Tough matchups come early in Public League play
Don't expect that to change.
The AA classification was already loaded with Prep Charter, Imhotep Charter and Strawberry Mansion. Now, those toughies have been joined by Communications Tech, which has slid backward from AAA after winning the overall Pub title.
Which one is best? The answer could very well be PC, though coach Dan Brinkley lost three underclass starters to transfer (wing guard Parrish Grant even fled to Imhotep). The good thing is, six more key performers are back and one, forward Ferg Myrick, was considered one of the Pub's top five juniors in 2007-08.
CT returns ballhandler Antonio "Gee" Monroe and wing whiz Chris Jones and will be looking to make a statement as early as Thursday, when it visits PC.
Mansion, by the way, already blessed with capable guards and forwards, has added 6-9 transfer Bilal Kelley.
Though it's known for slow starts, Southern will likely emerge as the best squad in AAAA. The chief challenge could come from John Bartram, where point guard Tyrone Garland is likely the league's best player even as a junior.
Class AAA figures to be a two-horse race between Franklin Learning Center (guard Denzel Yard) and Simon Gratz (forward Joe Reid). Guess what? They meet today at Gratz. (Who made this schedule? Someone who dislikes late-season suspense?)
Math, Civics & Sciences figures to frolic in Class A, thanks mostly to swingman Jose Ortiz and guard Zaahir Smith. William Bodine hopes to push, perhaps even with force.
This season, there will be fewer opportunities for advancement into the PIAA state tournament as Catholic League reps also will be vying for spots. There are no Class A CL schools, however.
Seven new schools, listed with their coaches: Mastery Charter North (Ron Brown), Stephen A. Douglas (Joe Gifford), Boys' Latin Charter (Maurice Watson), Future (Don Stockton), Palumbo (Steve Gittleman; yes, the former Abraham Lincoln boss), A. Philip Randolph (Michael Moore) and Science Leadership (Matt Kay).
Randolph and SL played last Thursday. Oops. Beat the PIAA's official starting date by a day. Pub czar Robert Coleman said the game likely will be ruled a double forfeit.
Other new coaches: Joe Laukaitis, Samuel Fels; Orick Smith, Germantown; Ed McGettigan, Abraham Lincoln; William Johnson, Murrell Dobbins Tech; Chris Monahan, Thomas FitzSimons; Tina Wiggins, Horace Furness; Roland Wharton, Gratz; Mike Schieber, William Penn; James "Flame" Lewis, Philadelphia Electrical Charter; Leon Shamsid-Deen, Freire Charter; Pete Canale, Parkway; and Dave Brown, Philadelphia Academy Charter.
Division D opened Friday. The others start getting after it today.
Returning members of the Daily News’ 2007-08 All-Public teams:
THIRD
TEAM
Tyrone
Garland,
Bartram,
G;
Marcus
Brown,
E&S, F.
FOURTH
TEAM
Denzel
Yard,
Franklin
LC, G;
Ferg
Myrick,
Prep
Charter,
F.
FIFTH
TEAM
Jose
Ortiz,
MC&S,
G-F;
Jamil
Brown,
Lamberton,
G.
SIXTH
TEAM
1-Jesse
"Boog"
Morgan,
Olney,
G; Will
Adams,
Imhotep,
G;
Marcus
Holland,
U. City,
G.
HONORABLE
MENTION
Guards:
Luis
Martinez,
Edison;
4-Alex
Gaddy,
Del-Val;
Deshon
"Biggie"
Minnis,
Southern,
jr.;
Chris
Jones,
Comm.
Tech;
Antonio
"Gee"
Monroe,
Comm.
Tech;
Kion
Coats,
FitzSimons;
Dehaven
Brown,
Frankford,
jr.;
Andy
Bousono,
Esperanza;
Zaahir
Smith,
MC&S;
2-Parrish
Grant,
Imhotep;
Lamar
Gary,
Bodine;
Donte
Greene,
Bodine;
LaRon
Byrd,
GAMP;
Darren
Lawrence,
Mansion;
Marcus
Ferrell,
Vaux.
Forwards/Centers:
Joe
Reid,
Gratz;
Antoine
Bland,
Gratz,
jr.;
Jamir
Hanner,
Southern,
jr.;
Henry
"007"
Bond,
Kensington;
Theo
West,
Kensington;
Terrance
Bennett,
Olney;
Tyree
"Chuck"
Harris,
Prep
Charter;
3-Bilal
Kelley,
Mansion.
1-played
last
year at
Prep
Charter.
2-played
last
year at
Prep
Charter.
3-played
last
year at
Bracetti.
4-played last year at King.
Public League team thumbnails
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Coach: Ed McGettigan, 1st year. Education: Judge, Saint Joseph's. Career: 0-0.
Last year: 10-5, 18-8.
