TVAA BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW
Reprinted from the Patriot News-Roxanne B. Moses

Roxanne B. Moses TVAA Picks
1. Millersburg.........This year's team of destiny.

2. Newport............Enough weapons to seize the top spot.

3. Greenwood........Will improve as the season goes on.

4. Halifax................Depth and chemistry are big positives.

5. Upper Dauphin...Size, quickness and versatility will keep them in it.

6. Juniata...............Will use chemistry to cook up wins.

7. Line Mountain....Teamwork and unselfishness could spark them.

8. Midd-West........Looking for a big exit.

PLAYERS TO WATCH are in BOLD.

EAST JUNIATA Tigers

Coach: Joe Tusing.

2006-07 record: 12-13 (3-5 Tri-Valley).

The big picture: Three starters return with a lot of scoring punch from the backcourt after last year's foray into the first round of the District 4-AA tournament. The Tigers will be smallish and guard-oriented but hope to keep pace in this year's more wide-open league.

Top returnees: Thad Saner (5-11 sr F, 14.8 ppg.); Justin Nace (5-10 sr G, 40 3-pointers), Clemente Tapia (5-8 sr G), Harris Campbell (5-7 jr G), Tyler Erhart (6-0 so F), Evan Landis (5-10 sr F).

GREENWOOD Wildcats

Coach: Kent Houser.

2006-07 record: 28-2 (16-0 Tri-Valley League champion).

The big picture: Last year's team of destiny suffered two losses; a one-pointer to Scotland in the District 3-A semifinals, and a 16-pointer to Old Forge in the second round of states. Coach Kent Houser will rebuild around Trey Ritzman and hope it all comes together in time for a run.

Top returnees: Trey Ritzman (6-0 sr G, 11.3 ppg.), Chad Bathgate (6-0 sr G), Zack Noll (6-3 sr C), Trent Lesh (5-11 jr F), Ethan Pellman (6-3 jr C), Andy O'Shura (6-0 jr F).

HALIFAX Wildcats

Coach: Pete Conrad.

2006-07 record: 13-12 (9-7 Tri-Valley).

The big picture: After a taste of the playoffs last year, a first-round loss to Trinity in the District 3-AA tournament, the Wildcats return two starters plus enough veterans to provide solid depth. Team chemistry is also strong, which may keep the Wildcats dangerous in the league and return them to the postseason.

Top returnees: Zach Klinger (6-2 sr G), Tyler Bonner (5-11 sr G), Gavin Whitteker (6-1 sr G), Kyle Gurganious (6-3 sr F), Justin Keefer (6-0 jr G), Brandon Ribovich (6-3 jr F), Joe Schwalm (6-2 so G).

JUNIATA Indians

Coach: Scott Clark.

2006-07 record: 7-17 (3-13 Tri-Valley).

The big picture: Coach Scott Clark is hoping to find consistent scoring out of an offense that mustered just 47.3 points per game last season. The three returning starters, the leadership of the "Zacks," plus improved team chemistry should help. The Indians may also get a boost via the foreign exchange student route.

Top returnees: Nathan Pray (5-11 sr G), Zac Bowsman (6-2 sr F), Zach Williams (5-10 sr F), Brad Diffenderfer (5-11 jr G), Caleb Whitesel (6-3 jr C).

LINE MOUNTAIN Eagles

Coach: Lance Adams.

2006-07 record: 3-21 (0-16 Tri-Valley).

The big picture: This team is looking for consistency after being outscored 61.5-41.8 per game last season. Leadership and teamwork have been effective through the preseason along with a strong work ethic. The Eagles will try to transfer all those positives into league wins.

Top returnees: Clark Morris (sr F), Adam Menko (jr G), Chad Levan (jr G), David Wolfe (jr F), Jachin Spotts (jr G), Shane Popewczak (sr F).

MIDD-WEST Mustangs

Coach: Jason Gemberling.

2006-07 record: 7-17 (3-13 Tri-Valley).

The big picture: The Mustangs are determined to make their final season in the TVL a memorable one. They have one starter back and a group that has bought into Gemberling's system but will have to scrap to stay alive.

Top returnees: Trevir Camp (6-6 jr C), Alan Egli (sr G), Jose Andino (sr G), Adam Swope (sr F).

MILLERSBURG Indians

Coach: George Leader.

2006-07 record: 14-12 (9-7 Tri-Valley).

The big picture: This should be the year coach George Leader leads the Indians to the league title and deeper into the Class A playoffs. Five starters return plus size and depth from a team that went as far as the District 3 quarterfinals. The only question seems to be how much of an impact the football playoffs may make on the early part of the schedule.

Top returnees: Brett Derr (6-0 sr G, 14.9 ppg.), Garrett Derr (6-0 sr G, 11.3), Chris Teats (6-2 sr F), Mitch Phillips (6-1 sr F), Jake Haines (5-10 sr G), Ryan Boyer (6-4 sr C).

NEWPORT Buffaloes

Coach: Jack Messenger.

2006-07 record: 14-10 (12-4 Tri-Valley).

The big picture: The Buffaloes are hoping to be in the fray for the division title and, with their height and ability to score, you've got to like their chances. If they can avoid the slow start they had a year ago, they will be a factor in the league and may get past the first round of the District 3-AA tournament.

Top returnees: Jon McHenry (5-8 sr G, 13.3 ppg., 38 3-pointers), Mason Hoover (5-11 jr G, 11.0), Evan Roush (6-7 sr C, 10.7), Ethan Dobyns (6-1 sr G), Ryan Rosenberry (6-1 jr C), Matt Lehman (6-6 jr F), Kyle Isenberg (6-1 jr C).

UPPER DAUPHIN Trojans

Coach: Michael Calnon.

2006-07 record: 20-6 (13-3 Tri-Valley).

The big picture: With only one starter returning and a total of three veterans back, the key will be how well the newcomers mesh. Keep an eye out for the emergence of two foreign exchange students; Jamie Line (6-2 sr G) from Great Britain and Davide Gritti (6-2 sr G) from Italy . If it all comes together, the Trojans could cause trouble.

Top returnees: Matthew Gessner (5-11 sr G, 13.2 ppg., 45 3-pointers), Anson Amour (6-1 jr F), Jarod Koons (6-2 sr F).