Public League crowded, talented

by Ted Silary

  WHAT IF THEY offered a championship trophy and numerous teams tried hard to grab it?
Chaotic? Entertaining? You got it, and that should be the story this basketball season in the ever-expanding Public League (up from 47 to 53 teams).
  Most years offer a strong to at-least-partial favorite. Ask around this year and you'll hear mentions of one, two, three, four...
There's Prep Charter, the defending PIAA Class AA state champ with Memphis-bound twin towers Markieff (6-9) and Marcus (6-8) Morris. And Communications Tech, the AAA state runner-up, with the league's top junior, forward Andrew "Scootie" Randall. And Simon Gratz (AAAA), with combo guard Josh "Scrap" Martin, a transfer from none other than Prep Charter.
  ...And Franklin Learning Center (AAA), with relentless, do-it-all guard Malcolm Eleby (St. Bonaventure). And Frankford (AAAA), with no obvious headliner, but with numerous "medium stars" and impressive depth. And Southern (AAAA), with a Division I prospect in forward Ramone Moore and a newcomer, Robert "Jay" McKee, who's drawing raves for his athleticism.
  ... And Imhotep (AA), with three D-I signees - guard Jermaine Washington and forward Tamir Johnson to Central Connecticut State; and forward Kashief Edwards to Niagara. Another guy, forward Hanif Nixon, is projected to wind up in D-I after a junior-college stint.
  Seven favorites? Don't laugh. There are even two others, Engineering and Science (AAA) and Strawberry Mansion (AA), that could flex enough muscle to become factors, especially come state-playoff time.
  Like always recently, there has been tweaking. Thirty of the 32 large schools (19 in AAAA, 11 in AAA) remain in Divisions A and B. But the smalls have been broken into two divisions, C for charters and D for regulars.
  Among the six newcomers are three former middle schools: Sayre, FitzSimons and Vaux. Miscommunication caused Sayre and FitzSimons to be placed in D, but their enrollment is actually AAA. Late switches to A/B were not possible. Vaux is correctly placed.
After a slew of preliminary-round games, the round-of-16 playoffs tentatively will feature four schools apiece from each classification.
Come state playoff time, A and AA schools will be lumped together in AA.
  The new schools not previously mentioned are charters: New Media, Philadelphia Academy, and Math, Civics and Sciences (with this wonderfully wacky nickname: Mighty Elephants).
  New coaches: Bernard Shearlds, Sayre; Matt Troha, FitzSimons; former NBA player (and Kobe Bryant's uncle) John "Chubby" Cox, Vaux; Norman Bell, New Media; Jack Smith, Philadelphia Academy; Danny Jackson, MC&S; James Brown, Bartram; Brian Blasy, Furness; Wayne Jackson, Germantown; Ken Sturm, Overbrook; Dawn Hoover (fifth female coach in Pub boys' history), West Philadelphia; Nick Horvath, Fels; Jeff McKenna, Olney; Harold Alexander, Penn; Joe Richmond, Delaware Valley; Ian Smedley, World Communications; and Sam Jacobs, Lamberton.
  Brown, Jackson, McKenna, Alexander and Jacobs have previous Pub coaching experience.
  The regular season starts today. Study the teams and divisions. There's a quiz tomorrow. No one will pass it.

RETURNING ALL-PUBLICS (Selected by Daily News)
SECOND TEAM
  Malcolm Eleby, Franklin LC, G; Markieff Morris, Prep, F-C; Andrew "Scootie" Randall, Comm. Tech, F.
THIRD TEAM
  George Baker, Edison, G; Kenny Moore, Univ. City, F.
FOURTH TEAM
  1-Velton Jones, Gratz, G; Marcus Morris, Prep, F.
FIFTH TEAM
  Ramone Moore, Southern, G-F; Tamir Johnson, Imhotep, C; 2-Josh "Scrap" Martin, Prep, G.
SIXTH TEAM
  3-Wayne Johnson, West, C; Kenny Spotwood, Frankford, G-F.
HONORABLE MENTION
  Guards: Nurideen Lindsey, Overbrook; 4-Thaddeus "Boobie" Fauntleroy, Robeson; Maurice Jones, World Comm.; Orie Johnson, Penn; Jaret Richardson, E&S; Jermaine Washington, Imhotep; Mark "Mickey" McGuire, Masterman; Francis Patriarca, Fkn Towne; Andy Bousono, Nueva Esper.; Derrick Segers, Roxborough.
