JOHNSTOWN — Berlin Brothersvalley

District-Class: 5-A.

Coach: Tanner Prosser, seventh season.

Last season: 16-7 overall, 10-2 WestPAC-South.

Returning letterwinners: 6.

Coach’s outlook: “We are expecting strong senior leadership and looking forward to working hard and getting better each day,” Prosser said.

Roster: Seniors–Blake Baraniak, G/F; Dakota Glessner, F; Dalton Magruder, G; Chris Payne, G; Jacob Thomas, G; T.J. Watkins, G.

Juniors-Kyle Cooney, G; Ryan Lynch, F; Gavin Stockwell, F; Alex Will, F.

Sophomores-Luke Bonus, F; Levi Bowser, F; Drew Glotfelty, G.

Freshmen–Zac Cooney, G; Pedro Clarke, F; Andrew Deeter, G; Steve Lotinsky, G/F; Jacob Snyder, G/F; Luke Sprowles, F; Seth Rubright, G/F.

Bishop Carroll

District-Class: 6-A.

Coach: Cosie Aliquo, fourth season.

Last season: 7-15 overall, 5-11 Laurel Highlands.

Returning letterwinners: 9.

Coach’s outlook: “(This is a) very hard-working group with a lot of leadership,” Aliquo said. “(We) worked hard during the summer. Hope we can be competitive on every night we play.”

Roster: Seniors–Jeff Kline, C; Nick Lassak, G/F; Dylan Link, G; Marc Maruca, G; Curt Panick, G/F; Vinnie Tranquillo, F; Danny Weinzierl, F; Ryan Woo, G.

Juniors-Jerry Dietrich, F/G; Michael Kreshalk, G; Jarod Krug, G; Ryan Lauer, G; Nick Maruca, G; Ian Tarachko, G/F.

Sophomores-Patrick Corcoran, G; Connor Dumm, C; Zhi Lin, G; Connor Semelsberger, C.

Freshmen–Marcus Lee, C; Mitchell Madonna, G; David Maruca, PG; Josh Muffie, PG.

Bishop McCort

District-Class: 6-AA.

Coach: Patrick Hollern, 10th season, seventh at Bishop McCort.

Last season: 13-8 overall, 11-5 Laurel Highlands.

Returning letterwinners: 6.

Coach’s outlook: “We return our top three scorers from last year’s team,” Hollern said. “As long as our guys remain coachable and bring a willingness to get better every day, we will be in a great position by the end of the season.”

Roster: Seniors–Travis Antolik, F; Mason del Rosario, G; Shane Downey, G; Anthony LaRue, G; Matt McMillen, G; Patrick O’Reilly, G.

Juniors-Devon Kinter, F; Christian Leech, G; Zach Rugg, F; Jordan Salvia, F; Zach Varga, G; Jerqual Wilson, G.

Sophomores-Gap Barbin, F; Keith Fletcher, F; Connor Howard, G; Sean Ingram, G; Jordan Spangler, G; Zaine Tomkowski, F.

Freshmen–Billy Hipp, G; Nemo Trexler, F.

Blacklick Valley

District-Class: 6-A.

Coach: Garry Wurm, fifth season.

Last season: 7-15 overall, 1-11 WestPAC-North.

Returning letterwinners: 7.

Coach’s outlook: “We have a very athletic team that gained a great deal of varsity experience last season,” Wurm said. “With seven returning lettermen and several players who worked hard over the summer, we are looking forward to a solid season.”

Roster: Seniors–Austin Crowe; Jonathan Divido; Brandon Garver; Ryan Friedman; Victor Manda; Michael Stefanick; Lucas Sullivan.

Juniors-Justin Fenchak; John Gaydos; Justin Hoffman; Caleb Palko; Kyle Silko.

Sophomores-Dalton Cesarz; Shawn Jones; Kiernan Keating; Justin Paul; Johnny Sheesley; Matty Worthington.

Cambria County Christian

District-Class: N/A.

Coach: Brian Maykovich, second season.

Last season: 9-9 overall, 8-4 ACAA.

Returning letterwinners: 8.

