Addition of 1,000-point scorer in 6-2 swingman Devon Jackson of West-Mont Christian should lead Exeter to playoff berth.

The Berks boys basketball season opens in five short days. Here are 10 things to watch this season:

1. Lonnie . . .

Before he takes the first shot of his senior season, Reading High's Lonnie Walker IV is already one of the most celebrated, talked-about, popular and successful athletes in Berks County history. And there's lots more to come.

Last month, he ended a hotly contested national recruiting battle by committing to the University of Miami. A few months before that, he was a finalist, battling college guys, for a spot on the U.S. National U-18 team.

Now he begins the task of taking the Red Knights to the top, meaning a run at a long-coveted state championship.

On the way the two-time Berks Player of the Year should pass Donyell Marshall's school record of 1,581 points.

2. . . . and the Red Knights

That 28-4 record and sprint to the PIAA semifinals last season were historic, something that hadn't been experienced up at the castle in more than three decades.

The wait for another magical season won't be nearly as long. In fact, it could be here already.

With returning starter Isiah Cook and newcomers from a powerhouse JV team, Lonnie Walker IV already had enough of a supporting cast returning for Reading High to win another District 3 title.

Now, with the addition of several transfers, chiefly Tyrone Nesby from Berks Catholic, the sky is the limit.

....10. On the move

It has been a busy season for transfers.

Reading High won the offseason lottery, picking up All-Berks pick Tyrone Nesby from Berks Catholic; Fleetwood's second-leading scorer, Justin Hummel; and 6-4 Jose Genao from Perth Amboy, N.J.

Exeter added a 1,000-point scorer in 6-2 swingman Devon Jackson of West-Mont Christian.

Defensive stopper Dominique Diaz-Cruz moved from Gov. Mifflin to rival Wilson.

Berks Catholic added promising sophomore Bernie Blunt, the son of former Saint Joseph's star Bernard Blunt.

Mike Drago's preseason Berks rankings

(Last year's final record)

1. Reading High (28-4) Loaded and looking at repeat in Berks, District 3 and beyond

2. Wilson (18-11) Deep, physical Bulldogs only team that can push Red Knights

3. Berks Catholic (17-10) Still very young, still talented, still at top in Berks II

4. Gov. Mifflin (12-12) Mustangs, Bubba Peters looking to make next step up

5. Exeter (10-13) Eagles have size, scoring pop to return to Berks playoffs

6. Boyertown (13-10) Return of Kapp, Thomas will keep Bears battling in PAC Liberty

7. Wyomissing (17-8) Step up to Berks II, should challenge right away

8. Twin Valley (13-9) With 6-7, 6-3, 6-3 front line, Raiders could challenge in Berks II

9. Schuylkill Valley (13-9) Panthers tasted success last season, should continue in Berks III

10. Kutztown (8-11) Still young team, but Cougars starting to turn things around

To read the complete article, please check out The Reading Eagle: http://www.readingeagle.com/sports/article/lonnie-walker-iv-tops-list-of-things-to-watch-in-berks-basketball