2002-03 SCHEDULE

Nov. 30 -- Mathews Dec. 3 -- at Maplewood* Dec. 6 -- at Girard* Dec. 10 -- Lordstown Dec. 13 -- at Liberty* Dec. 17 -- Champion* Dec. 20 -- LaBrae* Dec. 30 -- Pymatuning Valley Jan. 7 -- at Newton Falls* Jan. 10 -- at Cortland-Lakeview* Jan. 14 -- Badger* Jan. 17 -- at Hubbard* Jan. 21 -- Girard* Jan. 24 -- Liberty* Jan. 28 -- at Champion* Jan. 31 -- at Labrae* Feb. 7 -- Newton Falls* Feb. 11 -- at Cortland-Lakeview* Feb. 14 -- at Badger* Feb. 21 -- Hubbard* [* = TAC-8 contest]

By The Herald Sports Staff

The Brookfield Warriors basketball team was the area's Cinderella story during last season's playoffs. This year the Warriors would like to get into the big dance instead of being stopped at the front door.

Brookfield went 5-15 during last year's regular season before winning two straight games in the sectional-district tournament before bowing i n a hard fought battle with Badger in the semifinals.

That experience is what second year mentor Chris Fahndrich is counting on this season.

"One of our strengths is our experience. We have a good group of guys who have great chemistry," stated Fahndrich.

One player not able to start the season for the Warriors will be 3-year starter Julian Hayes. The 5-foot-10 shooting guard was injuried during the final football game of the season, but is expected to return after the first of the year according to Fahndrich.

Hayes' return will add depth to a very experienced group which will be led by seniors Tedd Swogger, a 6-2 post, 5-9 guard Jim Litman, 5-11 post player Chad Fonagy, and Greg Kohler, a 6-1 forward.

Adding depth to a talented lineup will be Colby DeCapua, a 5-11 junior guard, while Mike Quaglia, a 6-3 junior center will come off the bench to shore up the inside, and 5-8 sophomore guard Sam King will add depth to a talented backcourt.

"Match-up's with the TAC teams this year will be tough due to the fact that we are not very tall," Fahndrich said. "This year, the TAC is very balenced. Liberty is returning everyone from last year, while Champion will have their top players back from a season ago. Anyone will have a chance to win it all this year."

Note: Fahndrich will be assisted this season by Dick DeCapua and Jay Obermeyer. -- By Jim Powers, Herald writer.