Coach’s outlook: “This year’s squad returns four starters as well as multiple letterwinners who’ve seen valuable court time,” Maykovich said. “We look to use depth and quickness to our advantage in contending for an ACAA championship.”

Roster: Seniors–Jared Gary, C; Bobby Harrington, C/F.

Juniors-Tyler Berkebile, F/G; Tim Deyarmin, F; Drew Litzinger, F; Ty Maykovich, G; Josh Paros, F; Josiah Perry, G.

Sophomores-Alan Harris, F; Ty Gary, G; Dom Williams, G.

Freshmen–John Major, C; Jonathan Perry, G/F.

Eighth grade–Trever Duman, G; Layne Sabo, G/F.

Seventh grade–Andy Paros, F.

Cambria Heights

District-Class: 6-A.

Coach: Eric Nagel, ninth season.

Last season: 15-10.

Returning letterwinners: 4.

Coach’s outlook: “We want to be competitive in the LHAC and the District 6-AA playoffs,” Nagel said.

Roster: Seniors–Tyler Bender, G/F; Bryce Brawley, F; Brad Caldwell, G; T.J. Gabrielson, G; Jordan Lane, G; Zach Prohonic, F; Caleb Vescovi, F.

Juniors-Dylan Kutruff, F; Kevin Lacue, F; Elijah LaSota, G.

Sophomores-Nathan Bearer, G/F; Andrew Brawley, G; Brad Hoppel, G; Nathan Lieb, G; Dom Milanesi, G; Cameron Miller, G; Ben Myers, G/F; Austin Schinkle, F; Isaac Vescovi, F.

Central Cambria

District-Class: 6-AA.

Coach: Steve Traino, 24th season.

Last season: 16-8 overall, 8-2 Laurel Highlands.

Returning letterwinners: 7.

Coach’s outlook: “Our goal is to work hard every day in practice in order to be the best team we can be,” said Traino, who will be retiring at the end of the season. “If we do that, we should have a successful season.”

Roster: Seniors–Zachary Ambrisco; Mitchell Brown; Blake Bussard; Robert Kimball; Ryan Kinley; Tyler Melius; Zachary Rodkey; Zachary Vigneault.

Juniors-Joshua Bracken; Edward Maruca; Collin Russell; Zach Woodley.

Sophomores-Daniel Bowman; Randy Hodgson; Scott Ranck; Ryan Rose.

Freshmen–Tanner Ambrisco; Conner Homan.

Chestnut Ridge

District-Class: 5-AA.

Coach: Randy Meck, eighth season.

Last season: 8-17 overall, 5-11 Sideling Hill.

Returning letterwinners: 6.

Coach’s outlook: “We have a deep bench this year,” Meck said. “The kids have been working hard and have had great attitudes. We are going to need to have a few of our younger guys to contribute right away. We hope to make it back to UPJ this year.” 

Roster: Seniors–Matt Amick, G; Willy Brown, F; Chumpol Mungchapoenporn, G; Luke Wiley, F.

Juniors-Brad Hengst, G; Vince Little, F; Tanner Shaffer, G; Michael Young, G.

Sophomores-Chris Gunther, F; Ben Pick, F; Adam Wiley, G.

Freshmen–Beau Bosch, F; Aaron Brallier, F; Tanner College, F; Tanner Fleegle, G; Braden Hengst, G; Zack Terek, G; J.D. Weyant, G.

Conemaugh Township

District-Class: 5-AA.

Coach: Chuck Lesko, third season.

Last season: 13-10 overall, 6-6 WestPAC-North.

Returning letterwinners: 5.

Coach’s outlook: “(We) must be committed to playing team defense, sharing the wealth offensively and developing a strong work ethic,” Lesko said. “These outcomes will aide in overcoming a team deficiency of being vertically challenged.”

Roster: Seniors–Joe Roman, G; Andrew Sotosky, G; Hayden Stumpo, F.

Juniors-Eric Ewing, F; Kyle Pollino, G; Grant Speigle, G; Dan Zambanini, F.

Sophomores-Dillon Boyer, G; Josh Burns, G; Jeff Fisher, F; Adam Naugle, F; Jeremy Sotosky, G.

