Three returning starters will anchor the Centre boys? basketball team this year under the direction of fifth-year coach Greg Wyatt.
The Cougars, who compete in Class 1A-Division I, concluded last season with a sub-state semifinal loss to Fairfield, 60-50, for an overall record of 12-10.
Three senior starters return: Ty Simons, a 6-foot guard; Kyle Methvin, a 6-1 forward; and Grant Srajer, a 5-4 guard.
Three additional letter-winners return for the Cougars: seniors Tanner Peterson (5-11) and Chad Mueller (5-11) at forward and junior Dakota Stimpson (5-8) at guard. Stimpson received a provisional letter last year.
Five newcomers will be important to watch: seniors Nick Salamone (6-4) and Kevin Lewis (6-2) at forward; and juniors Justin Bina (5-10) at forward and Jared Barney (5-10) and Conner Montgomery (5-5) at guard.
?We are going to be fairly small but experienced this year and will have to rely on playing good, solid defense as well as being fundamentally sound on offense,? Wyatt said.
?Most teams we play will be a great deal bigger than us, so we will have to block out well in order to limit the number of shots opponents get.?
Wyatt anticipates the Cougars to be among the top four teams in the Wheat State League. Other schools to watch include Rural Vista, Solomon and Little River.
?The league is pretty balanced, and depending how well we prepare and work together will determine our position in the league standings as well as how far we go into post-season,? Wyatt said.
Centre is scheduled to open the season at the Her?ing?ton Preseason Tourna?ment Dec. 10-14.
