The Herald, Sharon, PA



BOYS BASKETBALL
SEASON PREVIEW: GROVE CITY

2002-03 SCHEDULE
Nov. 29-30 -- Kiser Classic
Dec. 3 -- Wilmington
Dec. 6 -- at Farrell
Dec. 10 -- Reynolds
Dec. 13 -- at Mercer
Dec. 17 -- OilCity
Dec. 19 -- Meadville
Dec. 21 -- Peabody
Dec. 27-28 -- Burger King tourney
Jan. 3 -- vs. George Junior Republic (at Slippery Rock University)
Jan. 4 -- at Reynolds
Jan. 7 -- at East
Jan. 10 -- Slippery Rock*
Jan. 11 -- vs. Kennedy Catholic (at Westminster College)
Jan. 14 -- at Thomas Jefferson
Jan. 17 -- at Hickory*
Jan. 24 -- at Sharon*
Jan. 31 -- at Slippery Rock*
Feb. 4 -- vs. George Junior Republic (at Slippery Rock University)
Feb. 7 -- Hickory*
Feb. 11 -- Central
Feb. 14 -- Sharon*
[* = MCAC-AAA contest]
By The Herald Sports Staff

Grove City High coach Don Fee only returns one senior letterwinner, but that doesn't mean his Eagles are devoid of experience entering the 2002-03 campaign.

Back are a core of juniors in point guard Jeff Krantz (6-0), forward Mike Johnson (6-4) and guard Kevin Persch (6-0), who all started last year. Also back is senior guard Brian Sansom (5-9), who also started a few games, and junior forward Dan Peck (6-3) who saw increased action at the end of last season.

They were in the mix with last year's 19-10 team that finished as the MCAC Class AAA co-champ, placed third in the District 10 playoffs, and lost in the opening game of the PIAA tournament. Gone from that team are graduates Will Anderson, Jarrod Denbow, Harrison Rondon and Andrew Williamson.

"The group I have right now has been tremendous in practice and worked very hard," Fee said. "The chemistry we have with this group I really like. That's a big plus. They've played together a lot, the guys have good attitudes, and are on the same page a lot."

Last year, Johnson emerged as one of the top players in the county, averaging 14 points and 8 rebounds, and often guarded the opposing team's best player. He also brought the ball up the court when need be.

"Mike is a lot stronger kid," Fee said. "He's increased his foot speed, increased the range on his shot. He's a better shooter than he was last year and I think he's really improved his game in all aspects."

Fee expects Peck to take some of the pressure off Johnson.

"He's going to have to be strong for us on the boards," Fee said. "He's getting stronger. He's still not huge, but he's stronger and it's shown in his play."

Krantz has also come along well, Fee said, especially with his shooting. He averaged about 7 points a contest last year.

"Before he was passing up shots. Now he's looking to shoot it," Fee said. "That's going to make him that much more effective with his drive."

Those three, along with Persch (8 ppg) and Sansom, who was a solid 3-point threat off the bench last year, are the nucleus. They'll be complemented by one newcomer Fee expects to contribute right away in senior Jeremy Hedegore (5-11).

"Jeremy's certainly going to help us," Fee said. "He has great athletic ability ... we're a lot quicker when he's on the floor."

Others include juniors Brandon Hanna (5-9), Jeff Mattocks (6-0) and Jarrod Troy (6-1), sophomores John Fee (6-1) and Tony Aloisio (6-6) and freshmen Ryan King (6-3) and Jesse Alfreno (6-0).

Fee said he is comfortable going seven deep at this point, but the others will be able to pick up some minutes.

"Between those guys, I think we can have a decent bench," Fee said. "It may end up being a little deeper than I thought."

As for the league, Fee feels Sharon is the team to beat.

"They have a lot of returning letterwinners, and some kids who can shoot," Fee said. "They plugged in their one missing ingredient, a 6-8 post player. Certainly, they'll be very good I think. After that, Slippery Rock has good size and are competitors. I think they'll be a very good team this year. And I think Hickory will be improved from last year."

Fee (223-106 entering 13th year) will be assisted by Mont Mattocks and Brad Landfair. -- By Brad Isles, Allied News editor



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