F; Vance Turner, 6-6, F-C.
Alexander's comment: "We're young, hungry and athletic. We could shock
some people."
DIVISION B
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Coach: Steve Gittleman, 12th (also Akiba Hebrew, 1983-90). Education:
Olney, Southern Mississippi. Career: Unavailable; 105-124 at Lincoln.
Last year: 8-5, 12-6.
Savvy seven: Brandon Bowes, 5-10, G; Zachary Chester, 6-5, C; Jionte
Ferguson, 6-3, F; Edmond Gonzalez, 6-5, F; Denzel Jackson, 6-4, F;
Christian Paulhill, 6-3, F; Doug Tucker, 6-1, G.
Gittleman's comment: "We play good defense. Can we put the ball in the
basket enough?"
BEN FRANKLIN
Coach: Larry Gainey, sixth year (also Parkway, 1999-2000); Education:
Bartram, Delaware State. Career: 85-61; 72-42 at Franklin.
Last year: 9-4, 11-7.
Savvy seven: Sean Chennault, 6-1, G; Chris Penn, 6-3, F; Brandon Penn,
6-4, F; Darren Haynesworth, 5-7, G; Shah Warren, 6-2, F; Kelsey Tisdale,
6-3, F; Isaiah Washington, 6-1, G.
Gainey's comment: "We may be small, but we're also slow."
COMMUNICATIONS TECH
Coach: Lou Biester, first year (also Bartram, 1990, last nine games of
season; Bartram, 2000-05). Education: Bonner, Christian Brothers Univ.
(Tenn.). Career: 124-37.
Last year: not in league.
Savvy seven: Jernardo "Jay" Lucas, 5-9, G; Leonard Jackson, 6-2, G;
Shawn Francis, 6-2, G-F; Ben Whitt, 6-2, G-F; Andrew "Scootie" Randall,
6-5, F; Lance McDowell, 6-6, F; Shyheem Satchell, 6-2, F.
Biester's comment: "We're just trying to find our way."
FRANKFORD
Coach: Ben Dubin, first year (also Fels, 2001-02). Education:
Washington, Delaware. Career: 13-24.
Last year: 12-1, 20-5.
Savvy seven: Lewis Leonard, 6-3, G-F; Malik Ballard, 5-11, G; Steven
Haynes, 6-foot, G; Kenny Spotwood, 6-3, G-F; Malik Tinsley, 6-6, F;
Antwaine Brown, 6-4, F; Travis White, 5-10, G.
Dubin's comment: "Enough physical ability to compete with anyone. Enough
mental/emotional instability to beat ourselves."
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Coach: Calvin Jones, 20th year. Education: Edison, Delaware State.
Career: 159-235.
Last year: 11-2, 11-8.
Savvy seven: Dan Powell, 6-2, G-F; Frank Peters, 6-4, F-C; Dawaan Mapp,
6-2, G; Ranald Lindsey, 5-9, G; Miguel Bocachica, 6-4, G-F; Anthony
Wilson, 6-3, G-F; Jakeem Williams, 5-9, G.
Jones' comment: "We want to repeat getting a spot at the top of the
division."
JULES MASTBAUM TECH
Coach: Jim Taylor, fourth year. Education: Central, Penn State. Career:
33-37.
Last year: 4-9, 10-14.
Savvy seven: Brandon Smith, 6-1, F; Chris Ayandokon, 6-3, F; Sean Rice,
5-11, G; Billy Hopkins, 5-9, G; Clarence Manson, 5-11, G; Jamaal
Davenport, 6-2, F; Marvin Warden, 5-8, G.
Taylor's comment: "With all new players, I have no clue. We're still
finding our way."
KENSINGTON
Coach: Joe Egenolf, seventh year (appointed coach for final two games of
'00). Education: Central, Lynchburg (Va.). Career: 28-73.
Last year: 0-13, 0-16.
Savvy seven: Kalief Armstrong, 6-1, F; Emanuel Cruz, 6-2, F; William
Jones, 6-3, F; Angel Miranda, 5-9, G; Jose Ramos, 5-6, G; Courtney
Roberson, 5-10, G; Thomas Spain, 5-9, G.
Egenolf's comment: "This team compensates for its lack of size and
experience with its spirit and desire to work hard."
MURRELL DOBBINS TECH
Coach: Greg Moore, first year (also King, 1992-2004). Education:
Dobbins, Cheyney. Career: 147-128.
Last year: 10-3, 13-7.
Savvy seven: Justin Hayes, 6-foot, G; Marcellus Willoughby, 5-6, G;
Vincent Evans, 6-3, C; Roland Blue, 6-1, F; Aaron Parks, 6-1, G-F;
Dominic Slaughter, 6-4, F; Akeem Todd, 5-8, G.
