Monroe County Division III

BRIGHTON BARONS

Last season: Finished 3-18, lost to Greece Athena in quarterfinals

Coach: Dave Tisa (3-18 at Brighton/second year)

First game: Dec. 5 vs. Pittsford Sutherland

Top returners: Nate Sponsel (Sr. – third year varsity player), Najeeb Awad (Sr. – started 19 games as a junior), Jack Falter (Sr. – third year varsity player), Chase Seibold (Sr.)

Top newcomers: Lukas Stanat (Jr. Guard/Forward), Matt Falter (Jr. Guard), Casey McDermott (Jr. Guard)

Outlook: Brighton hopes to build on the progress it made last season, especially their sectional road win. In addition to the important minutes the returners have under their belt, the newcomers don’t have a huge learning curve to overcome on the varsity court. Will the Barons gain the momentum to become a tough opponent in Division III?

BROCKPORT BLUE DEVILS

Last season: Finished 4-17, lost in the first round to Brighton

Coach: Tom Velletri (first season)

First game: Nov. 30 vs. Greece Arcadia at Spencerport

Top returners: Willie Ball (Sr. Point Guard), Kyle Palka (Sr. Guard)

Top newcomers: Shamar Lee (Jr. Forward), Collin Cantrell (Jr. Guard), Sam Velletri (Jr. Guard), Troy Leibert (Jr. Forward)

Outlook: Can the seniors and first-year head coach lead the young Blue Devils to a bounce-back season?

GREECE ARCADIA TITANS

Last season: Finished: 0-21

Coach: Zach Keller (first season)

Top returners: Kyle Blum Sr. G, Sean Crowell Sr. G and Joe Desiato Sr. F.

Top newcomers: Evan Insley Jr. G, Travers MacNeal Jr. F, Jerell Robinson Jr. G and Anthony Stephenson So G.

First game: Friday, November 30th vs. Brockport at Spencerport.

 Outlook: As the Titans look to overcome last season’s struggles and have a bounce back season, their success will depend largely on senior leadership and strong play from their sophomores and juniors.

VIEW MORE CHRIS CECERE PHOTOS HERE.

GREECE ATHENA TROJANS

Last season: Finished 20-3, lost in sectional finals

Coach: Mike Setzer (39-7/third year)

First game: Nov. 30 vs. UPREP

Top returners: Melvin Council (Jr. Guard – averaged 11 points and five rebounds per game), Kelvin Reaves (Sr. Guard – averaged eight points and three rebounds per game), Johnny Salone (Sr. Forward – averaged six points and five rebounds per game)

Top newcomers: DeAndre Newsome (Jr. Point Guard – has varsity minutes), Austin Brown (So. Forward), Tyler Curtis (Jr. Guard), Jake Cerone (Jr. Guard)

Outlook: The Trojans graduated four All-County players from last year’s 20-3 team. With only one starter returning, will Athena’s returning players and top newcomers bring them back to the top?

PITTSFORD MENDON VIKINGS

Last season: Finished 17-5, lost to Greece Athena in semifinals

Coach: Bob Nally (38-27/fourth year)

First game: Dec. 5 vs. Greece Athena

Top returners: Dan Cook (Sr. Guard/Forward – averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds per game), Connor Krapf (Sr. Guard – averaged ten points and 3.5 assists per game), Mike Harrington (Sr. Guard – averaged 12 points and six rebounds per game), Jacob Shadders (So. Guard – 11 points and four assists per game)

Top newcomers: Tommy Birmingham (Jr. Forward), Isaiah Cotton (Jr. Guard), Kyle Hennessey (Jr. Guard), Caleb Arena (Jr. Guard/Forward)

Outlook: The Vikings return eight players from last year’s roster. Offense is expected to thrive, but to make a run at a title, Mendon will need to solidify the defense. How far will their experience take them?

PITTSFORD SUTHERLAND KNIGHTS

Last season: Finished 18-4, lost in the A1 semifinals to Irondequoit

Coach: John Nally (250-137)

Next game: Nov. 30 at Wayne

Top returners: Kevin Ryan (Sr. Forward – averaged 18 points per game), Ben Digiovanni (Jr. – 6-foot-4 Guard), Matt Panara (Sr. Guard – third year on varsity), Conner Fitzsimmons (Sr. – 6-foot-6 center), John Luther (Sr. Shooting Guard), Stratton Hancey (Sr. – 6-foot-5 Forward) and John Messina (Sr. Wing Guard)

Outlook: Off-season and pre-season health issues slowed down the Knights’ prep, but, once they’re healthy, can they be in the mix in Division III and Class A2?