  Forwards/Centers: Brian Reid, Mastery; Hanif Nixon, Imhotep; Sean Evans, Northeast; Kevin Hudson, Penn; Troy Blue, Del. Valley; Ishmawiyl McFadden, Gratz; Miguel Bocachica, Washington; Brandon Smith, Mastbaum.
1-now at N. Catholic; 2-now at Gratz; 3-now at Sayre; 4-now at Comm. Tech.

DIVISION A
CENTRAL
  Coach: Haviland Harper, 9th year (also Parkway, 1982-98). Education: Central, George Washington. Career: 283-281; 118-82 at Central.
  Last year: 10-4 league, 14-11 overall.
  Savvy seven: Yusef Nuriddin, 5-10, G; Marcus Morris, 5-11, C; Sean Gadson, 5-10, G; Joffrey Cummings-Glynn, 5-11, F; Darren Gee, 6-1, F; Demetrius Couillard, 6-foot, G-F; DeOliver Davis, 6-foot, G.
  Harper's comment: "Our young players have to step up."
EDWARD BOK TECH
  Coach: Lloyd Jenkins, 7th year. Education: Bok, North Carolina A&T. Career: 50-68.
  Last year: 5-9, 8-15.
  Savvy seven: Tyshaun Harper, 5-7, G; Hassan Jones, 5-8, G; Maurice "Rookie" Goodwin, 6-2, F; Tremell Green, 6-foot, G; Corey Curtis, 5-10, G; Sean Green, 6-2, F; Malik Little, 6-1, F.
  Jenkins' comment: "Young and inexperienced. It's going to take lots of hustle."
FRANKLIN LEARNING CENTER
  Coach: Cedric Powell, 8th year. Education: Bok, Lincoln. Career: 113-51.
  Last year: 15-2 in C, 21-4.
  Savvy seven: Malcolm Eleby, 6-2, G; Denzel Yard, 5-9, G; Kyle Sawyer, 5-9, G; Ryan White, 6-5, F; Khalief Trawick, 6-2, G; Dante Wooden, 6-8, F-C; Derrick Williams, 5-10, G.
  Powell's comment: "Looking forward to a fun, successful year."
FRANKLIN TOWNE CHARTER
  Coach: Josh Rorer, 3rd year. Education: Judge, Temple. Career: 4-31.
  Last year: 0-14, 1-18.
  Savvy seven: Francis Patriarca, 5-8, G; Chris Stein, 5-8, G; Ron Gunning, 6-foot, F; John Plumley, 6-foot, F; David Vaughan, 6-foot, F; Matt Trucks, 6-foot, F-C; Dan Patriarca, 5-7, G.
  Rorer's comment: "Our goal is to get better every day."
GERMANTOWN
  Coach: Wayne Jackson, 1st year (also Phila. Regional, 1994) Education: Lamberton, Temple. Career: 5-7.
  Last year: 10-4, 13-6.
  Savvy seven: Robert Carter, 5-8, G; Khalief Mason, 5-8, G; Ramadan Abdullah, 6-foot, G; Brandon Fleming, 6-1, F; Kevin Moody, 5-10, G; Jonathan Mason, 6-6, F-C; Darryl McBride, 6-3, F-C.
  Jackson's comment: "Inexperienced. Must develop team chemistry and poise."
HORACE FURNESS
  Coach: Brian Blasy, 1st year. Education: McDevitt, Temple. Career: 0-0.
  Last year: 1-13, 2-13.
  Savvy seven: Robert Antrom, 5-11, G; Sam Braceley, 6-2, F; Malik West, 5-9, G; Khalil Sanders, 5-10, G; Howard Richmond, 6-3, F-C; William Fields, 5-11, G; John Tsang, 5-10, G-F.
  Blasy's comment: "Trying to retool. Looking to be competitive."
JOHN BARTRAM
  Coach: James Brown, 1st year (also Phila. Regional, 1995, '98-99; West Phila., '96-97). Education: Overbrook, West Chester. Career: 32-53.
  Last year: 4-10, 6-15.
  Savvy seven: Novar Gadson, 6-4, G-F; Clyde James, 6-3, F; Tyrone Garland, 5-10, G; Tyreese Wheeler, 6-1, F; Clark Dure, 6-4, F; James Holmes, 6-4, F; Oscar Lawrence, 6-foot, F.
  Brown's comment: "Young and rebuilding. May take some time before we gel."
