BISHOP MCDEVITT CRUSADERS
District and PIAA classification: 3-AAA
Projected Mid-Penn Keystone finish: 3rd.
Coach: Jeff Hoke.
2011-12 record: 14-11 (8-6, 3rd in Commonwealth). Downed Lancaster Catholic 73-61 in the District 3-AAA round of 16, then lost to Lampeter-Strasburg 70-58 in the quarterfinals and Greencastle-Antrim 74-71 in District consolation round.
Top players: Dyllon Hudson-Emory (6-6 jr F), Donte Vaughn (6-0 jr G), Milik Gantz (6-3 so G), Caleb Barwin (6-3 jr G/F), Justin McCarthur (6-0 jr G), Daquan Phillips (5-10 sr G), Will Pierce (6-2 sr F), Thomas Denniston (5-11 sr G), Jordan Mosley (6-2 jr F), Mark Ray (6-1 so G/F).
The big picture: Here’s another athletic group flush with talent that wants to push, push, push the ball offensively. So much so, Hoke might spend plenty of time paying homage to Paul Westhead and Bo Kimble by dusting off several 1990 Loyola Marymount game films. Yet even though McDevitt should have few problems scoring, Hoke is preaching the need for defense and rebounding. Youthful side might need a few weeks to mesh, but once that happens these guys could roll. Gantz is a joy to watch in transition.
BULLOCK ON TWITTER: @thebullp_n