Savvy seven: Maurice Robinson, 6-1, G; Jamar Winn, 6-6, F-C; Teshon Wilson, 5-10, G; Rasaan "Slippers" Hanner, 6-1, F; Anthony Britt, 6-4, C; Rickey Savage, 5-10, G; Karl Shanks, 6-1, F.
McGettigan's comment: "Happy with effort and attitude toward defense/rebounding. We could have some fun."
CENTRAL
Coach: Haviland Harper, 11th year (also Parkway, 1982-98). Education: Central, George Washington. Career: 303-310; 138-111.
Last year: 8-7, 10-15.
Savvy seven: Malcolm Albright, 6-foot, G; Kamell Alston, 5-7, G; Mark Sanders, 6-1, F; Philip Singleton, 6-1, F; Brandon Smith, 6-5, F; Adib Welles, 5-11, F; Joshua Welles, 6-foot, G.
Harper's comment: "We'll be as good as our juniors learn how to play."
FRANKFORD
Coach: Ben Dubin, 4th year (also Fels, 2001-02). Education: Washington, Delaware. Career: 70-46; at Frankford 57-22.
Last year: 14-1, 22-6.
Savvy seven: Harold Hicks, 5-9, G; Jerline Harris, 5-9, G; Terrell Clark, 6-2, G; Dehaven Brown, 6-2, G; Darryl Poole, 6-3, F; Carl Wallace, 6-3, F; Steffon Poole, 6-3, F.
Dubin's comment: "If we focus on team defense and rebounding, we have the talent to be successful."
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Coach: Calvin Jones, 23rd year. Education: Edison, Delaware State. Career: 186-272.
Last year: 7-8, 9-11.
Savvy seven: Donte Williams, 6-3, G; Dom Conner, 6-5, F-C; Taris Dillard-Ford, 6-2, G-F; Lamar Simmons, 6-foot, G; Tim Kowalko, 6-7, C; Lamar Greene, 5-9, G; Kyle Arroyo, 6-foot, G.
Jones' comment: "Should be in middle of pack. I like our size."
GERMANTOWN
Coach: Orick Smith, 1st year. Education: Truman, Arcadia. Career: 0-0.
Last year: 5-10, 7-13.
Savvy seven: Ramadan Abdullah, 6-2, F; O'Shane Black, 6-3, F; Edward Callender, 6-4, C; Shawn Green, 6-2, G; Jeffery Johnson, 5-9, G; Darryl Langerston, 6-3, F; Steven Randall, 6-1, G.
Smith's comment: "Hard work and team unity bring about success."
JOHN BARTRAM
Coach: James Brown, 3rd year (also Philadelphia Regional, 1995, '98-99; West Philadelphia, '96-97). Education: Overbrook, West Chester. Career: 68-69; 36-16 at Bartram.
Last year: 14-1, 21-7.
Savvy seven: Tyrone Garland, 6-1, G; Danny Walker, 6-5, F; Quodrice Walker, 6-5, F; Solomon Davis, 6-2, G; Rhydeem Samedi, 6-3, F; Brandon White, 6-foot, G; Darryl Lane, 6-4, F.
Brown's comment: "Young, untested group with a good leader (Garland). Will be fun watching them grow."
KENSINGTON
Coach: Joe Egenolf, 10th year (appointed coach for final two games of '00). Education: Central, Lynchburg (Va.). Career: 44-119.
Last year: 2-13, 7-15.
Savvy seven: Theo West, 6-4, F; Henry Bond, 6-3, F; Nigel Caldwell, 5-10, G; Ali Williams, 6-4, F; Victor Wardrope, 6-2, G; Kyle Richardson, 6-4, F; James Sanchez, 6-1, G.
Egenolf's comment: "Our seniors must step up and lead by example."
MARTIN LUTHER KING
Coach: Mike George, 2nd year; Education: Poolesville (Md.), Salisbury State. Career: 9-8.
Last year: 7-8, 9-8.
Savvy seven: Tareek Massey, 6-foot, F; Thomas Moore, 5-9, G; Mike Wilson, 6-foot, G; Willie Precia-Ketter, 5-10, G; William Grant, 6-7, C; Sean Rogers, 6-1, G; Kevin James, 5-7, G.
George's comment: "We have a lot of talent. Just need to become a TEAM."
NORTHEAST
Coach: Elsa Cohen, 4th year (also Northeast, 1994-2003). Education: Northeast, Murray State (Ky.). Career: 121-135.
Last year: 7-8, 9-12.
Savvy seven: Lionel Berdecia, 6-foot, F; Damion Campbell, 6-foot, F; Devin Colston, 5-10, G; Brandon Hurst, 6-5, C; Marques Nicholson, 6-foot, G; Dan Patriarca, 5-9, G; Steven Pinckney, 6-2, F.
Cohen's comment: "Hard work + teamwork = success."
OLNEY
Coach: Jeff McKenna, 3rd year (also Olney, 2005). Education: North Penn, Kutztown. Career: 15-43.