MARTIN LUTHER KING
  Coach: Harry Wood, 3rd year (also King, 1987-91). Education: Germantown, Florida A&M. Career: 43-77.
  Last year: 9-5, 10-9.
  Savvy seven: Dwain Winkfield, 6-3, C; Antonio Wormley, 6-2, F; Alex Gaddy, 6-foot, G; Earl Jones, 6-foot, F; Marcus Brown, 5-9, G; George Paris, 5-10, G; Edward Brown, 5-8, G.
  Wood's comment: "If we play hard, there's a good chance to make the playoffs."
OVERBROOK
  Coach: Ken Sturm, 1st year. Education: Northeast, Slippery Rock. Career: 0-0.
  Last year: 9-5, 15-9.
  Savvy seven: Nurideen Lindsey, 6-2, G-F; Maurice Townsend, 5-8, G; Kevin Leland, 6-3, F-C; Vernon Harris, 6-3, F-C; Najee Underwood, 6-foot, G; Derrick Evans, 5-9, G; Kevin Williams, 6-3, F-C.
  Sturm's comment: "It's a new era for 'Brook. We hope to do well."
ROXBOROUGH
  Coach: Terrell Burnett, 8th year. Education: Warrenton (Ga.), Temple. Career: 69-74.
  Last year: 7-7, 10-11.
  Savvy seven: Derrick Segers, 6-1, G-F; Chauncey Shuler, 5-9, G; Clayton Brothers, 6-foot, G; Doug Mathis, 6-1, G-F; Russhane Black, 6-2, F; Joe Saunders, 6-1, G-F; Eric Bryan, 6-6, F-C.
  Burnett's comment: "We WILL compete this year."
SIMON GRATZ
  Coach: Leonard Poole, 5th year (also Phila. Regional, 1997). Education: Gratz, East Stroudsburg. Career: 92-40; 90-24 at Gratz.
  Last year: 14-0, 24-5.
  Savvy seven: Josh "Scrap" Martin, 6-2, G; Charles White, 6-2, G; Ishmawiyl "Ish" McFadden, 6-5, F; Tommie "T.J." Sykes, 6-4, F; Ali-Baba Odd, 6-4, G; Keith Harding, 6-4, F; Williams Wells, 6-6, C.
  Poole's comment: "We're terrible now and hope to get better later."
SOUTHERN
  Coach: George Anderson, 14th year. Education: Evander Childs (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Florida A&M. Career: 170-138.
  Last year: 11-3, 18-10.
  Savvy seven: Ramone Moore, 6-4, F; Byron Jones, 6-2, G; Antoine Reese, 6-4, F; Anthony Reese, 5-7, G; Robert "Jay" McKee, 6-3, F-C; Dave Bell, 6-6, C; Nasir Johnson, 6-3, F.
  Anderson's comment: "Heart and intelligence will determine how far we go."
THOMAS EDISON
  Coach: Kevin Reilly, 8th year. Education: Judge, West Chester. Career: 51-77.
  Last year: 9-4 in B, 12-9.
  Savvy seven: George Baker, 6-foot, G; Akeem Chisholm, 5-9, G; Omar English, 5-11, C; Daniel Johnson, 6-foot, F; Eric Jones, 5-11, G; Luis Martinez, 5-10, G; Ernesto Sanchez, 6-3, C.
  Reilly's comment: "Hustle and play smart are this year's themes."
UNIVERSITY CITY
  Coach: Lou Williams, 3rd year. Education: Franklin, Fisk (Tenn.). Career: 32-22.
  Last year: 11-3, 15-14.
  Savvy seven: Kenny Moore, 6-6, G-F-C; Tony Baylor, 6-4, F; Malik Martin, 5-7, G; Raymond Nesbitt, 5-9, G; Keenan Lewis, 6-2, G-F; Khayri Young, 5-9, G; Gary Mitchell, 6-8, C.
  Williams' comment: "Very inexperienced. Teaching even on game days."
WEST PHILADELPHIA
  Coach: Dawn Hoover, 1st year. Education: University City, Temple. Career: 0-0.
  Last year: 6-8, 10-9.
  Savvy seven: Rahiem King, 6-foot, F; Deolon "D.J." Davis, 6-2, G-F; Jason Blythe, 6-1, F; Derrick Pitts, 5-11, G; Emmanuel Sydney, 5-10, G; Branden Burnett, 5-8, G; Quodrice Hendrix, 6-2, F.
