Does that mean an Inter-Ac League championship?
Hey, in a season that promises to be extra competitive, it could translate to middle of the pack.
Malvern Prep, the defending outright champ, returns the league MVP, wing guard Brendan Kilpatrick (Vermont), as well as frisky point guard Steve Perpiglia and forward Tom Pitt.
Germantown Academy looks to its small-tall combo of 5-10 guard Nick Lindner and 6-9 Julian Moore.
Tall is a somewhat relative term, however. At Haverford School, freshly arrived from China, you'll find 7-foot Xu Tao, who was a member of that country's under-19 national team. The most accomplished veteran is guard Zach Thomas.
Forward Brian Metzler and guard John Moderski are the top returnees at Episcopal Academy and Penn Charter, respectively.
There are two new coaches, and each was a first-team Daily News All-City honoree. In fact, PC's new boss, Lynard Stewart, was the Player of the Year for Simon Gratz in 1994. HS is now being steered by alumnus Henry "Doug" Fairfax ('99).
The league's annual tipoff tripleheader has been switched from a Saturday to a Friday. Date/site: Jan. 7 at Cabrini College, with games set for 4, 6 and 8 p.m.
THUMBNAILS
EPISCOPAL ACADEMY
Coach: Craig Conlin, 2nd year. Education: La Salle, La Salle. Career: 13-12.
Last year: 5-5, 13-12.
Savvy seven: Brian Metzler, 6-4, F; Matt Angelos, 6-1, G; Adam Strouss, 6-3, G-F; Chris McNeal, 6-foot, G; Markuan Stutts 6-3, F; Collin Wright, 5-10, G; Jack Schiel, 6-6, F-C.
Conlin's comment: "The lads are competing and defending hard for themselves and for each other!"
GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
Coach: Jim Fenerty, 23rd year (also Egan, 1982-89). Education: Dougherty, La Salle. Career: 483-316; 422-178 at GA.
Last year: 5-5, 14-14.
Savvy seven: Julian Moore, 6-9, F; Nick Lindner, 5-10, G; James Drury, 6-2, G; Earl Edwards, 6-5, F; Greg Dotson, 6-6, G-F; Connor Crump, 6-foot, F; Cameron Retif, 6-1, F.
