The cupboard looks different, but it hardly looks bare — unless you're on the outside looking in.

Butler's boys varsity basketball program will look to build on last year's 17-11 record and deep playoff run despite many of its key cogs — Bobby Swartwout, Cody Herald, Zach Slater and Vinny Schmidt — being lost to graduation.

“We're getting zero respect from anybody in Western Pennsylvania basketball,” third-year coach Matt Clement said. “They look at us, see our only returning starter averaged nine points per game, and figure we have nothing.

“That's fine with me. Respect has to be earned and this group is hungry to earn it.”

Senior point guard Nate Snodgrass is the lone starter returning from last year's team that reached the WPIAL Class AAAA semifinals and PIAA quarterfinals.

While this year's starting lineup has not been finalized, Clement said he has seven other players joining Snodgrass in the rotation to start the season.

They include guards Cody West, Trevor Wideman and Dom Pusateri, forwards David Tompkins and Matt Baranchak, guard-forwards Jake Hilliard and Luke Hartung.

“Tompkins, Hilliard, Wideman, Baranchak ... a number of those guys saw key varsity minutes during our tournament run last year and some started a few games during the season,” Clement said. “They can draw from those experiences.

“No doubt, this is Nate's team. The other guys even want it to be Nate's team. But we have to fill in around him and structure a team.”

Clement said any one of three players could lead the Tornado in scoring on a given night or for the season.

“Any one of four teams could win our section, too,” he said. “A lot of things need to be decided.”

Seneca ValleyCoach: Victor Giannotta, eighth yearLast Year: 10-11 overallThe Raiders look impressive on paper, but Giannotta is more concerned with how his squad performs on the court.Of the team's top seven players, none are shorter than 6-foot-1 and five of them stand at least 6-4.“I've been coaching varsity basketball for 21 seasons and this is the tallest team I've had,” said Giannotta. “But we still have to go out and play the game. We have to use the height to our advantage.”The Raiders, who just missed the WPIAL Quad A playoffs last year with a 5-7 mark in Section 3, will start three forwards in seniors Matt Smith, Austin Bream and Chad Albert. All three saw significant playing time as juniors.Senior Alex Maxfield will switch from shooting guard to point guard, taking over for the graduated Christian Durbin, a 1,000-point scorer.“Durbin is irreplaceable,” said Giannotta, “but we feel we can have a balanced attack this season. (Maxfield) will have the ball in his hands, especially late in games.”Maxfield, Seneca Valley's top returning scorer, put up 12 points, 4.2 rebounds and three assists per contests as a junior.Junior Easton Bazzoli will play shooting guard, rounding out the starting lineup, which combined for 22 double-digit point games last year.Center Alex Snyder (6-7) and forward Ryan McCauley (6-3), both juniors, will bring more height to the floor and could see some starts along the way.Giannotta believes he has the group that can get the Raiders back to postseason play for the first time in three seasons.“Collectively, they could be the most talented group we've had here at Seneca Valley,” he said. “We just have to perform as a team.”

FreeportCoach: Mike Beale, first year

Last year: 8-9 overallThe Yellowjackets rallying cry of ‘team chemistry' will play a big part on how far the team can go this season.Beale, in his third stint as head coach, will try to put a team in place that saw four key players graduate from last season.Junior guard Brendan Lynch, the team's leading scorer with 14.3 points per game, returns as does senior point guard Ryan Dunn (7.0 ppg, 17 3-pointers).“Brendan's overall quickness and athleticism will create challenging matchups for opposing teams in our conference,” Beale said.“Ryan Dunn is poised at the point position this year. I can see the game has slowed down for him and his court vision and decision making has greatly improved,” Beale added.Senior forwards Alex and Sean Carson will both bring a presence — and their 6-foot-3 frames — into the post while any of a number of players could interchange in the final starting spot.“The Carson brothers have added weight, strength and most importantly game experience throughout the offseason,” Beale said.Seniors Rob Palko and Jordan Ziemianski will bring depth while juniors Fred Pastoria, Tony De Vivo, Robbie Miller and Zane Geist will each bring a different dimension to the lineup.“Our junior group really offers us a lot of flexibility,” Beale said. “Each member of our backcourt rotation possesses a different skill set, giving our coaching staff the ability to mix and match the lineup.”