  Hoover's comment: "Lots of heart. Working hard to put things together."

DIVISION B
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
  Coach: Steve Gittleman, 13th year (also Akiba Hebrew, 1983-90). Education: Olney, Southern Mississippi. Career: Unavailable; 117-133 at Lincoln.
  Last year: 8-5, 12-9.
  Savvy seven: Brian Simmons, 6-foot, G; Brandon Bowes, 5-10, G; Ismail Greenlee, 6-1, F; David Goldsmith, 5-10, F; Maurice Robinson, 5-10, G; Tyrone Bolden, 6-4, C; Courey Burrell, 6-4, F.
  Gittleman's comment: "Quickness and hustle should make up for lack of size."
ALVIN SWENSON
  Coach: Pat Durkin, 2nd year. Education: La Salle, Penn State. Career: 6-14.
  Last year: 4-10 in A, 6-14.
  Savvy seven: Shawn Beatty, 5-8, G; Krentz Sainte, 5-8, G; Greg Manning, 5-10, F; Nick Cruz, 6-foot, F; Mike Riesar, 6-foot, F; Jermaine Folly, 6-4, C; Brandon Johnson, 6-foot, F.
  Durkin's comment: "Can anyone help us find a good 6-foot-and-under league?"
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
  Coach: Larry Gainey, 7th year (also Parkway, 1999-2000); Education: Bartram, Delaware State. Career: 96-70; 83-51 at Franklin.
  Last year: 6-7, 11-9.
  Savvy seven: Brandon Penn, 6-6, F-C; Rashan Burrell, 6-5, F-C; Shah Warren, 6-3, F; Melvin Dixon, 6-foot, G; Tariq Timmons, 5-9, G; William Kearse, 5-10, G; Ron Lee, 6-2, F.
  Gainey's comment: "Our discipline and respect should translate into wins."
COMMUNICATIONS TECH
  Coach: Lou Biester, 2nd year (also Bartram, 1990, last nine games of season; Bartram, 2000-05). Education: Bonner, Christian Brothers Univ. (Tenn.). Career: 153-41; 29-4 at CT.
  Last year: 12-1, 29-4.
  Savvy seven: Andrew "Scootie" Randall, 6-6, F; Najee Edwards, 6-1, G; Thaddeus "Boobie" Fauntleroy, 5-9, G; Lance McDowell, 6-7, F; Shyheem Satchell, 6-3, F; Chris Jones, 6-foot, G; Manny Jordan, 6-6, F-C.
  Biester's comment: "Here we go again... "
ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
  Coach: C.M. Brown, 26th year. Education: Central, West Chester. Career: 291-232.
  Last year: 14-3 in C, 22-6.
  Savvy seven: Thiel Benn, 6-5, C; Jamil Cherry, 6-2, F; Darrell Mills, 6-2, F; Anthony Pough, 6-4, F; Jaret Richardson, 5-10, G; Sandy Tanner, 5-10, G; Marcus Brown, 6-3, F.
  Brown's comment: "Some heart and experience. We still need a lot of work."
FRANKFORD
  Coach: Ben Dubin, 2nd year (also Fels, 2001-02). Education: Washington, Delaware. Career: 26-35; at Frankford 13-11.
  Last year: 9-4, 13-11.
  Savvy seven: Raheem Golden-White, 6-2, G; Malik Ballard, 5-10, G; J.C. Montgomery 6-4, F; Steven Haynes, 6-2, G; Edmund Gonzalez, 6-6, F; Malik Tinsley, 6-6, F; Kenny Spotwood, 6-3, G-F.
  Dubin's comment: "Deep and athletic. With smart/consistent guard play, we have a chance to be very good."
GEORGE WASHINGTON
  Coach: Calvin Jones, 21st year. Education: Edison, Delaware State. Career: 172-244.
  Last year: 9-4, 13-9.
  Savvy seven: Miguel Bocachica 6-5, F; Naheem Anderson, 6-foot, G; Dante Williams, 6-1, G; Robert Smith, 6-5, C; Jerel Barnwell 5-9, G; Will McFillin, 6-2, G; Andrew Goodman, 6-foot, F.
  Jones' comment: "We can make a little noise in the division."
JULES MASTBAUM TECH
  Coach: Jim Taylor, 5th year. Education: Central, Penn State. Career: 40-52.
  Last year: 3-10, 7-15.