Last year: 6-9, 10-12.
Savvy seven: Terrance Bennett, 6-5, F; Tito Burgos, 6-1, G; Khailief "Kizzy" Coates, 5-9, G; Danny Hinton, 6-2, F; Ray Jaggon, 6-3, F; Jesse "Boog" Morgan, 6-5, G; Kadeem Patterson, 6-2, G.
McKenna's comment: "Twelve solid players. If we play as unit, we can build on last year's success."
OVERBROOK
Coach: Freddie Stokes, 2nd year; Education: West Philadelphia, Barber-Scotia. Career: 8-16.
Last year: 7-8, 8-16.
Savvy seven: Najee Underwood, 6-1, G; Raheem Nelson, 6-2, G; Warren Dogan, 5-11, G; Cashad McFadden, 6-4, G-F; Hineef Miller, 6-4, F; Giba Goba, 6-5, C; Marquise Freeman, 5-11, G.
Stokes' comment: "We're young, but exciting."
SAMUEL FELS
Coach: Joe Laukaitis, 1st year. Education: North Catholic, Temple. Career: 0-0.
Last year: 2-13, 3-17.
Savvy seven: Donovan McIntosh, 5-6, G; Shannon Givens, 5-10, G; Malik Jackson, 6-foor, G; Devon Perrin, 6-foot, F; Jaashawn Jones, 6-7, C; Anthony Rios, 6-foot, G-F; Vincent Roberts, 6-4, C.
Laukaitis' comment: "If we all trust each other, from the coach to the last man, we should be competitive in every game."
SOUTHERN
Coach: George Anderson, 16th year. Education: Evander Childs (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Florida A & M. Career: 214-153.
Last year: 13-2, 23-7.
Savvy seven: Deshon "Biggie" Minnis, 6-2, G; Shaquille Gaskins, 6-1, F; Shaquil Taylor, 6-foot, G; Nasir Johnson, 6-5, F; Lamar Speller, 6-3, F; Jamir Hanner, 6-6, C; Haywood Henderson, 5-9, G.
Anderson's comment: "Older and wiser, but not as deep."
THOMAS EDISON
Coach: Kevin Reilly, 10th year. Education: Judge, West Chester. Career: 79-91.
Last year: 8-7, 9-8.
Savvy seven: Luis Martinez, 5-10, G; Ernesto Sanchez, 6-3, 190; Eduardo Rivera, 5-10, F; Omar English, 5-11, C; Anthony Colon, 5-8, F; Akeem Chisholm, 5-9, G; Rodney Davis, 5-9, G.
Reilly's comment: "Play smart and hustle."
UNIVERSITY CITY
Coach: Lou Williams, 5th year. Education: Franklin, Fisk (Tenn.). Career: 43-58.
Last year: 6-9, 6-18.
Savvy seven: Michael Clemmons, 6-3, F; Kevn Garris, 6-2, G; Nashawn Gray, 6-3, F; Marcus Holland, 6-2, G; Martez Lyles, 5-11, G; Khalil McGill, 6-foot, G; Raymond Nesbitt, 6-2, G.
Williams' comment: "We're still making cuts."
DIVISION B
ALVIN SWENSON
Coach: Pat Durkin, 4th year. Education: La Salle, Penn State. Career: 12-51.
Last year: 1-14, 4-19.
Savvy seven: Anatoly Duhkin, 6-1, G; Shawn Bradley, 6-4, F-C; Jurras Jackson, 5-6, G; Mike Rieser, 6-3, F; Kervyn Haynes, 5-9, G; Kwantel Adams, 6-3, F-C; Markiem Jenkins, 5-8, G.
Durkin's comment: "If we defend, rebound and score more points than the other teams, we should win some games."
EDWARD BOK TECH
Coach: Lloyd Jenkins, 9th year. Education: Bok, North Carolina A & T. Career: 78-89.
Last year: 8-7, 17-9.
Savvy seven: Tremell Green, 6-2, F; Hassan Jones, 5-9, G; Brahkim Poole, 6-foot, G; Anthony Scott, 6-foot, G; Joshua Garnett, 6-2, F; Jihad Ward, 6-3, F; Willie Norton, 6-6, F.
Jenkins' comment: "Our seniors have to assume a whole lot of responsibility."
ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
Coach: C.M. Brown, 28th year. Education: Central, West Chester. Career: 323-247.
Last year: 10-5, 13-9.
Savvy seven: Marcus Brown, 6-4, F; Isaiah Carson, 5-8, G; Ryan Douglas, 6-4, F; Andre Howard, 6-6, C; Mark Houston, 6-5, F; Will Preyer, 6-foot, G; Zachary Spence, 5-8, G.
Brown's comment: "Little early to get a feel. I do know these kids are all good people."
FRANKLIN LEARNING CENTER
Coach: Will Wright, 2nd season (took over with 11 games remaining in '08 season). Education: Engineering and Science, Hampton (Va.). Career: 6-5.
