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Salem, NH Boys Basketball Preview

2006-07 record: 23-2, Class L State Champion

Returning starters (1): Josh Jones, 6-3, Jr., guard

Returning lettermen: Dan Kinney, 6-4, Sr., center; Shawn Stoodley, 6-2, Sr., forward; Josh Frederico, 5-10, Sr., guard; Kevin Sledge, 6-0, Sr., guard; Mike Kimball, 6-1, Jr., guard; Mark Adamson, 6-4, Jr., forward; Sean Bergeron, 6-4, Jr., center

Newcomers: Dave McEneaney, 6-2, Jr., forward; Sam Shields, 6-0, Jr., guard; Mark Frounjian, 6-1, Jr., guard; Alex LaRosa, 5-9, Soph., guard; Brian Thornhill, 5-10, Soph., guard; Kyle Henrick, 6-1, Soph., forward

Candidates in all grades: 78

Captains: Dan Kinney, Shawn Stoodley, Josh Jones, Mike Kimball

Returning leaders: Josh Jones, 12.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg.; Mike Kimball, 4.2 ppg; Kevin Sledge, 3.6 ppg

Returning honorees: Josh Jones, Eagle-Tribune All-Star

Assistants: Charlie Samataro, varsity assistant; Rob McLaughlin, junior varsity; Brian Stanton, freshmen

Opener: Host Timberlane, Friday

Odds and ends: The state title was the school's first since 1995. It was Salem's fourth title game appearance in the 86-year history of the NHIAA tourney. The 1964 Woodbury High team lost to Bishop Brady in the Class I title game. The 2004 team fell in the finals after pulling off one of the great upsets in state history, stunning previously unbeaten Trinity High, the No. 11-rated team in the nation, in the semifinals. ... Josh Jones starts his junior campaign with 551 points. ... Kevin Sledge is one of the top running backs in the region. ... Dan Kinney already has five state titles to his credit, the Class L hoop championship last year and four straight in volleyball. He's the reigning state player of the year in volleyball.

Coach E.J. Perry (10th year, 122-84): "Josh Jones takes over as our go-to guy, but I like the overall depth in our rotation right now. Kinney, Stoodley, Frederico and Kimball all have started at one time or another and should be ready to step up. Kevin Sledge has proven to be the ultimate role player for us. That's a solid six-man rotation. Adamson and Bergeron both had tremendous offseasons. If we have an eight-man rotation working, we'll be tough to beat. The one key we'll need is quality point-guard play from Frederico and the sophomore, Alex LaRosa."