Freshmen–Jeff Callihan, F; Jake Formica, G; Bruno Rosa, G; Austin Speigle, G; Luke Varner, F.

Conemaugh Valley

District-Class: 6-A.

Coach: James Preuss, first season.

Last season: 23-4 overall, 10-2 WestPAC-North.

Returning letterwinners: 1.

Coach’s outlook: “We have good size, a great team attitude and the work ethic is outstanding,” Preuss said.

Roster: Seniors–None.

Juniors-Blake Butts, G-F; Hunter Furman, G; Ryan Graham, G; Ron Kelley, F; Brandon Kendera, F-C; Scott McClain, G-F; Jake Roberts, G-F; Dalton Uncapher, F-C.

Sophomores-Xavier Butts, G; Chad Cosgrove, G; Chris Horten, G; Royal Pollard, G; Nick Roberts, F-C.

Freshmen–Grant Cruse, F-C; Blake Furman, G.

Ferndale

District-Class: 6-A.

Coach: Mark Wissinger, 29th season, 10th at Ferndale.

Last season: 13-11 overall, 10-9 WestPAC.

Returning letterwinners: 5.

Coach’s outlook: “(Our) assets are solid guard play,” Wissinger said. “(Our) liability is lack of size overall.” 

Roster: Seniors–Nathan Davidson, G; J.R. Gartrell, F; David Horvath, G/F; Zach Sanna, F.

Juniors-Brady Gates, C.

Sophomores-Chad Eisenhuth, G; Ravaunn Hardrick, F; Garrett Harrison, G; Tyler Hileman, G; Carl Jeske, C; Matt Johns, F; Carlos Mason, F/C; Patrick Palmer, F.

Freshmen–Isaah Sajatovich, G.

Forest Hills

District-Class: 6-AAA.

Coach: Lance McGough, eighth season.

Last season: 15-8 overall, 12-4 Laurel Highlands.

Returning letterwinners: 7.

Coach’s outlook: “With a strong nucleus of key and role players returning this year, we plan on being a contender within the always-tough LHAC,” McGough said. “Our deep bench will allow us to play pressure defense and push the ball up the floor.”

Roster: Seniors–Nick Dudukovich, F; Luke Gallaher, G; Adam Helsel, G; Kody Johnson, G; Tanner Thomas, F.

Juniors-Bobby Clifford, G; Eric Daniels, G; David Miller, G/F; Josh Minor, G/F; Cody Moss, G/F; Bill Scott, F; Justin Smith, F; Neil Wysocki, G/F.

Sophomores-Cory Fessler, F; Spencer Ivock, G; Alex Leer, F; Brandon Penatzer, F; Ryan Wilson, G; Ray Wonders, F; Ryan Wysocki, F.

Greater Johnstown

District-Class: 6-AAA.

Coach: Neil Cobaugh, second season.

Last season: 21-4, 14-1 in Laurel Highlands.

Returning letterwinners: 7.

Coach’s outlook: “(We are) looking at team strengths as athleticism, size, togetherness and basketball knowledge,” Cobaugh said. “We are trying to continue to build on our accomplishments and learning experiences from last year to lead us to new accomplishments this year as well as continue our storied tradition here at Johnstown.”

Roster: Seniors–Calvin Anderson, F; Shon Brantley, G; Nick Cicciarelli, G; Federico Cocilovo, G; Deshawn Green, F; Adam Grumling, F; Kyfen Jones, G; Nate Nickel, F.

Juniors-Dwight Andrews, F; Quentin Brandon, G; Isaiah Haselrig, F; Mark Watson, G; Alkwan Williams, F; Paul Williams, F.

Sophomores-Damean Barfield, G; Daniel Barfield, G; Roshon Fields, F; Antoine Lanzendorfer, G; Brody Loboi, G/F; Phillip Madison, G; Nick Subich, F; Quanell Walker, G/F; Dalvin Williams, F.

Johnstown Christian

District-Class: 5-A.

Coach: Rick Defibaugh, eighth season.

Last season: 2-19 overall.