Last year: 11-4, 16-6.
Savvy seven: Denzel Yard, 5-11, G; Nasir Jones, 6-4, F; Jerrod Johnson, 6-3, F; Karl Riley, 6-3, G-F; Turhan Griffin, 5-11, G; Basir Fulmore, 6-foot, F; Marquis Purnell-Childs, 6-foot, G-F.
Wright's comment: "We'll be as good as Denzel's and other seniors' leadership. Sky's the limit of we believe and focus."
FRANKLIN TOWNE CHARTER
Coach: Josh Rorer, 5th year. Education: Judge, Temple. Career: 9-66.
Last year: 0-15, 2-18.
Savvy seven: Scott Davis, 5-7, G; Jared Schwarz, 6-2, G-F; Bryan Clark, 6-1, G-F; David Vaughan, 6-foot, F-C; Randy Emerson, 6-1, F; Matt Lyons, 5-9, G; Ray Boyd, 6-foot, F-C
Rorer's comment: "Our goal is to try to get better every day."
HORACE FURNESS
Coach: Tina Wiggins, 1st year. Education: Bartram, East Stroudsburg. Career: 0-0.
Last year: 3-12, 4-16.
Savvy seven: Blair Chesterfield, 6-4, C; Mike Dickinson, 6-4, F-C; Andrew Bailey, 6-2, F; Vince Bullock, 5-5, G; Phillip Hurtt, 6-foot, F; John Johnson, 5-7, G; De Lin, 6-foot, F.
Wiggins' comment: "We're looking at the season in a positive way."
JULES MASTBAUM TECH
Coach: Jim Taylor, 7th year. Education: Central, Penn State. Career: 58-82.
Last year: 1-14, 3-21.
Savvy seven: David Garcia, 6-4, C; Josh Mendez, 5-11, G; Eric Freeman, 5-10, G; Ricky Harvey, 6-1, F; Dmere Norwood, 6-foot, F; Donny Gilbert, 6-1, G; George Carter, 6-2, F.
Taylor's comment: "Young and inexperienced. We expect to improve all year."
MASTERY CHARTER SOUTH
Coach: Isa Clark, 2nd year; Education: George School, Lincoln. Career: 4-13.
Last year: 2-8, 4-13.
Savvy seven: Wanyae Hartsfield, 5-8, G; Malcolm Lyles, 5-10, G; Anthony Thompson, 6-foot, G-F; Ronnie Gambrell, 5-9, F; Jaleel Khabeer, 6-2, F; Khalil Newsome, 5-5, G; Eddie Edgerton, 5-11, G-F.
Clark's comment: "Although undersized, we hope to make up for it with speed and aggressive defense."
MURRELL DOBBINS TECH
Coach: William Johnson, 1st year. Education: Pemberton (N.J.), Rowan (N.J.). Career: 0-0
Last year: 7-8, 10-10.
Savvy seven: Jerrell Wright, 6-6, F-C; Fred Jones, 6-2, G-F; Shakur Blackwell, 6-1, G-F; Ermon McMillan, 5-6, G; Rashawn Cox, 6-4, F-C; Philip Pringle, 6-6, F-C; Aaron Jackson, 5-7, G.
Johnson's comment: "Young team that will compete. We'll work hard and get better every day."
PHILA. ELECTRICAL CHARTER
Coach: James "Flame" Lewis, 1st year. Education: Roman, Temple. Career: 0-0.
Last year: 8-7, 15-9.
Savvy seven: Kyheim Jackson, 5-8, G; Vance Rhone, 6-foot, G; Chris Green, 6-2, G; Jabreil McLeod, 6-3, G; Kion Stokes, 6-3, F; Anthony Fuscellaro, 6-6, F-C; Anthony Williams, 6-7, F-C.
Lewis' comment: "We'll go as far as defense and rebounding take us."
ROXBOROUGH
Coach: Terrell Burnett, 10th year. Education: Warrenton (Ga.), Temple. Career: 96-94.
Last year: 11-4, 17-8.
Savvy seven: Gabriel Thomas, 5-7, G; Terrell Allen, 5-8, G; Jared James, 6-1, F; David Melton, 6-2, F; Justin Bailey, 5-8, G; Marque Griffin, 5-8, G; Kalik Stanley, 6-1, F.
Burnett's comment: "May have won too many games last year. Should have saved some for this year."
SIMON GRATZ
Coach: Roland Wharton, 1st year. Education: State College, Penn State. Career: 0-0.
Last year: 14-1, 19-8.
Savvy seven: Joe Reid, 6-6, F-C; Antoine Bland, 6-4, F; Tyree Smith, 6-5, G-F; Andrew Moye, 6-1, G; Isaiah Cupit, 6-foot, G; Bruce Harper, 6-1, G; Davon Gaskins, 6-4, F.
