Boys basketball: Berks I team-by-team capsule previews

By Mike Drago Last updated Dec 8, 2022

Coach: Rick Perez, 12th season, 249-73.
Last season: 11-1 Berks I champ, 26-4 overall, District 3 champ.
Schedule: Click here.
PIAA classification: 6A.
Last D3 playoff appearance/victory: 2022/2022.
Key losses: All-Berks F Daniel Alcantara, all-division C Xavier Davis, PG Joey Chapman.
Top players: Berks Player of the Year 6-2 Sr. G Ruben Rodriguez, all-division 5-11 Sr. G Myles Grey.
Key players: 6-5 Sr. G Aris Rodriguez, 6-2 Sr. F Amier Burdine, 6-6 Jr. C Malik Osumanu, 6-3 Jr. G Yadiel Cruz, 6-2 Fr. G Weshly Rosario, 5-11 Jr. G Nick Chapman, 5-11 Jr. G Nick Sosa.
Outlook: Red Knights are the pick to repeat as Berks Conference and District 3 champs and make another state run. In Ruben Rodriguez they’ve got one of the top guards in program history and one of the most prolific scorers in Berks history. Myles Grey is a first-rate defender and 3-point threat. Amier Burdine is a defensive specialist. And the beat goes on.

Coach: Matt Coldren, 22nd season, 372-178.
Last season: 7-5, 15-11 overall.
Schedule: Click here.
PIAA classification: 6A.
Last D3 playoff appearance/victory: 2022/2022.
Key loss: F Foday Sillah.
Top players: All-division 5-11 Sr. G Cam Jones, 6-2 Jr. F Aidan Melograna, 5-9 Jr. G Cleveland Harding.
Key players: 5-11 Soph. G Madyx Gruber, 6-4 Jr. C Ofure Odiale, 6-0 Sr. G Seamus Breslin, 5-10 Fr. G Correll Aikings, 6-1 Sr. F Zach Cieniwicz, 6-3 Jr. G Tommy Hunsicker, 6-0 Sr. F Nick Crocona, 6-0 Soph. G Tommy McFadden.
Outlook: The Bulldogs just missed a state playoff berth last season but should improved enough to make that leap, what with six of their top seven scorers back. Cam Jones, one of the league’s toughest players and best defenders, will lead the way. Backcourt mate Cleveland Harding provides experience and scoring punch. Aidan Melongrana figures to be one of the most improved players in the league and a top 3-point threat; he hit a team-best 30 a junior. Not much size but plenty of depth and scoring options.

Coach: Matt Flowers, second season, 18-7.
Last season: 9-2 Berks II champ, 18-7 overall.
Schedule: Click here.
PIAA classification: 5A.
Last D3 playoff appearance/victory: 2022/2021.
Key losses: All-Berks C Edwin Suarez, all-division (Berks 2) Alex Tomlinson, G Tashiro Alexis.
Top players: All-Division (Berks 2) 5-8 Jr. G J’Daniel Mosquera, Jr. G Xzavion Robertson, 6-4 Sr. F Josh Alcantara.
Key players: 6-3 Jr. F Kyle Archie, 6-3 Sr. F Mehki Adonis, 6-1 Sr. G Eric Branch, 6-1 Jr. G Alex Collado, 5-11 Jr. G Julian Zabala, 6-0 Fr. G Mike Miller, 6-0 Jr. G Luis Valentin, 5-10 Sr. G Jermaine Towles.
Outlook: The Muhls can’t easily replace the scoring, rebounding and inside presence of two-time All-Berks C Edwin Suarez. They’ll fill that void with their depth, defense and shooting. They’ve got pleny of each. J’Daniel Mosquera emerged as one of the top point guards in the county last season and he’ll set up a variety of wing shooting threats. Balanced lineup and attacking style will be tough defend.

Coach: Brian Wrobel, first season.
Last season: 5-7 Berks I, 11-1overall.
Schedule: Click here.
PIAA classification: 6A.
Last D3 playoff appearance/victory: 2020/2020.
Key losses: Head coach Kyle Conrad, all-division F Matt Harley.
Top players: 6-2 Sr. F Gerrell McNeil, 6-0 Sr. G Delsin McNeil.
Key players: 6-1 Sr. G Tyler Minick, 5-11 Sr. G Christian Massillon, 6-2 Jr. F Cole Renninger, 5-11 Jr. F Darryll Jonnson, 5-6 Soph G Andrew Galantuomo.
Outlook: Mustangs went just 2-6 in division play last season and will have trouble matching that in a division that includes three of the top programs in District 3. They lost their leading scorer and top outside threat, Matt Harley, but have a pair of proven scorers and outside threats returning in Gerrell and Delsin McNeil. Otherwise they don’t have much experience or size.