  Savvy seven: Chris Ayandokun, 6-4, C; Brandon Smith, 6-1, F; Sean Rice-Fleming, 5-10, G; Marvin Warden, 5-8, G; Ronald Lee, 5-10, G; Michael Rainey, 6-1, F; Marvin Smith, 6-2, C.
  Taylor's comment: "With most of the team back, it's now or never."
KENSINGTON
  Coach: Joe Egenolf, 8th (appointed coach for final two games of '00). Education: Central, Lynchburg (Va.). Career: 30-90.
  Last year: 0-13, 2-17.
  Savvy seven: Courtney Roberson, 5-11, G; Emanuel Cruz, 6-3, F; Angel Miranda, 5-10, G; Dashawn McLeod, 5-11, G; Theodore West, 6-4, F-C; Henry Bond, 6-2, F; William Jones, 6-3, F.
  Egenolf's comment: "There are some things to like here."
MURRELL DOBBINS TECH
  Coach: Greg Moore, 2nd year (also King, 1992-2004). Education: Dobbins, Cheyney. Career: 159-136; 12-8 at Dobbins.
  Last year: 8-5, 12-8.
  Savvy seven: Dominic Slaughter, 6-5, F-C; Lawrence Harrington, 6-3, F; Darrell "Butta" Brown, 6-2, F; Marcellus Willoughby, 6-foot, G; Akeem Todd, 5-9, G; Paul McPherson, 6-foot, G-F; Lamar Speller, 6-3, G-F.
  Moore's comment: "We want to continue a proud tradition."
NORTHEAST
  Coach: Elsa Cohen, 2nd year (also Northeast, 1994-2003). Education: Northeast, Murray State (Ky.). Career: 99-114.
  Last year: 7-6, 10-13.
  Savvy seven: Sean Evans, 6-6, F; Tyron Lytes, 6-foot, G; Jordan Green, 5-5, G; Keurlin Charles, 5-9, G-F; Nicolae McIntosh, 6-3, F-C; Corey Wilkins, 5-5, G; Marcus Booker, 6-3, F.
  Cohen's comment: "Our goal's the playoffs. Once there, who knows how far we can go?"
OLNEY
  Coach: Jeff McKenna, 1st year (also Olney, 2005). Education: North Penn, Kutztown. Career: 4-11.
  Last year: 2-11, 4-17.
  Savvy seven: Joey Scott, 5-9, G; Tyrese O'Neal, 6-4, F; Maleke McCurry, 6-7, C; Armandi Marshall, 6-4, F; Jacques Julien, 5-8, G; Kareem Watkins, 6-foot, G; Tito Burgos, 6-foot, G.
  McKenna's comment: "We're working hard to overcome our inexperience."
PHILA. ELECTRICAL
  Coach: Mike Sidebotham, 2nd year. Education: Wildwood Catholic (N.J.), La Salle. Career: 9-12.
  Last year: 8-9 in C, 9-12.
  Savvy seven: Marcus Langley, 6-5, F-C; Brandon Williams, 6-5, F-C; Arrocus Fisher, 6-foot, G; Chris White, 6-foot, G; Kyheim   Jackson, 5-8, G; Sean McCall, 6-foot, G; Marquis Moore, 6-1, G-F.
  Sidebotham's comment: "Strong senior leadership. Promising young core. Optimistic outlook."
SAMUEL FELS
  Coach: Nick Horvath, 1st year (also Ivanna Eueora Kean, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, 2005). Education: Methacton, Temple. Career: 20-3.
  Last year: 3-10, 5-14.
  Savvy seven: Greg Cardona, 5-11, G; Brandon Watson, 6-foot, G; Thristan Lundy, 6-foot, G-F-C; Donte Molletta, 6-3, G-F; Charles Harper, 6-1, F-C; George Jones, 6-2, F-C; Greg Powell, 6-1, G-F-C.
  Horvath's comment: "Kids adjusting from blacktop to hardwood."
WILLIAM PENN
  Coach: Harold Alexander, 1st year (also West Phila., 2006). Education: Bartram. Career: 10-9.
  Last year: 4-9, 4-13.
  Savvy seven: Curshawn Banks, 6-1, G; Mark Allen, 6-foot, G; Kevin Hudson, 6-foot, F; Javon Smith, 6-3, F; Star Thorp, 6-5, C; Orie Johnson, 5-4, G; Branden Toundreau, 6-foot, G.
  Alexander's comment: "Inexperienced, but hungry. Must learn to trust and believe in each other."