Wharton's comment: "Even with our young backcourt, we're expecting to make a legitimate run for our division."
THOMAS FITZSIMONS
Coach: Chris Monahan, 1st year. Education: Wood, Lehigh. Career: 0-0.
Last year: 8-7, 8-10.
Savvy seven: Jaleel Bond, 6-1, G; Kion Coats, 5-10, G; Chuck Collins, 6-2, F; Chris Dowdy, 5-8, G; Tyrell Johnson, 6-4, C; Andrew Reed, 5-10, G; Robert Scott, 6-5, C.
Monahan's comment: "Not sure how well we'll execute. Quite sure we'll play hard - very, very hard."
WEST PHILADELPHIA
Coach: Frank Steed, 2nd year; Education: University City, Kutztown. Career: 1-16.
Last year: 1-14, 1-16.
Savvy seven: Malcolm Flowers, 5-6, G; Tevin Bennett, 5-6, G; Lemiere Mitchell, 5-11, F; Keith West, 6-foot, F; Antwine Buck, 6-foot, F; Issa Muhammad, 6-2, F-C; Brandon Taylor, 6-foot, F.
Steed's comment: "We have a few ballplayers who can make us competitive."
WILLIAM PENN
Coach: Mike Schieber, 1st year. Education: Northeast, Temple. Career: 0-0.
Last year: 10-5, 10-11.
Savvy seven: Braheim Dixon, 6-3, F; Emmanuel Pittman, 6-2, G; Lawrence Inman, 5-10, G; Mark Blount, 6-4, F; John Adams, 6-9, C; Mike Grey, 5-9, G; Gillis Bolden, 6-3, F.
Schieber's comment: "Might be a rough start. Later, we'll be competitive and get to playoffs."
DIVISION C
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Coach: Larry Gainey, 8th year (also Parkway, 1999-2000); Education: Bartram, Delaware State. Career: 125-85; 112-66 at Franklin.
Last year: 13-2, 19-5.
Savvy seven: Melvin Dixon, 6-1, G-F; Kenny Bey-Brown, 5-11, G; Shawn Penn, 6-foot, G-F; Cardell Hellams, 6-5, F-C; Donnell "BooBoo" Jones, 6-3, F-C; Jeffery Giddings, 5-9, G; Darian Walker, 5-11, G-F.
Gainey's comment: "We're short, but fast."
COMMUNICATIONS TECH
Coach: Lou Biester, 4th year (also Bartram, 1990, last nine games of season; Bartram, 2000-05). Education: Bonner, Christian Brothers University (Tenn.). Career: 199-52; 75-15 at CT.
Last year: 14-1, 28-4.
Savvy seven: Antonio "Gee" Monroe, 6-foot, G; Chris Jones, 6-1, G; Shaquille Shannon, 6-1, G; Raheem Roher, 5-11, G; Virgil Pearson, 6-2, G-F; Hendrix Emu, 6-5, F; Sherman Blanford, 6-4, F.
Biester's comment: "We WILL be competitive."
DELAWARE VALLEY CHARTER
Coach: Tye Taylor, 2nd year (also American Christian, 2001-03); Education: Wilmington (Del.), Texas A&M. Career: 54-33; 10-14 at Del-Val.
Last year: 7-3, 10-14.
Savvy seven: Dain "DJ" Suber, 5-9, G; Khalil Meadows, 5-10, G; Christian McNeely, 6-1, G; Rasheen Dorn, 6-2, F; Jeremiah Mitchell, 6-2, F; Fred Ruff, 6-6, C; Kevin Mack, 6-2, G-F.
Taylor's comment: "With everyone on the same page, we should go pretty far."
ESPERANZA CHARTER
Coach: Terrance Hudson, 4th year. Education: Overbrook, Delaware State. Career: 8-39.
Last year: 0-9, 6-14.
Savvy seven: Andy Bousono, 5-3, G; Zakee Moody, 5-5, G; Elias Martinez, 6-foot, F; Brandon Abner, 6-2, F; David Martinez, 6-foot, F; Da'Quan Ballenger, 6-2, F; Parrish Baldwin, 6-4, C.
Hudson's comment: "Strong post game and shooting guard. Still lots of work to be done."
FREIRE CHARTER
Coach: Leon Shamsid-Deen, 1st year. Education: Dobbins, Penn. Career: 0-0.
Last year: 8-2, 16-7.
Savvy seven: Octavious Booker, 6-6, F; Earl Brown, 6-7, F-C; Abraham Bah, 6-5, F; Shykee Brooks, 5-10, G; Jabril Thomas, 6-2, G; Ameen Rorie, 6-1, G-F; Tyriq Riddick, 6-foot, G.
Shamsid-Deen's comment: "It'll be hard moving up to Class AA, but we hope to piggy-back off last year's success."
HOPE CHARTER
Coach: Gary Hines, 5th year. Education: King, Johnson C. Smith (N.C.). Career: 50-31.
