PALMYRA COUGARS
District and PIAA classification: 3-AAA
Projected Mid-Penn Keystone finish: 4th.
Coach: Pete Conrad.
2011-12 record: 14-12 (4-8, 4th in Keystone). Defeated Milton Hershey 77-57 in District 3-AAA preliminary round and edged Donegal 50-49 in the round of 16, before falling to York Suburban 68-65 (OT) in the quarterfinals and Northeastern 65-58 (OT) in the consolation round.
Top players: Logan Stovall (6-3 sr F), Adam Newhard (6-2 sr G/F), Shaun Robinson (5-9 sr G), Chris Lynn (5-11 sr G), Trey Baker (6-1 sr G), Ross Romanoski (5-11 sr F), Brad Mackey (6-3 sr F), Ian Frazier (5-11 so G).
The big picture: While Conrad’s Cougars took another mighty step forward last season by doubling their 2010-11 victory total, consecutive overtime losses in the 3-AA playoffs prevented the Lebanon Countians from advancing to states. Helps explain why a Palmyra side anchored by Stovall and Newhard is so hungry to make a postseason return. Strong possibility, too, even though Cougars lost bangers Colby Conway, Jordan Harro, Dan Rusling and Brandon Petrouskie. Solid club with bright outlook.
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