MECHANICSBURG WILDCATS
District and PIAA classification: 3-AAAA
Projected Mid-Penn Keystone finish: 5th.
Coach: Bob Strickler.
2011-12 record: 8-14 (2-10, 7th in Keystone). Did not qualify for postseason play.
Top players: Collin Farnham (5-9 sr G), Josh Smith (5-11 sr G), Zach Brunner (6-3 jr F), Reed Alioth (5-10 jr G), Drew Schankweiler (6-5 jr F/C), Evan Brosious (5-9 jr G), Zach Ross (5-5 sr G), Parker Beatty (5-10 sr G), Breon Coke (6-0 so F), Connor Lewis (6-0 so F), Brad Powell (6-0 so F).
The big picture: Although Mechanicsburg has endured a rough stretch lately, no one in the Keystone dozes on the Wildcats. Since Strickler’s well-coached charges go ridiculously hard for 32 or more minutes each night out, everyone comes ready to scrap. Expect nothing less this time around, since gritty Farnham, Smith and Brunner are ready to reverse recent trends and turn things around. Plus, return of assistant and big man guru Kevin Rutherford to staff should accelerate Schankweiler’s progress in the painted area.
BULLOCK ON TWITTER: @thebullp_n