ARCHBISHOP RYAN
The Raiders’ basketball squad won’t be putting the season on the shoulders of any superstars. The coaching staff is quite content to preach team effort.
"The team has improved a lot this year," said coach Bernie Rogers. "We don’t necessarily have one big guy, but a handful of guys with extraordinary talent."
Senior forwards Tom Marshall and Eric Jann will join junior Anthony Keiter up front. They will be aided by guards Mike Colon and Rus Slawter.
Andrew Rogers — who scored a whopping 324 points last season — can also be found in the back court.
Starring at center this season will be senior Chris Wilk.
Last year, the Raiders qualified for postseason play but bowed out with a loss to North Catholic in the quarterfinals.
This year, they’re hoping for another shot at success.
"Our first goal is to make playoffs, and then we’ll take it from there," said Rogers, in his eighth year of leading the Raiders. "The team has a lot of strengths, but mostly we have a smart team that plays unselfish ball. We have solid teamwork."
CARDINAL DOUGHERTY
Last year, the Cardinals claimed first place in the Northern Division for the fourth time in five years.
This year they’re hoping to keep the good times rolling, but having lost seven seniors to graduation, things could get tricky for Cardinal Dougherty.
Returning player Brandon Savage — a senior forward who also will see time at center — will lead the squad this year. Other key players include junior guard and forward Isiah Mason and sophomore point guard Jahkeem Bogans.
"All of the other positions are up for grabs," said coach Mark Heimerdinger. "It’s a giant jigsaw puzzle right now, with all of the pieces on the floor. We’re just trying to pick them up one piece at a time.
"Our expectations this year are real simple," he continued. "We’re looking to improve our work ethic, team unity and basketball IQ every day."
FATHER JUDGE
Versatility is the name of the game for this year’s Father Judge High School basketball team.
"We have an incredibly athletic team this year," said coach Frank Cahill. "We have so many different guys who can play different positions."
Senior center Andrew Vose and shooting guard Bob Zanneo — All-Catholic players who had a combined scoring total of 537 last year — will lead the Crusaders. Fellow seniors Jim DiLisio and Matt McLaughlin and junior Pat Schultz will also see playing time as point guards.
Starring in the front court are juniors Josh Jaskowiak and Tom Ryan, who can also play shooting guard.
"Tom is one of the most athletic kids in the city," said Cahill. "He is an All-Catholic football player and a very talented basketball player."
Ryan Langdon and Luis Crespo will share time at center.
"Defensively, we’re going to be a zone team, which I think is going to be our big strength," said Cahill. "Plus the guys match up well. The athleticism of this team is very good."
NORTH CATHOLIC
Last year, the Falcons made their first playoff appearance since 2000, but the season ended with a loss in the semifinals.
This year, they’re back with a vengeance.
"We really want to build on last year," said coach Mike McCarron. "I believe that we’ve gotten better and better. The team has a lot of depth."
Senior guard Lenny Young will be running the show. The team captain sank 270 points as a junior and is working hard to raise the bar this season. He’ll work in the back court with fellow guards R.J. Handy, Velton Jones, Terrell Oglesby — all seniors — and sophomores Woody Redding, Mike Terry and Brandyn Wims.
Josh Stevens will handle dual roles at guard and forward. Other Falcon forwards include seniors Pete Sellecchia and Kevin O’Neil and underclassmen Bob Makor and Xavier Harris.
Freshman Rakeem Christmas — a 6-foot-8 center — and senior Shahid Paulhill can be found up front.
"I’m really blessed this year with a great group of kids," said McCarron, who has coached North Catholic for six years. "Practices have been phenomenal. They’ve been a lot of fun because the players are so competitive. The team is really having a blast playing together." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com