Returning letterwinners: 5.

Coach’s outlook: “I am pleased with the development of my team’s skills over the past year,” Defibaugh said. “I am optimistic that we can gain a spot in the District 5 playoffs.” 

Roster: Seniors–Keith Grasser, F; Kevin Shook, F; Jake Tuck, G; Jon Luke Varner, G.

Juniors- Dylon Hudson, G; Josh Thomas, G.

Sophomores-Nathan Defibaugh, G;

Freshmen–Seth Nichols, F.

Meyersdale

District-Class: 5-A.

Coach: Bill Cooney, third season.

Last season: 7-15 overall, 4-8 WestPAC-South.

Returning letterwinners: 5.

Coach’s outlook: “I’m curious to see how our team comes together and plays,” Cooney said. “This group of guys has played together since I took over in junior high. They are coming into their prime and I am excited to see where they go as a team.”

Roster: Seniors–Ian Edwards.

Juniors-Justin Donaldson, Matt Moser.

Sophomores-Alex Caton.

Freshmen–Nick Correta, Mason Luster, Austin Miller, Trevor Sipple, Levi Walker.

North Star

District-Class: 5-AA.

Coach: Jack Loya, fifth season.

Last season: 21-5 overall, 14-2 WestPAC.

Returning letterwinners: 4.

Coach’s outlook: “Year after year I have seen optimism in high school coaches and only a few finish where they expected,” Loya said. “Things will not always fall into place for us. One starter is slowly recovering from a major operation, two others are currently nursing injuries. I feel we are a week or two behind other schools that weren’t caught up in the football playoffs, but we are optimistic that we can catch up and not be affected too much by these injuries.”

Roster: Seniors–Jacob Fleegle, F; Nathan Landini, G/F; Dan Scott, G/F; Matt Stoy, G.

Juniors-Cory Bloom, F; Cory Miller, G; Hayden Rigo, F/C; Beau Soberdash, G/F; Bryan Zborovancik, G.

Sophomores-Brandon McGarvey, F; Brantley Rice, G; Devon Richard, G; Brandon Smith, G/F; Tony Strasiser, C; Wade Walker, F.

Freshmen–Josh Bloom, G/F; Jake Little, G; Nash Walker, G.

Northern Cambria

District-Class: 6-A.

Coach: Dan Weber, ninth season.

Last season: 20-6 overall, 15-3 Heritage.

Returning letterwinners: 1.  

Coach’s outlook: “(We are) hoping to build off of last year’s successful season and contend for a second straight conference championship and make a run in the district playoffs,” Weber said.

Roster: Seniors–Andy Baran, G; William Bowman, F; Andy Hancharik, G; Ted Lombardo, F; Joel Polites, F; James Previte, F; Tony Rocco, G; Mike Thomas, G.

Sophomores-Derek Bearer, G; Josh Bonatesta, G; Tyler Hartman, G; Jeff Hogan, F; Erick Jennings, G; Nick Lee, F; Tyler Olish, F; Adam Polites, G.

Freshmen–Zack Lee, G.

Portage

District-Class: 6-A.

Coach: Travis Kargo, 11th season.

Last season: 15-9 overall, 8-4 conference.

Returning letterwinners: 2.

Coach’s outlook: “We have an inexperienced team after graduating 10 seniors from last year,” Kargo said.

“With that being said, our returning players have worked hard to improve and understand what it takes to be successful.” 

Roster: Seniors–Andrew Blair, F; Sean Cronauer, G/F; Brion Gates, F; Matt Giles, G; Spencer Price, G; Shane Tarachko, F.

Juniors-Dean Bimle, F; Jake Bryja, F; Kory Burkett, F; Connor Corrente, G; Jesse Kreutzberger, G; Corey Niper, G; Troy Scoran, G.

Sophomores-Devin Harrison, G; Zach Nolan, F; Evan Price, G; Brady Warner, F.

Richland

District-Class: 6-AA.

Coach: Greg Burke, first season.

Last season: 9-12 overall, 6-10 Laurel Highlands.

Returning letterwinners: 3.

