Coach: Mike Hathaway (fifth year)

Last year’s record: 15-4, lost in Western Class B quarterfinal

Returning players: Juniors — Andrew Middleton (6-5 forward), Levi Morin (6-2 forward), Zac Goulette (5-11 guard), Matt Powell (6-7 center), Sam Green (6-1 guard).

Key losses: Jordan Hersom (6-4 forward), Tim Dow (6-3 guard), Tyler Walton (5-11 guard), Greg Lake (6-2 forward), Dustin Collins (6-4 forward).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Isaiah Magee (5-9 guard); Juniors — Nate Coombs (5-10 guard), Drew Gosselin (6-2 forward); Sophomores — Mitchel Davis (6-5 center), Austin Anderson (6-2 forward), Korey Caito (6-1 guard), Reed Farrar (5-11 guards)

Outlook: On the heels of back-to-back playoff appearances, the Hornets will have their youngest team in several years. Middleton and Morin are returning starters. Middleton has the potential to emerge as one of the most prolific scorers in the KVAC, and Goulette is poised to take over at point guard. Despite the youth, Hathaway believes this team may develop superior depth to its predecessors thanks to the talented junior and sophomore classes. The Hornets will execute an up-tempo style, with 10 or more players shuffling in and out of the lineup.

Coach’s comment: “If we can win enough games early on to stay in contention, I think we will be a tough team by the end of the year.” — Coach Mike Hathaway