Moniteau

Coach: Randy Armagost, 12th year

Last year: 15-10 overallA historic season for the Moniteau football team has created unprecedented circumstances for the basketball squad.The Warriors are about three weeks behind schedule, as numerous athletes expected to play hoops were consumed by football's run to the PIAA quarterfinals.“It's challenging,” said Armagost. “The kids are tired and we're trying to give them a break.”The long football season has worn down some athletes, creating plenty of uncertainty. Armagost still doesn't know what players will be at his disposal.As of Tuesday night, Armagost was only sure of three starters: Seniors Kyle Armagost and Jonathan Loos, along with junior point guard Andrew Armagost.Kyle Armagost helped lead the Warriors to the District 9 Class AA title game last season with 19.2 points per game. He stands at 6-foot-1 and has already eclipsed 1,000 career points.The 6-1 Loos (1.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg) will see an expanded role this year, while Andrew Armagost averaged 5.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game last season.“Everyone else is fighting for a position,” said coach Armagost. “Whoever else keeps showing up and plays hard.”No matter who fills out the Warriors' roster, Armagost wants to slowly shift gears into basketball season.“They're in great spirits and all working hard, but we're trying to get them into thinking basketball,” said Armagost. “It's important we play fundamental basketball, especially in the first month.“We need few turnovers and to slow the game down some before these kids get their basketball legs and start shooting well,” Armagost added. “We need to be mentally tough for the first month.”

Karns City

Coach: Chris Bellis, third year

Last year: 6-16 overallThe Gremlins were scoring points by the basketfuls last year — namely 3-point baskets — and were much more competitive.Now, Bellis wants to take that next step by focusing on defense and working the ball inside.“The kids are tired of losing, the kids and the coaches,” Bellis said. “We're ready to turn the corner.”That will start with the team's guard play. Tucker Preston (8.8 ppg, 31 3-pointers), Tyler Kepple (7.6 ppg, 41 treys), Brandyn Bowser (6.8 ppg, 13 3's) and Ethan Williams all return.“We got guys who can put the ball in the basket but we need to establish an inside game.A lot of times we fell behind and had to press and foul. We need to do a better job rebounding,” Bellis added.That's what Bellis is hoping from forwards Tom Stoughton, Kyle Barger, Brady Ellenberger and Justin Hutchison — all 6-feet or taller.“All four will battle for inside positions ... I'd like to get a balanced offense. Kepple and Preston had 70 threes between them. We need to take the ball inside, too.”The players enjoyed strong fall seasons and Bellis hopes that will have a residual effect this winter.When we talk about setting goals, the kids have the District 9 title in their eyes even though we won six games last year and four the year before,” Bellis said.“The success in football and other sports, you hope that carries out onto the basketball court.”

Knoch

Coach: Josh Shoop, second year

Last Year: 8-11 overallThe Knights missed the playoffs by a game last year, finishing 7-7 in section play.The team has been working hard at elevating the program since.“Our strength is in our post play. We've got a lot of big, strong kids,” Shoop said. “But our guards have really been putting the time in. We're looking much-improved in that area.”Knoch graduated its most dominant player from last year in Nathan Junk (14 points, 10 rebounds per game). Senior guards Tavita Lio, Alex Strezeski and Michael Schenk, along with senior forward Jack Boros and junior post Dakota Bruggeman appear more than ready to pick up the slack, however.And they'll have plenty of help.Senior forward Andy Tuzikow, junior guard Mike Cunningham, junior forward Marc Vaughan and sophomore point guard Austin Miller are all set to contribute.“All of those guys will have roles and we have a lot of size in our sophomore class,” Shoop said. “Our outside shooting needs to improve and our football players are a bit behind yet, but I love toughness on a basketball team and those guys bring that.“We want to challenge for the section title this year. We're going to go hard at people because we've got a lot of guys we can use over the course of a game.”