DIVISION C
DELAWARE VALLEY CHARTER
  Coach: Joe Richmond, 1st year. Education: Southern. Career: 0-0.
  Last year: 7-5, 13-11.
  Savvy seven: Troy Blue, 6-4, G; Dain Suber, 5-10, G; Malik Rice, 6-1, G-F; Lamar Mosby, 6-3, F; Kevin Cropper, 5-10, G; Terrell Jenkins, 6-2, F; John Jackson, 6-7, C.
  Richmond's comment: "We are focused on getting the players to play as a cohesive unit."
FREIRE CHARTER
  Coach: Lawrence Threadgill, 3rd year. Education: Hempfield (Pa.), Delaware State. Career: 31-15.
  Last year: 9-8, 11-10.
  Savvy seven: Jarrod Denard, 5-10, G; Donte Fisher, 6-2, G; Stephon Fulton, 6-5, C; Octavious Booker, 6-4, F; Ramon Galloway, 6-foot, G; Rysheen Dorn, 5-9, G; Antoine "Blueberry" Singleton, 5-7, G.
  Threadgill's comment: "Developing young players. Looking forward to what season may hold."
HOPE CHARTER
  Coach: Gary Hines, 3rd year. Education: King, Johnson C. Smith (N.C.). Career: 27-16.
  Last year: 12-5, 14-9.
  Savvy seven: Tauheed Young, 5-7, G; Briel Scott, 6-1, F; Aaron Haye, 6-3, F; Steven Holland, 6-4, C; Anthony Betts, 6-2, F; James McCord, 5-5, G; Kyree Hanford, 6-4, G-F.
  Hines' comment: "Fourteen new players. Small, but disciplined. We should win a lot."
IMHOTEP CHARTER
  Coach: Andre Noble, 3rd year. Education: Boston Latin (Mass.), Lincoln. Career: 38-16.
  Last year: 16-1, 22-7.
  Savvy seven: Jermaine Washington, 5-11, G; Kenneth Battle, 6-2, G; Ivory Wells, 6-3, F; Tamir Johnson, 6-6, F-C; Kashief Edwards, 6-6, F; Hanif Nixon, 6-5, F; Will Adams, 6-3, G-F.
  Noble's comment: "Even with a lot of talent, you have to play hard EVERY game."
MASTERY CHARTER
  Coach: Quincy Reed, 2nd year. Education: Penn, Gwynedd-Mercy. Career: 3-19.
  Last year: 3-14, 3-19.
  Savvy seven: Brian Reid, 6-5, G-F-C; Arval Knox, 5-11, G; Jaleel Khabeer, 6-3, G-F; Jerome Stinney, 5-9, G; Jerome Anthony, 6-1, G; Isaiah Davis, 6-2, F; Sean Williamson, 5-10, G.
  Reed's comment: "Jaleel Khabeer and Arval Knox have to step up as sophs and help Brian Reid."
MATH, CIVICS & SCIENCE CHARTER
  Coach: Danny Jackson, 1st year. Education: MC&S, Phila. Community. Career: 0-0.
  Last year: Not in league.
  Savvy seven: James Gregory, 6-2, G-F; Justin Nixon, 5-10, G; Eric Johnson, 5-11, G; Zaahir Smith, 5-11, G; Kenny Adams, 6-1, F; Tahir Royster, 6-foot, G; Mike Edwards, 5-7, G.
  Jackson's comment: "We're going to surprise some people."
NEW MEDIA CHARTER
  Coach: Norman Bell, 1st year. Education: Overbrook, Lincoln. Career: 0-0.
  Last year: Not in league.
  Savvy seven: Greg Plasir, 6-6, C; Rodney Roberson, 6-1, G; Henry Johnson, 6-foot, G; Jabri Jones, 6-3, F; Derrick Derrickson, 6-3, F; Malcolm Westin, 6-foot, G; Melvin Brown, 6-1, F.
  Bell's comment: "My roughhouse All-Americans need to become smart high-school players."
NUEVA ESPERANZA CHARTER
  Coach: Terrance Hudson, 3rd year. Education: Overbrook, Delaware State. Career: 5-29.
  Last year: 2-15, 3-15.
  Savvy seven: Andy Bousono, 5-2, G; Zakee Moody, 5-foot, G; Charles Campbell, 6-foot, G-F; Randy Rhames, 6-2, C; Edwin Diaz, 6-1, F-C; Michael Perez, 5-11, F; Elias Martinez, 5-11, F.
