AUGUSTA — The Spruce Mountain boys basketball team returned to the G&E Roofing Summer Basketball League at Cony High School making a strong effort to reload for next winter’s campaign.

Graduation took its toll on the Phoenix, who are looking to find the right combinations while playing in Augusta.

“We did lose a ton to graduation, that experience can’t just be replaced immediately,” coach Scott Bessey said. “I’m really excited at how different this team will be…eventually.

“Our perimeter shooting and our full court pressure will be a big strength. A lot of growth needs to happen for us, and that is what I am expecting out of this summer. Leaders need to emerge and I’m looking forward to seeing who steps up in that role. We will make a ton of mistakes this summer so we hopefully don’t make them during the season.”

For the second straight summer, the Phoenix have chosen to play in the Augusta league which features a number of top opponents, plus teams Spruce Mountain will see during the winter season.

“There are lots of familiar opponents,” Bessey said. “No other league this summer has as many familiar opponents as this one. Augusta is a short ride, nice courts and good officials.”

Last winter the Phoenix played solid basketball peaking at tournament time before losing to a very good Lake Region, 41-37. Lake Region advanced to the Western B regional championship game.

“We were ready for the tournament, and at the end of the day that is what it’s all about. I’m not sold on having undefeated seasons and winning conference championships,” Bessey said. “It’s about the tournament, it’s about February. We were right there last year, we lost to a great Lake Region team that almost went to the state game.

“We were ready in February and that’s what I want my teams to prepare for. We will struggle at times next year due to our major lack of varsity experience as a whole, but we will be playing our best basketball come February.”

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