Butler
Coach: Matt Clement, sixth year
Last year: 7-15, 3-11 in section.
The Golden Tornado have plenty of personnel to sort through in getting ready for this season.
Six players who started at least a couple of games last year — forwards MarkGross, Tyler Frederick, Justice Lewandowski and Eric Hindman, guards Keenan Krause and Andrew Paterno — are back this season.
“We played a lot of kids last year and went through a lot of starting lineups,” Clement said. “Now some newer faces are in the mix, too.
“We could be strong up front if our talent develops.”
Lewandowski is 6-foot-4, Gross 6-3 and Frederick 6-4. Hindman is a solid 6-2 forward and 6-3 freshman Connor Ollio is battling for playing time.
Paterno and Krause can handle the ball, as can junior Kaden Rock, who's up from junior varsity last year.
“We're such an unknown right now,” Clement said. “This team could develop into one of the surprises of the WPIAL or it could go the other way.
“A number of guys could wind up as starters. Tyler and Justice have shown major improvement. We'll see where it goes.”
Clement said
North Allegheny will be the team to beat in the section, which is joined by Central Catholic this season as Hampton and New Castle have dropped to Class AAA.