Moore's comment: "Mr. Yank [former coach Rich Yankowitz] built a great
tradition. We'll try to keep it going. It'd be great if we could make
the playoffs."
NORTHEAST
Coach: Elsa Cohen, first year (also Northeast, 1994-2003). Education:
Northeast, Murray State (Ky.). Career: 89-101.
Last year: 5-8, 9-9.
Savvy seven: Tyrone Blassingame, 6-2, F; Derek Lockhart, 6-foot, G; Sean
Evans, 6-4, F; Kevin Clark, 5-8, G; Willie Johnson, 6-foot, G; Jesse
Joseph, 6-4, F; Tyron Lytes, 6-foot, G.
Cohen's comment: "If I do my job and pound into the kids the importance
of defense, and we have no more mishaps, we'll be headed to the
playoffs."
OLNEY
Coach: John Rech, eighth year (missed '05 on medical leave). Education:
Judge, Lock Haven. Career: 96-60.
Last year: 4-9, 4-11.
Savvy seven: Anthony Edwards, 6-2, G-F; Lamar Coney, 6-3, F; Joe Scott,
5-8, G; James Lewis, 5-10, G; James Morris, 6-3, F-C; John Freeman, 6-4,
F; Jacques Julien, 5-7, G.
Rech's comment: "If we can rebound and avoid turnovers, we could be
competitive."
SAMUEL FELS
Coach: John Bissett, fourth year. Education: North Catholic, West
Chester. Career: 28-28.
Last year: 4-9, 7-10.
Savvy seven: Jamar White, 6-2, F-C; Darien Mitchell, 5-11, G; Greg
Powell, 6-2, F; Desmond Robinson, 6-2, G-F; Antoin Harper, 5-8, G;
Brandon Watson, 5-10, G; Jerel Dial, 6-2, F.
Bissett's comment: "It's time to make memories."
STRAWBERRY MANSION
Coach: Gerald Hendricks, 24th year. Education: Gratz, Savannah State
(Ga.). Career: 322-201.
Last year: 11-2, 15-8.
Savvy seven: Matthew "Moo" Johnson, 5-11, G; Stanley Williams, 5-10, G;
John Brooks, 6-5, F-C; Chaz Philpot, 6-4, F-C; Sean Griffin, 6-2, F;
Eugene Moss, 6-4, G-F; Doug Mathis, 6-1, G-F.
Hendricks' comment: "This is a senior group. We hope we can go as far as
possible."
THOMAS EDISON
Coach: Kevin Reilly, seventh year. Education: Judge, West Chester.
Career: 39-68.
Last year: 8-5, 10-6.
Savvy seven: George Baker, 6-foot, G-F; Eric Jones, 5-10, G-F; Fabian
Pena, 5-10, G; Eric McNair, 6-2; G-F; Marcellus Mann, 6-0, F; Daniel
Johnson, 6-0, G-F; Wilfredo Perez, 5-6, G.
Reilly's comment: "We'll rely on depth and staying together as a team."
WILLIAM PENN
Coach: Tony Stephens, first year. Education: Gratz, Livingstone (N.C.).
Career: 0-0
Last year: 1-12, 1-14.
Savvy seven: Quincy Sampson, 6-foot, G; Eric Stafford, 6-3, F-C; Jovan
Smith, 6-2, F; Kevin Hudson, 6-1, F; Rashan Burrell, 6-3, F-C; Orie
Johnson, 5-1, G; Curshawn Banks, 5-10, G.
Stephens' comment: "Thanks to the help I'm getting, we have an excellent
opportunity to get a really good program going."
DIVISION C
CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS
Coach: John Dunphy, second year; Education: West Catholic, Temple.
Career: 3-13.
Last year: 3-13, 3-13.
Savvy seven: Samuel Bennett, 5-10, G; Carl Chapman, 6-2, F; Daric Nance,
6-foot, F; Bryan Dearry, 6-4, C; Rob Harta, 6-2, F; Colin Brennan, 5-10,
G; Cameron Bell, 6-1, G.
Dunphy's comment: "We're looking to play .500 ball or better; not scared
of anyone."
DELAWARE VALLEY CHARTER
Coach: Alan Cissorski, second year. Education: Olney, Temple. Career:
12-10.
Last year: 10-6, 12-10.
Savvy seven: Troy Blue, 6-3, F; Corey James, 5-10, G; Kyree Hanford,
6-3, C; Raymond Wells, 6-1, F; Ali Odd, 6-foot, F; Kevin Cropper, 5-6,
G; Maurice Robinson, 6-3, F.