Mars

Coach: Rob Carmody, 14th year

Last Year: 18-5 overallIt's a team with a different look, but one that Carmody believes can find its own road to success.The veteran coach lost five seniors to graduation — including 1,000-point scorer Christian Locher — from last year's WPIAL Class AAA playoff squad.“It wasn't just Christian,” said Carmody. “Brad Weischedel, Jake Lee, Brandon Eckstein and Andrew Moraca, those guys provided a lot of leadership.“With no seniors, we're such a young team,” added Carmody. “We may not have a guy who's going to go out and score 22 points every night like Christian, but we have a number of guys who can score.”The Planets return two starters in junior guards Mitch Buzard and Garrett Ashbaugh.Buzard will move to point guard this season. He was used mostly as a shooting guard last year and he averaged 8.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game while hitting 18 three-pointers.Sophomore guard Owen Nearhoof saw significant playing time as a freshman and should see starting time in 2011-12. His biggest contribution last year was his 29 three-point goals.Also vying for playing time in the backcourt are Jason Lozzi, Ben Erdahl, Alex Locher and Matt Getsy.Mars does have size with 6-foot-7 junior center Josh Goetz. In fact, six players on the varsity roster stand at least 6-2.“This is the biggest group we've had since I've been here,” said Carmody. “I am anxious to see how we handle that first trip down the floor when we need a basket.”

Grove City

Coach: Don Fee, 21st year

Last year: 13-8There will be large portions of games this season in which the Eagles will have five players on the floor who stand 6-feet or shorter.That means Grove City will have to play fast, shoot well and play aggressive defense.“Let's hope our midgets can get the job done,” Fee said.It's not that Grove City is bereft of size, it's just that size isn't quite ready to contribute yet because of a long and successful football season.The Eagles' biggest presence inside is 6-5 senior Jordan Patterson.“J.P., he has good hands and good feet for as big as he is,” Fee said. “He has to get his conditioning down. It's a big difference running up and down a court all night.”There may be game, though, that Patterson sees little playing time based on the opponent.Fee said he may want to leave his “midgets” on the court to wreak havoc.“Sometimes (Patterson) may be our leading scorer. Other nights, he may not even see the floor.”Fee has a stable of good guards, led by senior Torin Smith, who led all of the Butler County area in 3-pointers last season with 68 and averaged 15.2 points per game.“Torin is as good a shooter as I've ever had,” Fee said.Senior Alec Goodwin is a stopper on defense and senior Donte Robinson, a transfer from Hickory, is a well-rounded player, Fee said.What it may come down to for the Eagles is how quickly they can answer some of their burning questions.“I think we're a playoff team,” Fee said. “I don't think anyone in the region is great. We can beat everybody. Of course, everyone can beat us, too. I think we're a mystery.”

Slippery Rock

Coach: Phil Bushre, fourth year

Last year: 10-12The Rockets will have to find a way to replace nearly 40 points of offense per game following the loss to graduation of Brian Giesler, Andrew Waryanka, Cody Wolinski and Alec McDeavitt.To do that, Bushre expects to spread the wealth among many, including a very deep bench.“I have 22 kids total and I'll dress 16 kids for varsity,” Bushre said. “Most of those kids are juniors and seniors. I think we need to figure out what makes our team good. One thing we will be is balanced.”Senior Ryan Thompson returns at point guard and will have plenty of options around him.One intriguing player is 6-5 senior forward Caleb Whitney, who looks poised for a big season for the Rockets.“He's one who I brought up as a freshman when I first got here,” Bushre said of Whitney. “For Caleb, it's his last year of high school basketball and I think he's put in the time and deserves to have a complete senior year. He's another kid who will do what it takes for the team.”With so many players clamoring for playing time, Bushre has found it more important than ever to develop chemisty and to define roles.What helps, Bushre said, is he has a roster of versatile players. If Bushre had his druthers, he would have a bunch of guys averaging between eight and 10 points per game.“I think that would be a coaches dream,” he said, “We have a lot of guys who can do a lot of things well. I'm pretty excited.”