Last year: 5-5, 11-8.
Savvy seven: Steven Holland, 6-4, F-C; Kenya Jamison, 6-6, C; Anthony Betts, 6-3, F; Anthony Lewis, 6-3, G; Justin McCoy, 5-11, G; Emanuel Caldwell, 6-foot, G; Kyree Robinson, 6-4, F.
Hines' comment: "My student-athletes have worked hard on and off the court. Ready to produce both places this season."
IMHOTEP CHARTER
Coach: Andre Noble, 5th year. Education: Boston Latin (Mass.), Lincoln. Career: 77-28.
Last year: 10-0, 27-4.
Savvy seven: Parrish Grant, 6-2, G; Will Adams, 6-4, G; Sam Prescott, 6-3, G; Ivory Wells, 6-4, F; Kenny Battle, 6-2, G; Erik Copes, 6-8, C; David Appolon, 6-3, G.
Noble's comment: "Much potential. Just have to work hard daily."
MARIANA BRACETTI CHARTER
Coach: Kyle Epps, 4th year (2nd in PL); Education: Scotch Plains (N.J.), Lincoln. Career: 33-20, 16-7 in PL.
Last year: 9-1, 16-7.
Savvy seven: John Leftwich, 6-foot, G; Rasheed Spencer, 6-4, F; Curt Thomas, 6-3, F; Jesus Castro, 6-foot, G; Jamal Gregory, 6-foot, G; Darrell Ockimey, 6-1, G; Andrew Saunders, 6-3, F.
Epps' comment: "Hard work pays off."
PARKWAY
Coach: Pete Canale, 1st year. Education: Radnor, West Chester. Career: 0-0.
Last year: 6-4, 9-13.
Savvy seven: Terrell McClure, 6-4, F-C; Michael St. John, 6-2, G-F; Kyle McNair, 6-3, F; Corey Blake, 6-foot, G; Mike Bighum, 5-11, G; Mamador Diakite, 6-4, F-C; Nadir Stokes, 5-10, G.
Canale's comment: "Though small and inexperienced, we have the potential to compete and get better."
PREP CHARTER
Coach: Dan Brinkley, 5th year. Education: Dobbins, Lincoln. Career: 94-22.
Last year: 9-1, 17-7.
Savvy seven: Ferg Myrick, 6-6, F; Tyree "Chuck" Harris, 6-8, F; Ameen Tanksley, 6-5, G; Shaquille Duncan, 6-9, C; Zaahid Holloman, 6-2, G; Kyle Stanton-Overton, 6-3, F; Matt Hankerson, 6-3, F.
Brinkley's comment: "The humble pie we ate last year wasn't very tasty. This year we should be back to eating pretzels!"
ROBERT LAMBERTON
Coach: Sam Jacobs, 3rd year (also Philadelphia Regional, 1996; Overbrook, 2003-06). Education: Roosevelt (Brooklyn, N.Y.), East Stroudsburg. Career: 49-81, 7-22 at Lamberton.
Last year: 3-7, 4-10.
Savvy seven: Jabril Brown, 6-foot, G; John Allen, 5-10, G; Shevin Comer, 6-2, F-C; Jean-Pierre Forte, 5-9, G; Dana Taylor, 6-5, C; Carlos Terry, 6-2, F; Kirk Wright, 6-foot, G.
Jacobs' comment: "It's a year in transition."
ROBERT VAUX
Coach: Vic Otarola, 2nd year; Education: Newton (Queens, N.Y.), Hunter (N.Y.). Career: 10-7.
Last year: 7-3, 10-7.
Savvy seven:Zafir Williams, 6-foot, G; Marcus Ferrell, 6-foot, G; Lance Frederick, 6-2, F; Adam Butler, 6-2, F; Josh Mitchell, 6-4, C; Jeremy Henderson, 6-foot, F; Jahson Carrington, 6-foot, F.
Otarola's comment: "A lot of new faces. Hoping for veteran leadership to show them the way."
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS
Coach: Joe Gifford, 1st year. Education: W. Catholic, Temple. Career: 0-0.
Last year: not in league.
Savvy seven: Eric Jackson, 5-9, G; Will Petroski, 5-9, G; Dan Neisser, 6-2, F; Shawn Baldwin, 6-2, F; Alfred Beauchamp, 6-foot, F; John Gordon, 5-10, G; Shahiyd Bullock, 5-7, G.
Gifford's comment: "We'll have some growing pains, but expect to be competitive as time goes on."
STRAWBERRY MANSION
Coach: Gerald Hendricks, 27th year. Education: Gratz, Savannah State (Ga.). Career: 379-220.
Last year: 10-0, 23-6.
Savvy seven: Darren Lawrence, 6-1, G; Marcus Grimes, 5-11, G; Lawrence Elliott, 6-4, F; Marcus "Worm" Johnson, 6-1, G-F; Devin Williams, 5-10, G; Tarique Wilson, 6-3, F; Bilal Kelley, 6-9, C.
