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North Reading Boys Basketball Preview

2006-07 record: 13-8, lost in Division 3 North first round

Returning starters (2): Kevin Lentini, 6-4, Jr., forward; Kevin O'Leary, 6-2, Sr., forward

Returning lettermen: Nick Brown, 6-4, Sr., center; Mark Bokuniewicz, 5-10, Sr., guard; Dan Connors, 6-1, Sr., forward; Steve Stewart, 6-0, Sr., guard; Mike Tringale, 5-10, Sr., guard; John Finch, 6-1, Jr., forward

Newcomers: Dino Rizzo, 5-11, Jr., guard; Darren Hartwell, 6-2, Jr., forward; Paul Burdett, 6-0, Jr., guard; Kevin Singer, 6-3, Jr., forward; Kyle DiPanfilo, 6-3, Jr., forward; Ron Rossi, 6-1, Jr., forward; Matt Barretto, 5-11, Jr., guard

Candidates in all grades: 60

Captains: Kevin O'Leary, Mark Bokuniewicz

Returning leaders: Kevin Lentini, 10.3 ppg; Kevin O'Leary, 8.0 ppg

Returning honorees: None

Assistants: Mark Bisognano, JV; Chris Sullivan, JV

Opener: Dec. 11 hosts Hamilton-Wenham, 7 p.m.

Odds and ends: The Hornets will look to improve on back-to-back 13-8 seasons. ... Co-captain Mark Bokuniewicz is a member of the National Honor Society. ... Kevin O'Leary was the starting goalie on the soccer team and Darren Hartwell was the leading receiver on the football and Dino Rizzo was the leading rusher.

Coach Joe Casey Jr. (7th year, 71-55): "Kevin Lentini is a legitimate college prospect. He's a tremendous offensive player. The JV team was 19-1 so we are looking for a lot of juniors to step up. Only O'Leary, Brown and Lentini got big minutes last year. We could have some growing pains early but we could be good come the new year."