Coach’s outlook: “On this year’s team we only have two lettermen with varsity experience,” Burke said. “Overall, we have a very young team that will be competing at the varsity level for the first time this year.”

Roster: Seniors–Nathan Holtz, G; Vincent Licastro, G; Dereck Malzi, G/F; Alex Ritenour, G; Andrew Stopko, G/F.

Juniors-Ryan Fleming, G/F; Shawn Graham, G/F; Zachary Hanley, F; Derek Lengenfelder, F; Patrick Ludwig, F; Luke Rozich, G/F; Connor Sease, G; Zachary Solarczyk, G.

Sophomores-Brandon Ball, F; Derek Civis, F; Shane Mosholder, G; Travis Neil, F; Luke Shertzer, G.

Freshmen–Kyle Flick, G.

Rockwood

District-Class: 5-A.

Coach: Jim Wagner, sixth year.

Last season: 9-13 overall, 7-5 WestPAC-South.

Returning letterwinners: 4.

Coach’s outlook: “The keys to this year’s team will be if they are able to overcome their inexperience and play to their strengths,” Wagner said.

Roster: Seniors–Alex Ash, G; Sam Sanner, F; Colin Yachere, C.

Juniors-Zac Kaufman, G; Jake Benford, G; Mike Hoffman, G.

Sophomores-Nick Faidley, G; Sam Gary, G; Brad Lemmon, G; Luke Miller, C; Derrrick Mostoller, F; Adam Sleasman, G; Jon Waltermire, F.

Freshmen–Avery Deskevich, G; Ethan Keefer, F; Matt Meyers, G; Kyle Pritts, F.

Salisbury-Elk Lick

District-Class: 5-A.

Coach: Aaron Beiler, first season.

Last season: 7-15 overall, 2-10 WestPAC-South.

Returning letterwinners: 5.

Coach’s outlook: “We are working hard to get better each and every day,” Beiler said. “I have a good group of upperclassmen who know what it takes to be successful. Our goal is to improve every time we take the floor and to hopefully be in contention come playoff time.” 

Roster: Seniors–J.R. Bluebaugh, F/C; Geoff Garlitz, F; Adam Lung, G; Ryan Vogt, G.

Juniors-Alex Beiler, G; Kyle Hilderbrand, F; Brandon Miller, G/F; Josh Miller, G.

Freshmen–Brandon Hershberger, G; Kyle Pattison, G; Roberto Pattison, G; Corey Ringler, G; Austin Weaverling, G.

Shade

District-Class: 5-A.

Coach: Wade Fyock, eighth season.

Last season: 19-7, 12-0 WestPAC North.

Returning letterwinners: 7.

Coach’s outlook: “This team has the potential to compete for a conference championship as well as a district championship,” Fyock said. “Our success will be determined in large part by our level of commitment to the defensive end of the court. We are led by a solid group of seniors and some quality underclassemen that are eager to prove themselves.”

Roster: Seniors–Brett Hart, G; Kenny Gibbons, G; M.J. Knapp, F; Nick Kephart, F; Zack Zubek, F.

Juniors-Brett Edwards, F; Taylor Foltz, G; Tyler Cigich, F.

Sophomores-Ryan Fyock, G; Cody Kiser, G; Brock Medva, G.

Freshmen–Matt Holland, F; Brendan McCuliff, F; Brian Spangler, F.

Shanksville-Stonycreek

District-Class: 5-A.

Coach: Robert Snyder, fifth season.

Last season: 5-17 overall, 4-8 WestPAC-South.

Returning letterwinners: 6.

Coach’s outlook: “(A) hard-working group, they are scrappy, but ‘green,’ ” Snyder said. “(We) should have some depth, should improve as the season progresses and hope to secure a playoff spot.”

Roster: Seniors–Mike Bittner; Zach Kimmel; Dylan Koval; Carson Shaulis.

Juniors-Nick Bittner; Jacob Duppstadt.

Sophomores-Ben Duppstadt; Lucas Evans; Nathan Gardner; Dylan Glessner; Conner Fleegle; Carter Slade; Jordan Wilt.

Freshmen–Ryan Platt.