  Hudson's comment: "Team is displaying a passion to learn the fundamentals."
PHILA. ACADEMY CHARTER
  Coach: Jack Smith, 1st year. Education: Judge, Holy Family. Career: 0-0.
  Last year: Not in league.
  Savvy seven: Dante Shorter, 6-2, F; Tariq Brown, 6-1, G; Ricky Brown, 6-4, C; Mark Wildsmith, 6-3, F-C; Paul Rawls, 6-1, G-F; Josh Mayo, 5-11, F; Billy Link, 5-9, G.
  Smith's comment: "This young team shows passion and promise as they begin their fight for respect."
PREP CHARTER
  Coach: Dan Brinkley, 3rd year. Education: Dobbins, Lincoln. Career: 50-11.
  Last year: 17-0, 28-5.
  Savvy seven: Markieff Morris, 6-9, F-C; Marcus Morris, 6-8, G-F; Kevin Radford, 5-10, G; Parrish Grant, 6-1, G; Jesse Morgan, 6-3, G; Tyree "Chuck" Harris, 6-7, F; Ferg Myrick, 6-6, F.
  Brinkley's comment: "Enough talking. Time to start playing."
WORLD COMMUNICATIONS CHARTER
  Coach: Ian Smedley, 1st year. Education: Penncrest, West Chester. Career: 0-0.
  Last year: 3-14, 3-14.
  Savvy seven: Maurice Jones, 6-1, G; Basir Crandall, 6-1, G; Devin Devoue, 6-4, C; Jamel Hayes, 5-9, G; Tyreck Benridge, 6-5, F; Peter Graham, 6-2, F; Jason Bellamy, 6-3, F.
  Smedley's comment: "Excited about our potential. Can go a long way."

DIVISION D
CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS
  Coach: John Dunphy, 2nd year. Education: West Catholic, Temple. Career: 1-18.
  Last year: 1-16 in C, 1-18.
  Savvy seven: Bryan Dearry, 6-4, C; Colin Brennan, 5-8, G; Ronald Roberts, 6-foot, G; Michael Sawan, 6-foot, G; Odunjo Copeland, 6-1, F; Tyreek Rockmore, 6-foot, G; Ibn Devin Uqdah, 6-1, F.
  Dunphy's comment: "Young, and not afraid to gamble."
GIRARD ACADEMIC MUSIC PROGRAM
  Coach: Art Kratchman, 20th year (17th as PL member). Education: Central, Temple. Career: 95-331 (81-309 as PL member).
  Last year: 5-12 in C, 10-14.
  Savvy seven: Eric Funaro, 6-foot, F; Anthony Venafro, 6-2, G-F; Joe Conner, 6-1, F-C; Stefan Thompson, 6-2, G; Laron Byrd, 5-10, G; Vershawn Thompson, 6-1, F; Ezra Daly, 6-3, C.
  Kratchman's comment: "If we can compensate for lack of size, should be competitive."
JULIA MASTERMAN
  Coach: John Gannon, 16th year (14th as PL member). Education: Neumann, Penn State. Career: 131-144 (not in league in '94; 3-3 record).
  Last year: 11-6 in C, 17-9.
  Savvy seven: Mark "Mickey" McGuire, 5-10, G; Evan Hunt, 6-foot, F; Bryan Stevenson, 5-10, G; Jordan Perkins, 6-4, F; Adam Chandler, 6-4, C; Joe Mondesire, 5-11, F; Webster Felix, 5-9, G.
  Gannon's comment: "Young and rebuilding. I promise we'll play hard the entire game."
PARKWAY
  Coach: Matt McGuire, 2nd year (also Parkway, 2001-04); Education: O'Hara, Penn State. Career: 49-62.
  Last year: 4-10 in A, 7-14.
  Savvy seven: Kenny Bagwell, 6-foot, G; Rasual Wells, 5-11, G-F; Malik Walker, 6-foot, F; Furnell Doster, 6-3, F; Daryl Branch, 5-10, G; Terrell McClure, 6-2, C; Acie Way, 5-4, G.
  McGuire's comment: "Our players come from different campuses and don't know each other. Coming together, though."
PAUL ROBESON
  Coach: Rob Powlen, 2nd year. Education: Crefeld, Phila. Textile. Career: 8-15.
  Last year: 7-10 in C, 8-15.