Hendricks' comment: "I hope this season will be as good or better than last year."
WILLIAM SAYRE
Coach: Eric Hooks, 2nd year. Education: Central, Temple. Career: 5-15.
Last year: 4-11, 5-15.
Savvy seven: Ramair "Juice" Garner, 6-foot, G; Donte Goodman, 5-11, G; Marquis Henson, 6-2, F; Deione "Dex" Lathem, 6-6, F; Shawn Washington, 6-6, F-C; Nikoli Norman, 6-6, F-C; Joe Reavis, 6-2, F.
Hooks' comment: "With two-thirds of our players being seniors, we're hoping to do better."
DIVISION D
A. PHILIP RANDOLPH
Coach: Michael Moore, 1st year. Education: Dobbins, Temple (current student). Career: 0-0.
Last year: not in league.
Savvy seven: Amir Stringfield, 5-9, G; Darryl "Jeezy" Clark, 6-foot, C; Brian Sheed, 5-10, F; Brandon Briggs, 5-8, G; Darnell Douglas, 5-10, F; Marcus Hanton, 6-3, F-C; Samir Hill, 5-7, G.
Moore's comment: "Our goal is to build a solid foundation . . . The Raptors are ready to strut their stuff."
BOYS' LATIN
Coach: Maurice Watson, 1st year. Education: West Phila. Career: 0-0.
Last year: not in league.
Savvy seven: Maurice Watson Jr., 5-9, G; Wafeeq Jamal, 5-8, G; Therence Brown, 5-8, G; Javon Warren, 5-9, G; Carlos Taylor, 6-2, F; Zachariyah Ruffin, 6-5, F; Kwalil Coleman-Jones, 6-3, F.
Watson's comment: "We just want to play ball. The games will tell the story."
CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS
Coach: John Dunphy, 4th year. Education: West Catholic, Temple. Career: 2-45.
Last year: 0-10, 1-14.
Savvy seven: Matt Powers, 6-1, G; Nick Emanuel, 5-10, G; Dubbiel Sowell, 6-foot, F; Melvin Blake, 5-10, G; Jony Rondon, 6-foot, F; Trent Tolbert, 5-10, G; Don Hunt, 6-2, F.
Dunphy's comment: "We're young and ready for a challenge."
FUTURE
Coach: Don Stockton, 1st year. Education: Dougherty, Gannon. Career: 0-0.
Last year: not in league.
Savvy seven: Teron Brown, 6-1, G-F; Harrison Johnson, 6-4, F; Aaron Yates, 5-8, G; Isaiah Pierce, 6-foot, G; Saadiq Berry, 6-2, G; David Rogers, 6-4, C; Elijah Bradley, 6-5, F-C.
Stockton's comment: "Let's kick the tires and start the fires. We're prepared, but are we ready?"
GIRARD ACADEMIC MUSIC PROGRAM
Coach: Art Kratchman, 22nd year (19th in PL). Education: Central, Temple. Career: 111-362; 97-340 in PL.
Last year: 3-7, 8-16.
Savvy seven: LaRon Byrd, 6-foot, G; Larry Lambert, 5-4, G; Carl Guignard, 6-1, F; Ron Malandro, 5-10, G; Jamal Jenkins, 6-foot, F; Clayton Graves, 5-8, G; Robert Jenkins, 6-3, C.
Kratchman's comment: "Although we do have one of the league's top players [Byrd], three of our Top 7 are hurt, so we'll see."
JULIA MASTERMAN
Coach: John Gannon, 18th year (16th in PL). Education: Neumann, Penn State. Career: 148-168 (not in PL in '94; 3-3 record).
Last year: 4-6, 7-13.
Savvy seven: Germel Ford, 6-2, F; Jordan Gifford, 5-10, G; Bryan Stevenson, 6-foot, G; Sam Jung, 5-10, G; Keenan Marshall, 5-11, G; Luis Padilla, 5-11, G; John Carney, 6-4, C.
Gannon's comment: "Senior-driven team. We'll go as far as they take us."
MASTERY CHARTER NORTH
Coach: Ron Brown, 1st year. Education: Mastbaum, Delaware State. Career: 0-0.
Last year: not in league.
Savvy seven: Khalik Long, 6-1, G-F; William Wingate, 6-1, G-F; Mark Dawson, 6-4, C; Aaron Johnson, 5-9, G; David Wright, 6-foot, G-F; Darren Johnson, 5-9, G; Rahfik Slaughter, 5-11, G-F.
Brown's comment: "We are a young team that is learning to play the game."
MATH, CIVICS & SCIENCES CHARTER
Coach: Danny Jackson, 3rd year. Education: MC&S, Saint Joseph's. Career: 31-24.
Last year: 6-4, 19-11.