Cissorski's comment: "We'd like to win a playoff game and make it to the
state tournament."
ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
Coach: C.M. Brown, 25th year. Education: Central, West Chester. Career:
269-226.
Last year: 11-5, 13-11.
Savvy seven: Glenn Dickerson, 6-2, F; Kenneth Lester, 6-5, F; Darrell
Mills, 6-2, F; Andre Murphy, 6-2, G; Anthony Pough, 6-4, G; Jaret
Richardson, 5-9, G; Sandy Tanner, 5-10, G.
Brown's comment: "I have two of the best coaches around, Kenny Hamilton
and Rich Yankowitz, on my staff. It's up to these kids to absorb the
education they're getting and respond with a productive season."
FRANKLIN LEARNING CENTER
Coach: Cedric Powell, seventh year. Education: Bok, Lincoln. Career:
92-47.
Last year: 14-2, 19-8.
Savvy seven: Sharif Bolton, 6-2, G; Malcolm Eleby, 6-2, G; Ryan White,
6-4, F; Dante Wooten, 6-8, F; Tyree Burnett, 6-6, C; Kyle Sawyer, 5-8,
G; Khalief Trawick, 6-2, G.
Powell's comment: "And the children shall lead us."
FREIRE CHARTER
Coach: Lawrence Threadgill, second year. Education: Hempfield (Pa.),
Delaware State. Career: 20-5.
Last year: 14-2, 20-5.
Savvy seven: Pierre Lewis, 6-foot, G; Antoine Singleton, 5-6, G; Melvin
Dixon, 6-foot, F; Isaac Yorro, 6-3, F-C; Ramon Galloway, 5-5, G; Alex
Nash, 6-2, F; Caleb Preston, 6-1, F.
Threadgill's comment: "We're very young, so this is a developmental
year."
GIRARD ACADEMIC MUSIC PROGRAM
Coach: Art Kratchman, 19th year (16th as PL member). Education: Central,
Temple. Career: 85-317 (71-295 as PL member).
Last year: 4-12, 4-19.
Savvy seven: Khiry Gordon, 6-6, C; Anthony Venafro, 6-2, G; Eric Funaro,
6-1, G; Joe Conner, 6-2, F; Stefan Thompson, 6-foot, G; Laron Byrd,
5-10, G; John Brickhouse, 6-2, F.
Kratchman's comment: "We are much improved. However, we have only one
senior."
HOPE CHARTER
Coach: Gary Hines, second year. Education: King, Johnson C. Smith
(N.C.). Career: 13-7.
Last year: 10-6, 13-7.
Savvy seven: David Hill, 6-2, G-F; Xavier Vincent, 5-8, G; Ronald
Chavous, 6-foot, G; Taree Perry, 6-3, F-C; Jamal Reid, 6-3, F; Derrick
Stephens, 6-foot, G; Eric Drew, 5-7, G.
Hines' comment: "With a responsible bunch of kids, we expect to be in
the thick of things."
IMHOTEP CHARTER
Coach: Andre Noble, second year. Education: Boston Latin (Mass.),
Lincoln Univ. Career: 16-9.
Last year: 13-3, 16-9.
Savvy seven: Jermaine Washington, 5-11, G; Curtis Jackson, 6-1, G; Hanif
Nixon, 6-4, F; Kashief Edwards, 6-5, C; Tamir Johnson, 6-5, F; Denzel
Gatewood, 6-4, F; Kevin Burwell, 5-10, G.
Noble's comment: "We're talented, but have a lot of work to do."
JULIA MASTERMAN
Coach: John Gannon, 15th year (13th as PL member). Education: Neumann,
Penn State. Career: 114-135 (not in league in '94; 3-3 record).
Last year: 12-4, 15-6.
Savvy seven: Zahir Carrington, 6-6, F; Mickey McGuire, 5-11, G; Mike
Mack, 5-11, G; Adam Gifford, 6-1, F; Ethan Tannen, 6-2, C; Bryan
Stevenson, 5-11, G; Jordan Perkins, 6-2, F.
Gannon's comment: "Probably our most athletic team. Our season will
depend on how quickly our young players mature."
MASTERY CHARTER
Coach: Quincy Reed, first year. Education: Penn, Gwynedd-Mercy. Career:
0-0.
Last year: not in league.
Savvy seven: Brian Reid, 6-5, G-F; Charles Jackson, 5-10, G; Chris
Simon, 6-foot, G-F; Arvell Knox, 5-11, G; Jaleel Khabeer, 6-2, F; Rossini
Carter, 6-2, F; Isaiah Davis, 6-1, F.
