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Andover Boys Basketball Preview

2006-07 record: 14-8, lost in Division 1 North first round

Returning starters (4): Tristian Shannon, 6-3, Sr., forward; Derrick Beasley, 6-0, Sr., guard; Peter White, 6-3, Sr., forward; Greg Cook, 5-11, Sr., guard

Returning lettermen: Sam Hutchins, 5-10, Sr., guard; Chris Abreu, 6-0, Sr., forward; Zach Burdeau, 6-2, Sr., forward; Kevin Polanco, 6-3, Jr., forward

Newcomers: Connor Arnold, 6-2, Jr., forward; Josh Torres, 5-11, Sr., guard; Sean Ehlbeck, 6-1, Jr., guard; Kevin Baroni, 6-2, Jr., forward; John Haak, 6-2, Jr., forward; D.J. Fazio, 5-7, Soph., guard

Candidates in all grades: 100

Captains: TBA

Returning leaders: Tristian Shannon, 12.1 ppg; Peter White, 5.0 ppg; Derrick Beasley, 4.7 ppg; Greg Cook, 4.4 ppg; Chris Abreu, 4.0 ppg

Returning honorees: Tristian Shannon, MVC all-star

Assistants: Carol Martini, varsity assistant; David Giribaldi, junior varsity; Alan Hibino, freshman coach

Opener: Dec. 14, at Haverhill

Odds and ends: Andover was a surprise finalist in the Greater Lawrence Christmas Tournament. ... Missing the superstar players they've had in recent years, the Golden Warriors had their fewest wins and the earliest state tourney exit since the 2000-01 season. ... Andover certainly has championship genes. Tristian Shannon is the son of former Lawrence High standout Noah Shannon. Derrick Beasley is the son of ex-Patriot draft pick Derrick Beasley. Connor Arnold is the son of former Andover and UMass Lowell hoopster Jim Arnold. Talented sophomore D.J. Fazio is the lone son (two younger sisters) of head coach Dave Fazio. ... Chris Abreu started at linebacker and halfback for the Warriors this fall, running for 735 yards and five TDs, adding 10 sacks on defense and Beasley was another two-way standout. ... Peter White is one of the league's top dunkers.

Coach: Dave Fazio (19th year, 289-121): "We have seven seniors back who've been through the wars. So I definitely think this team will be there. Like last year, we may go through a bunch of starting lineups. I think Kevin Polanco's role as a scorer will increase. Tristian Shannon had a big junior year and he has to build off that and take it up a notch."