Somerset

District-Class: 6-AAA.

Coach: Scott Close, ninth season.

Last season: 4-15 overall, 1-8 Laurel Highlands, Section II.

Returning letterwinners: 6.

Coach’s outlook: “At Somerset, we are not overly concerned with who starts a game, but rather who finishes,” Close said. “Our fast-paced style will use 10 to 13 guys regularly each game. This year we have a nice solid group that is getting the job done as a team.”  

Roster: Seniors–Brent Barron, G; Mike Cinko, G; Bryce Custer, G; Zach Helsley, G; Noah Hemminger, G; David Miller, C; Devin Pritts, G; Caleb Proctor, F; Nick Roth, G; Hank Steinmiller, G.

Juniors-Eddie Buck, C; Justin Harshbarger, G; Shivam Patel, G; Brendan Urban, G/F.

Sophomores-Jake Close, G; Zane Helsley, G; Drew Hemminger, G/F; Devin Houpt, F; Shane Lease, G; Doug Reckner, G; Tanner Sarver, G; Jordan Willkow, F/C.

United

District-Class: 6-AA.

Coach: William Clevenger, eighth season.

Last season: 7-13, 6-10 Heritage.

Returning letterwinners: 5.

Coach’s outlook: “The team has good chemistry and work ethic,” Clevenger said. “(We) hope to get better as the season goes on.”

Roster: Seniors–Robert Bailey, G; Brent Bloom, G; Tyler DiPofi, G; Luis Marcano, F; Raymond Ofman, F; Timothy Ofman, F; Kody Oliver, F; Donald Ramsden, F.

Juniors-Justin Blankenship, G, Chuck Fisher, F; Stefan Moreau, F; Cory Rager, G; Earl Rager, G; Cody Trabert, G.

Sophomores-Cameron Culbertson, F; Jon Long, F; Tyler Ofman, F; Dave Patterson, G; Bailey Skavang, Ryan Smith, F.

Westmont Hilltop

District-Class: 6-AA.

Coach: David Roman Jr., 13th season.

Last season: 15-13 overall, 7-9 Laurel Highlands.

Returning letterwinners: 6.

Coach’s outlook: “We look for the momentum from our strong finish in the district playoffs and PIAA playoff berth to put in an outstanding offseason of strength, conditioning and skill development,” Roman said. “Our players are competing to get into the rotation. Our depth and attitude will be our strong points this season.”

Roster: Seniors–Jed Brandwein; Giovanne Dos Santos; Zach Drennen; Bryant Fisher; Garrett Lucas; Aaron Miller; Adam Miller; Dan Wolfe.

Juniors-Chris Campagna; Brad Carney; Stephen Flick; Joe Glennon; Brady Hamer.

Sophomores-Luke Dragovich; Daniel Glennon; Calvin Hetrick; Lukas Kleinmeyer; Miek Vliet.

Freshmen–Braden Junker.

Windber

District-Class: 5-AA.

Coach: Chad Manippo, first season.

Last season: 5-18 overall, 1-11 WestPAC-North.

Returning letterwinners: 6.

Coach’s outlook: “With 25 players, I expect that we will have a highly competitive environment in practice which is a critical step that needs to take place in order for us to continue to improve,” Manippo said. “But in order for this to happen, it’s important that each player accept the role they will play, continue to have a positive attitude and embrace the tradition that exists at Windber.”

Roster: Seniors–Jarid Cover; Dan Esworthy; Brett Lucas, Frank Meyers; Ben Petro.

Juniors-Travis Allison; Treston Clark; Eric Heinrich; Jason Howard; Andrew Mock; Joe Pipon.

Sophomores-Joe Beri; Michael Barbe; Hayden Fyock; Trevor Neri; Cody Stenger; Colt Ursino; Tyler Zubrucky.

Freshmen–Matt Barkley; Dustin Blough; Steve Pipon; Vaughn Siska; Bryce Spak; Dan Tomlinson; Devon Tomlinson.



The following schools did not respond to The Tribune-Democrat’s requests for information: Bedford, Ligonier Valley, Penn Cambria and Turkeyfoot Valley.