Gone from last year are Mark Wheeler and Derrick Chowning. Mark was the leading scorer last year and Derrick really came into his own both in scoring and rebounding. The Patriots will miss these fine young men.

However the Patriots return a team full of experience with six seniors four of which started at some point in the season last year. Additionally one junior starter returns as well, so the teams should have plenty of experience going into this season.

Returning players with experience are seniors David Barger, Logan Brubaker, Ryan Buck, Kendall Stutz and junior Tyler Greer. Two other seniors looking to contribute are Tyler Evans and Tyler Fisherback. Juniors Heath West and Brett Foreman also will be looking to contribute with Freshman Drew Moore rounding out the team.

The Patriot team should have a balanced attack with good guard play out front and size in the low block. The team last year set a record for the third consecutive year defensively allowing just 45.8 points per game.

The team backcourt will be led by Logan Brubaker a 3rd year player, and captain. Logan will direct the point providing a steady hand, and spearhead the defense he is a smart player who understands the game.

Also in the backcourt will be senior and captain Kendall Stutz. Kendall brings to the floor an uncanny ability to get to the basket and finish. He also has shown he can knock down the outside shot and has improved defensively.

The third guard is a 3rd year player junior Tyler Greer who was the team’s second leading scorer last year at 10 points per game. Tyler is a tremendous athlete who can shoot outside, penetrate, or get out and run off the break. Tyler also is a very good defender.

Inside the Patriots boast two of the conferences bigger forwards. Leading the way will be senior and captain, Ryan Buck. Buck last year was hampered early in the season with a nose injury and wore a mask… but as the season progressed he started to come into his own. Buck can shoot the 15’ shot and at 6’5” can finish inside as well.

Teaming up inside is a senior and 3rd year player David Barger. David is a very skilled big man with good inside moves and also possesses a soft touch from 15’. He also gives the Patriots size inside at 6’4”. As a big man David was one of the teams leading passers last year.

Two other seniors who have worked hard over the years to earn the right to contribute are Tyler Evans and Tyler Fisherback. Evans gives the team more size inside at 6’3” and, through his hard work he was selected as a team captain.

Tyler Fisherback is another young man who has worked hard and exhibits enthusiasm for the game. He gives the Patriots a shot of adrenalin when needed.

Other backcourt players looking to contribute this year are juniors Brett Foreman, Heath West and freshman Drew Moore.

Brett has been hampered by a foot injury missing the entire fall Golf season. When healthy Brett has good jumping ability and is long. He also has good range and is a threat behind the arch.

Heath is a guard who is strong with the ball and a very good defender. Heath is a good athlete and is always in the mix.

A surprise this year is freshman Drew Moore. Drew appears to have all the tools with good skill level both handling and passing the basketball. He also has a fine touch from the outside.

The Patriots for 2007-08 return lots of experience and won’t be able to slip under the radar this year. In order to win a title they will need to perform every night, as teams will be prepared to try and knock them off.

Other teams that will challenge for a conference title are Miami East, Arcanum, Twin Valley South, Franklin Monroe and Ansonia in what should be a very competitive year in the Cross County Conference.

With hard work and little luck this may be the year of the Patriots so everyone get out and support your team. Go Patriots!