WPIAL Class AAA Boys' Basketball Preview

Mike White previews WPIAL Class AAA boys' basketball:

(Photo: Montour's Devin Wilson (center) is one of the state's top point guards.)

Mars: After winning a WPIAL first-round playoff game for the first time in school history last season, this has the makings of one of the best teams in Mars history. The Planets didn't have a senior on their roster a year ago and are a heavy favorite to win this section title. Senior guard Mitch Buzard and junior guard Owen Nearhoof both averaged 13 points a game. Senior center Josh Goetz averaged 8 points and 12 rebounds. Other returnees include senior guards Garrett Ashbaugh, Matt Getsy, Zach May and Alex Locher.

Knoch: The Knights have a new leader as Ron McNabb takes over as coach. McNabb is a former head coach at Valley and Burrell. He inherits a team that finished third in the section last year. Junior guard Austin Miller, senior forward Dakota Bruggemen and senior forward Marc Vaughan are the top returnees.

Kittanning: The Wildcats feature one of the section's best players in senior guard Sterling Henry, who averaged 18 points a game and made all section last season. Vince Mead, a 6-6 senior forward, averaged 10 points a game last season..."