Savvy seven: Jose Ortiz, 6-3, G; Zaahir Smith, 6-1, G; Ramone Williams, 5-11, G; Jeffrey Lord, 6-7, F; Andre Thomas, 6-6, F; Khalif Deane, 5-11, G; Tahir Royster, 6-foot, G.
Jackson's comment: "Looking to finish what we started . . . "
NEW MEDIA CHARTER
Coach: Al Greene, 2nd year. Education: Milton Hershey, Pitt. Career: 5-12.
Last year: 3-7, 5-12.
Savvy seven: Shawon Tennessee, 5-8, G; Isiah Clark, 5-11, G; Bryton Hawthorne, 6-2, G; Harold Gordon, 6-4, F; Greg Bush, 6-7, C; Rich Matthews, 6-2, F; Melvin Brown, 6-2, F.
Greene's comment: "Very inexperienced, but I like our athleticism. Will finish stronger than we start."
PALUMBO
Coach: Steve Gittleman, 1st year (also Akiba Hebrew, 1983-90; Lincoln 1995-2008). Education: Olney, Southern Mississippi. Career: Unavailable; 146-154 at Lincoln.
Last year: not in league.
Savvy seven: Vincent Christopher, 5-11, G; Maurice Harris, 5-11, F; Von Howard, 5-7, G; Tyreek Rockmore, 5-10, G; Mike Sawan, 6-foot, G; Devin Uqdah, 6-4, C; Michael Pittman, 5-7, G.
Gittleman's comment: "Very young and inexperienced. Patience will determine how far we go."
PHILA. ACADEMY CHARTER
Coach: David Brown, 1st year. Education: Gov. Mifflin (Pa.), East Stroudsburg. Career: 0-0.
Last year: 0-10, 1-14.
Savvy seven: Robert Baughman, 6-1, F; Allan Dempster, 6-6, C; Devon Shorter, 5-9, G; Jerome Maynard, 6-2, G-F; Vince Markey, 6-1, G-F; Eric Ortiz, 5-6, G; Kesley Parker, 6-3, F.
Brown's comment: "Young team. Looking to build through tough defense and strong rebounding."
PAUL ROBESON
Coach: Rob Powlen, 4th year; Education: Crefield, Philadelphia Textile. Career: 29-39.
Last year: 6-4, 12-10.
Savvy seven: Dom Owens, 6-2, F; Jay Harris, 5-8, G; Xavier Brown, 5-10, G; Jamair Williams, 5-9, G; Marquise Richards, 5-10, G; Halim Lindsey, 6-foot, G; Marquis Pollard, 6-4, C.
Powlen's comment: "Happy about dedication, guards, report cards. Concerned about lack of height."
SCIENCE LEADERSHIP
Coach: Matt Kay, 1st year. Education: Saul, West Chester. Career: 0-0.
Last year: not in league.
Savvy seven: Naadir Ginyard, 5-10, G; Deron Joe, 5-9, G; Kenney Paul, 6-1, F; Mustafa Idriss, 6-2, F; Jefferson Cauvin, 6-2, F; Jordan Young, 5-8, G; Tajh Jenkins, 5-8, G.
Kay's comment: "The Rockets look to establish a winning tradition in their first varsity season."
W.B. SAUL
Coach: Paul Winters, 5th year. Education: Abington, Delaware. Career: 14-56.
Last year: 1-9, 5-14.
Savvy seven: Greg Becker, 5-9, G; Keith Brown, 5-8, G; Dom Randall, 6-foot, F; DeAndre Rhett, 5-9, G; Tyrell Smith, 5-5, G; Jamar Smith, 6-4, C; James Whitaker, 5-10, G.
Winters' comment: "The Razorbacks will go hog wild this year."
WILLIAM BODINE
Coach: Steve Kikendall, 5th year (also Franklin, 2000). Education: Liberty (N.Y.), Philadelphia Bible. Career: 59-54; 44-47 at Bodine.
Last year: 6-4, 13-13.
Savvy seven: Pendarvis Williams, 6-5, G; Anthony McQueen, 5-7, G; Eric Raleigh, 6-8, F-C; Nick Neal, 6-foot, G; Lamar Gary, 6-3, G-F; Tarran Prince, 6-3, G-F; Donte Green, 5-10, G.
Kikendall's comment: "Experienced seniors with a talented group of underclassmen. High expectations."
WORLD COMMUNICATIONS CHARTER
Coach: Kenyatta McKinney, 2nd year. Education: Gratz, Temple. Career: 7-13.
Last year: 4-6, 7-13.
Savvy seven: Markeith Mont, 6-4, G-F; Evan Herbert, 5-8, G; Damon Reid, 6-1, G; Cornell Samuels, 6-1, G; Keenan Alston, 6-5, F; Isiah Gilliam, 6-5, F; Shon Phillips, 6-1, G.
McKinney's comment: "Potential means nothing without hard work."