District and PIAA classification: 3-AAAA
Head coach: Bob Strickler (10th season, 121-108).
2012-13 record: 11-11 overall, 6-10 in the Mid-Penn Keystone Division.
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Players: Zach Brunner, 6-5 sr F
Drew Schankweiler, 6-7 sr C
Reed Alioth, 5-11 sr G
Evan Brosious, 5-10 sr G
Back-door cuts: Although this particular Mechanicsburg edition certainly has plenty of available experience — quality bigs Brunner and Schankweiler headline the Wildcats’ senior class — replacing dependable guards Josh Smith and Collin Farnham was Strickler’s top priority when preseason practice began. If the hard-working skipper can locate someone or a number of people who can handle defensive pressure, bag a few jumpers and get the ball inside consistently, solid guard play will put the ‘Cats in the middle of a brutal Keystone Division title chase. With the fiercely competitive Strickler capably pulling the proper strings and the Brunner-Schankweiler combo hammering inside, Mechanicsburg may be in the mix regardless.
Projected order of finish: 7th of 9.
First game: Friday, Dec. 6 vs. Hatboro-Horsham in the Carlisle Classic Tip-Off Tournament. 5:30 start.
First home game: Tuesday, Dec. 10 vs. Hershey. 7:30 tip.
BULLOCK ON TWITTER: @thebullp_n