Reed's comment: "The kids have to realize there's a big difference in
competition from the rec leagues to this."
NUEVA ESPERANZA CHARTER
Coach: Terrance Hudson, second year. Education: Overbrook, Delaware
State. Career: 2-14.
Last year: 2-14, 2-14.
Savvy seven: Charles Campbell, 5-11, G-F; Edwin Diaz, 6-2, F-C; Andy
Bousono, 5-foot, G; Luis Seijo, G; Randy Rhames, 6-3, C; Zakee Moody,
4-11, G; Alfredo Santana, 5-4, G.
Hudson's comment: "We'll try to be disciplined and control the ball, and
get more wins than last year."
PAUL ROBESON
Coach: Rob Powlen, first year; Education: Crefeld, Phila. Textile.
Career: 0-0
Last year: 3-13, 4-16.
Savvy seven: Thaddeus Fauntleroy, 5-10, G; Charles Carter, 6-2, F; Rob
Hall, 5-6, G; Tim Whiteside, 6-7, C; Domineek Owens, 6-0, G-F; Dominic
Medlock, 6-2, F; Jerome Rockeymore, 6-1, G-F.
Powlen's comment: "We're happy with our guard play. And our big men are
improving."
PHILA. ELECTRICAL CHARTER
Coach: Mike Sidebotham, first year. Education: Wildwood Catholic (N.J.),
La Salle. Career: 0-0.
Last year: 6-10, 6-10.
Savvy seven: John Morrow, 6-5, C; Joe Dougherty, 6-2, G; Marquis Moore,
6-3, F; Arrocus Fisher, 6-foot, F; Tabias Thompson, 6-1, G-F; Kyheim
Jackson, 5-7, G; Sean McCall, 6-1, G.
Sidebotham's comment: "We're young and inexperienced, and working hard
to improve every day."
PREP CHARTER
Coach: Dan Brinkley, second year. Education: Dobbins, Lincoln. Career:
22-6.
Last year: 14-2, 22-6.
Savvy seven: Rodney Green, 6-5, G; Marcus Morris, 6-8, F; Markieff
Morris, 6-9, F; Cullen Askew, 6-8, C; Paris Griffin, 6-6, F; Josh
"Scrap" Martin, 6-2, G; Doug Davis, 5-11, G.
Brinkley's comment: "Nothing is promised."
ROBERT LAMBERTON
Coach: Derek Oh, first year. Education: Mt. Vernon (Alexandria Va.),
Radford (Va.). Career: 0-0
Last year: 9-7, 11-10.
Savvy seven: Nafis Ricks, 6-1, G; Terrell Robinson, 5-6, G; Leonard
"Gooch" Chaplin, 6-8, C; Marcellus Miller, 6-8, C; Anthony Dixon, 6-1,
F; Lawrence Lisby, 6-4, F; Bernard Tyler, 6-1, F.
Oh's comment: "It's a transition year. We're hoping to be competitive."
W.B. SAUL
Coach: Paul Winters, second year. Education: Abington, Delaware. Career:
2-14.
Last year: 2-14, 2-14.
Savvy seven: Thurman Dooley, 6-foot, G; Travis Conner, 6-foot, G; Tyrice
James, 6-1, C; Ameer Fields, 6-1, F; Steve Pownall, 6-1, F; Royce
Weldon, 5-9, G; Preston Jones, 6-foot, G-F.
Winters' comment: "Our MVP is going to be my new assistant, Mike
Waltrich."
WILLIAM BODINE
Coach: Steve Kikendall, second year (also Franklin, 2000). Education:
Liberty (N.Y.), Phila. Bible. Career: 23-17; 8-10 at Bodine.
Last year: 7-9, 8-10.
Savvy seven: Tyree Griffin, 6-foot, G; Greg Brown, 5-8, G; Lamar
Jackson, 5-9, G; Justin Rollins, 6-4, F; Bradley Pointer, 6-4, C; Nick
Mucerino, 6-3, G; Greg Morton, 6-1, F.
Kikendall's comment: "We're not into moral victories. We want to win
this year. The kids are very hungry."
WORLD COMMUNICATIONS CHARTER
Coach: Kahlef Webb, first year. Education: World Communications,
Virginia State. Career: 0-0.
Last year: 2-14, 2-14.
Savvy seven: Basir Crandall, 6-1, G; Devin Devoue, 6-2, F; Tysheen
Younger, 5-9, G; Ishmael Khalid, 6-5, F-C; Tarran Prince, 6-1, G; Peter
Graham, 6-1, F; Maurice Jones, 5-10, G.
Webb's comment: "The next time you think you're perfect, try walking on
water."