'99-00 SCHEDULE

Dec. 7 -- Wilmington      10-- Meadville      14-- George Junior      17-- Greenville      18-- at East Liverpool      27-28 -- at Farrell Tournament Jan . 4 -- at Slippery Rock      7-- Hickory      8-- at Warren Harding      11-- at Grove City      14-- Franklin      15-- at Meadville      18-- at Beaver Falls      21-- at George Junior      25-- at West Middlesex      28-- at Greenville Feb. 5-- Farrell      8-- Slippery Rock      11-- at Hickory      15-- Grove City      17-- Oil City.

By The Herald Sports Staff

Compared to last year, Sharon coach Gary Revale is way ahead of schedule.

It wasn't until the 1998-99 season was roughly two weeks old that Revale had his entire squad in practice. That was due to the Tigers football team advancing deep into the PIAA playoffs. By that point, Sharon was 0-3.

This year, Revale (38-40 entering his fourth year at Sharon) will have approximately a solid week of practice with his top players heading into the season opener.

That group is underclassmen-laden and consists of just one returning senior letterman, 6-0 Steve Jacobson.

Other returning lettermen, all of whom are juniors, who saw a bulk of duty during last year's 9-16 campaign were 6-1 Marlin Jackson (183), 6-1 Jason Fromm (185), 6-6 forward Kevin Harris (78) and 6-0 Terrance Phillips (129). Justin Schweiss, a 6-2 forward, also lettered as a freshman after finishing with 82 points.

Aside from Fromm, who is penciled in as the point guard, the group is versatile and can play just about anywhere they're needed, according to Revale.

Having this core group of players in early will be an obvious benefit for the program, Revale feels.

"That was part of it, and part of it was those names were sophomores and freshmen last year," Revale said, attributing last year's early-season woes to a late start and inexperience. "We didn't have the year from our seniors that we'd like to have had either. Jeff Valentino was out (with a broken wrist on his shooting hand) and Bear Shimrack was banged up. We had the late start because of football, then injuries. If it wasn't one thing it was another."

Despite getting off to a slow start, where at one point the Tigers were eight games under .500, Sharon made a late-season run and went to the final game with a chance to tie Grove City for the MCAC-AAA title. Still, Sharon made it to the District 10 playoffs, but lost in the quarterfinals.

"We rallied in the league games and that was a pleasant surprise," Revale said.

Revale's big six will be complemented by Josh Runyan (6-5 senior), John Kocinski (5-7 senior) and Matt Skilljo (6-3 junior), all of whom were part of the program and played significant roles during the early part of last season.

"They're non-football players who we're hoping will make a contribution," Revale said. "All had some playing time last year. They've been in the program, played in our summer leagues and have been practicing this year. They've worked hard and are in a position to play."

Revale feels he has not only the aforementioned nine, but possibly a trio of others who could see action on the court. It also makes for better competition in practice.

"Between jayvee and varsity, preparation and all the things they've done this year, we have people who could play," Revale said. "Hopefully that will lead to the right things, people pushing each other."

There is one vacancy Revale is worried about and it is an intangible ‹ leadership.

"I think after last year we have a chance to be good. Whether the kids do what they have to do to be good remains to be seen," he said. "I'm reasonably pleased with the summer. We have a lot of experienced kids back, but they're not seniors.

"The question of leadership remains with this group. They don't just have to decide to come out and play hoops. They have to decide they want us to be a good basketball program."

Russell Kelly is back to serve as Revale's assistant and is in his fourth year on the bench. New to the program is Paul Torr.

As for the league, Revale feels it will be the "same old story.

"Grove City is right there, coach (Don) Fee always does an excellent job. They're always strong. Slippery Rock has probably the most dominant single player in (Ben) Zajac. They're getting closer and closer to breaking through. They have one of my former assistants, Chris Burtch, at the helm. And Hickory is always tough to beat. You still have to come ready to play and work to beat them."