Summit Academy

Coach: Art McCray, second year

Last year: 17-10 overallIt would be tough to duplicate the type of year the Knights had last season, but that doesn't mean McCray and his team won't try.The Knights earned their first section title last year with a 10-2 record and won three postseason games, including a PIAA contest.“We have probably the most athletic team I've seen come through here,” said McCray, who was an assistant dating back to 2001. “We'll use that advantage. It's a matter of getting these guys to come together.”Summit Academy participated in some summer camps and played against Penn Hills, Vincentian, North Hills and Perry and came away with big victories.“I'm very excited about starting,” McCray said. “We open with Woodland Hills, then play Fox Chapel the next day. We play all our nonsection games against Quad A and Triple A teams.”Forwards Omar Johnson and Elijah Maine — both 6-foot-8 — will be joined by 6-5 guard Tyerell Wyche, 6-2 guard Robert Davis and 5-8 point guard Rakim Reedy with 6-4 guard-forward David Carter adding a spark off the bench.While no players returned from last year's varsity team, McCray believes last year's success can continue this year.“Last year was my first year and it gives me confidence as a coach and, as a staff, that what we've presented to the players, that our philosophy works,” McCray said.“Some players do not have the basketball IQ like others that have played together for years. I'm confident that the things we've presented work. We have evidence it works.”

Union

Coach: Karen Davis, ninth year

Last Year: 20-8 overallIf Union earns a trip to the District 9 Class A title game, it's going to take defense — the same aspect that carried the Golden Knights into the championship last year.“If we can get stops and play heads-up ‘D' and hustle and be aggressive, I think we'll be all right,” said Davis. “Defense is a lot of it.”Part of the winning formula is scoring, too, and Brody Pollock figures to provide plenty of it.The 5-foot-11 senior averaged 20 points per game in his junior campaign, which included 46 3-pointers on the season.Pollock will likely be joined in the starting lineup by fellow seniors Taylor Smith (5-9 guard), Austin Davis (5-7 guard) and Mikey Harris (6-1 forward), along with 5-foot-10 junior guard Brody Shick.The Golden Knights won't boast a height advantage over most teams, but that's something Union has become accustomed to.“We've always been short,” said Davis. “I've always kind of worried about the rebounding situation, but we always seem to be all right.”Union has several players who could make an impact off the bench. Juniors Aaron Graham, Kaden McGregor and Shawn Hazlett will get some minutes, along with sophomores Dylan Shirey and Wanya Harris.Hazlett presents the best size off the bench at 6-foot-1 and Davis hopes the junior can develop into a weapon in the post.“He's been looking pretty good this year,” she noted.Regardless, the Golden Knights will try imposing an up-tempo style of play, while solid team chemistry should also be an advantage for Union.“The unity ... knowing each other, reading each other. Just to have that camaraderie, that helps,” said Davis. “We're fast, we're quick, we've got good, little ball handlers.“That's our strength: speed and quickness,” she added. “Pushing the ball up and down the floor and keep running.

A-C Valley

Coach: Jim Marron, 12th year

Last Year: 10-13 overallA huge piece to the Falcons' puzzle is gone, but Marron has enough returning to make the veteran coach optimistic about the 2011-12 campaign.Allan Eaton, a 6-foot-6 forward, graduated last spring after averaging 23.8 points and 11 rebounds per game as a senior.“We're going to miss Allan,” Marron said, “but we have seven other guys back who saw a lot of playing time last year. We're looking to spread the scoring around.”Leading the way is junior guard/forward Ryan Bartley, who put up 16 points, seven rebounds, five steals and four assists per night.Joining Bartley in the starting lineup will be point guard Brody Irwin, shooting guard Landon Delisio, forward Jeff Eaton and either forward Kevin Kaufman or Cole Terwilliger.Guards Keaton King and Adam Hirsch and forward Jay Kaufman will all see minutes off the bench.Hirsch, a 6-0 senior, will come in to spell Irwin at the point. The former saw a lot of action at the position for last year's junior varsity squad.“It's really important to have somebody able to step off the bench and run the point,” said Marron. “You never know when you might get into foul trouble.“I like the overall experience of the team,” said Marron. “We're not as big as we have been in the past, but we still have some good size.”