HERSHEY TROJANS
District and PIAA classification: 3-AAAA
Projected Mid-Penn Keystone finish: 6th.
Coach: Paul Blackburn.
2011-12 record: 20-3 (12-0, 1st in Keystone). Lost to Chambersburg 55-53 (OT) in District 3-AAAA round of 16.
Top players: John Miller (5-11 sr G), Tim Gette (6-3 sr G), T.C. Liptack (6-2 sr G), Jack Gunkel (5-11 jr G), Ricky Bugg (6-1 jr G), Chase Watkins (6-5 jr F), Jordan Wix Rauch (6-0 so G), Tim Edwards (6-6 jr F), Connor Donahue (6-2 jr G), Logan Calhoun (6-2 jr G), Jailen Harmon (5-11 jr G), Chris Stauch (6-1 jr F).
The big picture: Having lost nine seniors to graduation from a program that last season collared its second Keystone Division title in three seasons, the upbeat Blackburn spent preseason practice readying a youthful bunch for its first full season on the varsity bench. Since the unflappable Miller returns at the point — he sports a terrific handle and his clutch gene comes in handy when last-second shots go up — Blackburn does have a dependable leader and floor general available. One thing’s certain: These guys will compete.
BULLOCK ON TWITTER: @thebullp_n