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Haverhill Boys Basketball Preview

2006-07 record: 7-12, Did not make state tourney

Returning starters (1): Charlie Roche, 6-4, Jr., guard Returning lettermen: Anthony Perez, 6-2, Sr., guard; Ismael Rios, 6-4, Sr., forward

Newcomers: Devon Alvarado, 5-5, Frosh., guard; Eric Jones, 5-8, Soph., guard; Dennis Driftmeyer, 5-8, Soph., guard; C.J. Hamilton, 5-6, Soph., guard; Chris Lantagne, 6-4, Jr., forward; Javier Bristol, 6-4, Jr., guard; Kelvin Valdez, 6-4, Jr., forward; Nate Jeudy, 6-2, Jr., forward; Keyland Fields, 5-8, Jr., guard; Isiah Ocasio, 5-11, Jr., guard

Candidates in all grades: 45

Captains: TBA

Returning leaders: Charlie Roche, 11.8 ppg, 14 3-pointers

Returning honorees: Charlie Roche, All-MVC

Assistants: Brian Bettano (JV), Steve Silva (Frosh.)

Opener: At Charlestown, Tuesday

Odds and ends: Mike Trovato was hired as interim coach, replacing Bob Walsh, who had a 281-224 record in 24 years. He was a starting point guard at Central Catholic, from where he graduated in 1997, and played at Bentley College as well. ... Edwin Norgaisse (11.0 ppg last year as a sophomore), a talented 6-2 forward, transferred to New Hampton Prep. Haverhill hasn't made the state tourney since 2005 and hasn't won a postseason game since 1999. Mike Ford (9.8 ppg) didn't go out for the team. ... February has been tough on Haverhill lately, the Hillies have endured season-ending stretches of 1-5 last year, 1-8 in '06 and 0-5 in '05. ... Former Methuen High and UMass Lowell star Brian Bettano, the 1997 Eagle-Tribune MVP, is a new Hillie assistant coach.

Coach Mike Trovato (1st year): "It's going to be a long process for us. We've lost some players but I like what I have. Turn this program into a winner, and the kids will come back and want to play here. Devon Alvarado is probably going to be my starting point guard. Charlie Roche and Ismael Rios have looked good so far."