By The Herald Sports Staff

In gauging the Mercer County-area's talent on the hardwoods this season can be summed up in one word -- youth.

Last year, the county saw an incredible amount of talented upperclassmen. This year, the majority are untested underclassmen.

For example, both Grove City in Class AAA and Kennedy Christian in Class A must field entirely new starting lineups.

Nontheless, the seasons in all the area's conferences -- the Mercer County Athletic Conference, the French Creek Valley Conference and Section 1 of the WPIAL -- should be just as exciting as ever. And every game will count when it comes to determining who plays into March.