The Herald, Sharon, PA



BOYS BASKETBALL
SEASON PREVIEW: FARRELL

2002-03 SCHEDULE
Nov. 29-30 -- Tipoff tourney
Dec. 3 -- Woodland Hills
Dec. 6 -- Grove City
Dec. 7 -- at Sto-Rox
Dec. 14 -- vs. Franklin (at YSU)
Dec. 17 -- at Mohawk*
Dec. 20 -- Riverside*
Dec. 27-28 -- Dresch-McCluskey Christmas tourney
Dec. 30 -- vs. Oliver (at Sto-Rox)
Jan. 3 -- at Shenango*
Jan. 4 -- George Junior Republic
Jan. 7 -- at Laurel
Jan. 10 -- Neshannock*
Jan. 11 -- at Harding
Jan. 14 -- at Ambridge
Jan. 17 -- Shady Side Academy
Jan. 21 -- Mohawk*
Jan. 24 -- at Riverside*
Jan. 28 -- Shenango*
Feb. 4 -- at Neshannock*
Feb. 8 -- at Kennedy Catholic
[* = WPIAL Section 2 contest]
By The Herald Sports Staff

The West Coast offense typically is used as part of football lexicon, but Farrell's boys basketball team incorporated the West Coast offense last winter, outscoring opponents in a high-octane fashion.

"But we lost 64 of our 80 points (per game)," third-year head coach Michael DeCello pointed out regarding graduation losses, "so we'll be a different kind of team this year. We'll be up-tempo, but we'll look different from last year."

Unfortunately, last year saw standout Iren Rainey ruled ineligible by the WPIAL's Board of Control relating to his transfer (including a principal-to-principal "sign-off") from Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va.

Consequently, Farrell was forced to forfeit 13 wins, seven of which were in its section. The PIAA's Board of Appeal ultimately upheld the WPIAL's decision.

But this year's Steelers will parlay height, quickness and athleticism into a team that promises to be "fun to watch," according to DeCello.

Seniors Chez Phillips and Greg Smith, 6-foot-5 and 6-3, respectively, will be joined by 6-4 juniors Clarence Clay, Kellen Newby and Jayson Jackson, as well as 6-1 sophomore Domonique Blackwell on the front line, while 5-10 junior Brian Michael Dungee will quarterback the offense, much as he did during football season. Seniors Tahfaren "Tex" Owens, Lionel Stinson and Jason Marshall, 6-2, 6-1 and 6-0, respectively, will lend depth, as will a pair of 6-foot juniors, Jeremy Dunlap and Curtis Newby.

"We play everywhere," DeCello declared when asked to attribute specific positions, and he chuckled when asked for an appraisal regarding weaknesses, although he byassed a first scrimmage, claiming his club was not quite ready. In week No. 2, Farrell hosted District 10 perennial power General McLane.

DeCello decided to further upgrade the Steelers' schedule, reasoning, "We're just trying to get better. We're not going to have 20 wins, but when the playoffs come, we want to be playing well. ... We play really well at 'E.J.' (McCluskey gymnasium), but when the playoffs come we won't be playing there. We need to learn how to win when we're not in our house."

Consequently, Farrell will face the likes of Sto-Rox, Ambridge and Kennedy Catholic on the road, as well as powerhouses such as Woodland Hills, Franklin, Warren-Harding and Pittsburgh City League member Oliver during the course of the campaign.

Farrell's tipoff tourney included Kennedy, Duquesne and Hickory, while the Christmastime classic will include legendary Chester, as well as Philadelphia-Franklin Learning Center and Buffalo-Burgard.

In WPIAL Section 2 DeCello said Neshannock's shooting and Riverside's talent should prove to be Farrell's formidable foes.

"People who see our team will realize we play really hard," DeCello related. "And our kids like each other -- they're friends. But they'll get down and dirty."

Traditionalists who questioned DeCello's defense during his first two seasons will be pleasantly surprised, he said.

"That's all we practice on. We really concentrate on defense," he said, adding, "we'll try to score points off (opponents') turnovers, that's how we're going to be successful."

The defense showed in the recent Farrell Tipoff Tournament when the Steelers defeated Kennedy Catholic, 57-54.

DeCello's father, Tony, played for Farrell's first state championship team (1952) under the legendary McCluskey, so the son knows all about expectations prompted by the proud program.

"At Farrell, you've got to win," said DeCello, who deadpanned, "No pressure, right?" -- By Ed Farrell, assistant sports editor.



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