  Savvy seven: Rob Hall, 5-7, G; Kahri Harris, 6-3, G-F; Dominic Medlock, 6-1, F; Domineek Owens, 6-1, G; Xavier Brown, 5-9, G; Jamair Williams, 5-9, G; Jay Harris, 5-2, G.
  Powlen's comment: "Very inexperienced. Need big minutes from freshmen."
ROBERT LAMBERTON
  Coach: Sam Jacobs, 1st year (also Phila. Regional, 1996; Overbrook, 2003-06). Education: Roosevelt (Brooklyn, N.Y.), East Stroudsburg. Career: 42-59.
  Last year: 7-10, 7-12.
  Savvy seven: Jamil Brown, 5-10, G; Antoine Boyd, 5-4, G; Kevin Boyd, 6-4, F; Bruce Kennedy, 6-3, F; Lawrence Lisby, 6-5, F-C; Anthony Dixon, 6-1, G-F; Ty Johnson, 6-6, F-C.
  Jacobs' comment: "Should be interesting. New school for me. New divison."
ROBERT VAUX
  Coach: John "Chubby" Cox, 1st year. Education: Roxborough, San Francisco. Career: 0-0.
  Last year: 7-10, 7-12.
  Savvy seven: Maleek Singleton, 5-11, G; Melvin Williams, 6-2, G; Phillip Michaels, 6-2, G; Demetrius Richardson, 6-3, F; Victor Nwakpuda, 6-3, C; Hakeem Wilson, 6-1, G; Rysun Tolbert, 6-1, G.
  Cox' comment: "Good senior group. We want to represent Vaux in proud fashion."
STRAWBERRY MANSION
  Coach: Gerald Hendricks, 25th year. Education: Gratz, Savannah State (Ga.). Career: 337-209.
  Last year: 11-2 in B, 15-8.
  Savvy seven: Eddie Frazier, 6-4, G-F; Devon White, 6-6, F-C; Dwayne Davis, 6-4, G-F; Marcus Grimes, 5-11, G; Darren Lawrence, 6-foot, G; Antwan Miller, 6-5, G-F; Kyle Williams, 6-2, F.
  Hendricks' comment: "Just hoping our youth doesn't hurt us."
THOMAS FitzSIMONS
  Coach: Matt Troha, 1st year. Education: New Hartford Central (N.Y.), Syracuse. Career: 0-0.
  Last year: Not in league.
  Savvy seven: Mark Lawrence, 6-1, G-F; Keenan Coats, 6-2, F; Maurice Mason, 5-8, G; Donta Regusters, 5-11, G; Tyrone Waters, 5-7, G; Anthony Razor, 5-9, G; Anthony Pigford, 6-foot, F.
  Troha's comment: "The entire FitzSimons community is excited [to make PL debut]."
W.B. SAUL
  Coach: Paul Winters, 3rd year. Education: Abington, Delaware. Career: 7-28.
  Last year: 5-12, 5-14.
  Savvy seven: Steve Pownall, 6-1, F; Preston Jones, 6-foot, G-F; Anthony Wharton, 6-4, C; Xavier Williams, 6-1, F; Jonathan Medina, 6-1, F; Keith Brown, 5-9, G; Alonzo Jackson, 6-1, G.
  Winters' comment: "Short and slow, but gutsy."
WILLIAM BODINE
  Coach: Steve Kikendall, third year (also Franklin, 2000). Education: Liberty (N.Y.), Phila. Bible. Career: 39-26; 24-19 at Bodine.
  Last year: 11-6 in C, 16-9.
  Savvy seven: Bradley Pointer, 6-3, F; John Hughes, 6-4, C; Wayne Wilson, 6-3, G; Korey Gastearl, 5-9, G; Donte Greene, 5-9, G; Lamar Gary, 6-3, G-F; Nick Neal, 5-11, G.
  Kikendall's comment: "Young and restless. Will improve as season progresses."
WILLIAM SAYRE
  Coach: Bernard Shearlds, 1st year. Education: West Catholic, Cheyney. Career: 0-0.
  Last year: Not in league.
  Savvy seven: Jayvon Johnson, 6-foot, G; Jovan Brown, 6-1, G-F; Wayne Johnson, 6-7, F-C; Kevin White, 6-4, F; Eric Morton, 6-1, G; Saeed White, 5-10, G; Ramair Garner, 5-9, G.
  Shearlds' comment: "Shoot for playoffs, then take it from there."