Boys basketball: Berks III team-by-team breakdown

By Mike Drago Last updated Dec 8, 2021

Coach: Ryan Ludwig, fifth season, 31-28.
Last season: 10-1 Berks III champ, 12-4 overall.
PIAA Classification: 4A.
Last District 3 playoff appearance/victory: 2021/2021.
Key losses: All-division PG Owen Doyle, all-division F Darren Brunner, F Zach Zechman.
Top players: 5-11 senior PG Julian O’Brien, 6-3 senior C Nevin Carter.
Key players: 6-0 senior G/F Amory Thompson, 6-1 junior G/F Ben Zechman, 5-10 junior G Drew Eisenhower, 6-2 senior F Rory Filoon.
Outlook: Spartans took a big hit at graduation, losing their top three scorers. They’ll open the season a couple weeks late because the majority of their starting lineup is still involved in football this week. Should be physical, athletic, defensive-oriented team once they round into shape.

Coach: Terry Sitler, ninth season, 80-107.
Last season: 5-6 Berks II, 11-8 overall.
PIAA Classification: 5A.
Last District 3 playoff appearance: 2000/1990.
Key loss: All-division G Kyle Wojciechowski.
Top players: All-division junior 6-0 G Jake Karnish, 6-5 senior C Will Ryan.
Key players: 5-10 sophomore G/F Aiden Soumas, 5-8 sophomore PG Nate Herb, 6-0 senior G/F Aiden Gorman, 5-11 senior F Dylan Fickes, 5-9 senior G AJ Knoll, 6-1 sophomore F Mason Musitano, 6-6 sophomore C Hunter Svoboda, 6-2 junior F Braden Williams, 5-11 sophomore PG Liam Hilburt.
Outlook: Tigers have the experience and talent to make run at first division title in 40 years. Jake Karnish is top returning scorer in the division; he averaged 13.9 points last season and hit 23 3-pointers. Aiden Soumas is a top sophomore. Biggest team in division.

Coach: Nick Evangelista, fourth season, 13-53.
Last season: 2-9 Berks II, 5-17 overall.
PIAA Classification: 4A.
Last District 3 playoff appearance: 2006/2000.
Key loss: F Hunter Shuey.
Top players: 6-4 junior G Xander Menapace, 6-3 junior G Kevin McFarland.
Key players: 6-5 junior F Morgan James, 6-1 junior G Conner Licklider, 6-2 junior F Connor Gruber, 5-10 G junior Luke Bensinger.
Outlook: Hawks have length, athleticism and some proven scorers in Xander Menapace, who averaged 11.8 points last season, and Kevin McFarland, who averaged 8.8. Depth an issue.

Coach: Taylor Grim, 10th season, 92-108.
Last season: 7-4 Berks III, 11-8 overall.
PIAA classification: 4A.
Last District 3 playoff appearance: 2021/2017.
Key losses: All-division G Tyrus Kauffman, all-division G Michael Mish.
Top player: 6-4 senior G Luke Seymour.
Key players: 6-2 senior G Troy Frantz, 6-1 junior G Mark Rajnath, 5-9 senior G Ben Eddinger, 5-11 junior F Elijah Houser, 5-11 sophomore G Dominic Giuffre-Cuculletto, 5-11 senior F Drew Campbell, 5-7 junior G D’Andre Goodluck-Gilkies, 5-10 freshman G Cooper Hohenadel.
Outlook: Panthers looking at a total rebuild after graduating four starters. Top starter, Luke Seymour, is injured and is not expected back until late December, or later.