Posted by Rich DeLeo
on 12/4/2003, 10:26 am
Board Administrator
Hard to believe, but another high school basketball season is upon us. And with it comes my share of headaches with snowstorms, driving to every little town in Central Pa to get to games and broadcast them back to Altoona. And the first big snowstorm of the season is poised to strike this weekend. Well, now let's get to the hoops talk. From early season indications, it looks like the BG Girls are once again going to be a force to be dealt with in the season and in the post season. BG beat two time defending state champ Bishop Carroll last Sunday, which may prove to be the Lady Huskies only loss of the season. State College has had an amazing two year run to the western finals twice, only to be turned away both times by Suzie McConnell-Serio and her squad from Oakland Catholic. State returns a wealth of underclass talent that is a year older, and could be very strong come February and March. Altoona has some returing players, but also lost some players during the off season. Some deciding not to come out, and others to graduation, but the Lady Lions should be there in the end. On the boys side, it doesn't look like a particularly strong field this season. Although after watching Hollidaysburg this week, they could be a pretty good club, if they stay healthy. Bellwood Antis lost its top 8 players from last seasons District 6 championship team, so it's rebuilding time for coach Tim Keech. Altoona likewise is looking to rebuild. The Mt. Lions lost 4 of 5 starters and will look to build around 6-9 senior Cory Tubo. Tyrone is missing its big center, Brady Hoover, who is no longer on the team, so that will hurt the Golden Eagles. As usual, BG is very small, but they do have a very quick team with some shooters. A big man is on coach Sullivan's wish list, but it doesn't look like that will be fulfilled anytime soon! Can Bishop Carroll 3peat? Hard to say at this point, but they do have some experienced players and starters back from the last 2 teams, and that could go a long way for them this season. No real powerhouses this season, but watch out for the Lewistown girls. That team could become the District's most serious threat to get to Hershey next March. They have 4 starters back from last year, but they lost a great point guard in Maddie Runk. But with 80 percent of the starters back, most of which are both big and strong and a capable bench, the Lady Panthers could make another run to chocolatetown. If I had to pick right now, I would say that BG and Lewistown (girls) have legitimate shots at Hershey. And they will play each other at least twice during the season. Maybe more depending on the outcome of the Mountain League's two cycles. Let the games begin!!
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