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Lookahead to the 2015-16 boys' basketball season


It should be a guard's league when YAIAA teams take the court this November. That's a long time away, but with the release of the all-state and GameTimePA.com All-YAIAA teams, here's a peek into next season.

First, here are 15 players to watch, followed by a way-too-early preseason top five.

FAB FIVE

Josh Bailey, West York: The Bulldogs will be a player not only in the YAIAA but in District 3 for Class AAA. As alluded earlier, this will be a guard-dominated league. Bailey is the point guard anchor to West York.

Eli Brooks, Spring Grove: Team planned around Brooks when they faced the Rockets, who still made their first district appearance in more than a decade. Yes, he's a point guard.

Montrel Morgan, William Penn: How about another point guard? Morgan earned District 3 Class AAAA MVP honors in the Bearcats' run to a championship.

Kobi Nwandu, Northeastern: Like Brooks and Morgan, Nwandu earned GameTimePA.com first-team All-YAIAA honors. The athletic wing helped Northeastern to a Division II title.

Kristopher Johnson, William Penn: A 6-foot-6 guard, Johnson has a knack for big-game moments. Take his winning shot a year ago to beat Cedar Crest for a district title. And his late defensive play to draw a charge that ended Evan Horn's day in this year's district final rematch.

NEXT FIVE

DeAireus Brown, Northeastern: Another athletic guard for the Bobcats, Brown gained confidence as the season went on. He will be only a junior next season.

Broguen Nicholas, Eastern York: One of the league's pure scorers, Nicholas and the Golden Knights will add to an interesting Division II race.

Jason Rebuck, Red Lion: Rebuck can do a few things on the defensive interior, rebound, alter shots and has improved his offensive game each season.

Brandon Smallwood, William Penn: Quietly, Smallwood turned into a double-double player. There will be more rebounds and blocks for Smallwood to go after now that Jahaire Wilson won't be around.

Jared Wagner, Central York: A pick-pocketing specialist on the court, Wagner is one reason Central shouldn't be counted out with Sam Saxton's graduation.

DON'T FORGET THEM

Marquise Camel, Gettysburg: A crafty guard, the Warriors will surely lean on him more next season.

Najah Fink, Dover: One of the few big men left in the area.

Brock Geiman, South Western: He's the starting quarterback on the football team and should become a four-year varsity basketball player as one of the league's sharpest sharpshooters.

Charlie Gingrich, Central York: Call Gingrich the preseason favorite to lead the area in rebounding.

Trey Shifflett, William Penn: Like Geiman at South Western, Shifflett will be one of the few four-year players next season.

PRESEASON TOP FIVE

1. William Penn: The Bearcats likely won't be as favored in the district picture like this past season. Teams, such as Reading and J.P. McCaskey, will be improved. However, a returning foursome of Morgan, Johnson, Shifflett and Smallwood would make any coach envious.

2. West York: Expect the Bulldogs to challenge William Penn for the YAIAA throne, if they can get past Northeastern. In addition to Bailey, forward Darian McCauley will be a three-year starter and rebounding machine. Matt DellOrfano provides defensive versatility and Ian Lalic, lost in the district quarterfinals to an injury, gives West York another perimeter option.

3. Northeastern: Still talented. In addition to Nwandu and Brown, point guard Donovian Maxfield and Jeff Reynolds should still be in the fold for Jon Eyster's group. Losing senior Derrick Hoffman in the post will create a void in rebounding and shot blocking.

4. Spring Grove: Coach James Brooks' squad will continue to ascend. The dynamic duo of Eli Brooks and Darin Gordon (an omission from the above list) is reason enough to be excited in Spring Grove.

5. Central York: The Panthers have the perimeter sizzle of Wagner, inside toughness with Gingrich and 3-point shooting of Nathan Markey. Their JV team was pretty good, too, which should help coach Kevin Schieler restock at Central.