Coach Josh McEntire looks to push a fresh varsity men’s team to success in the 2012-2013 basketball season.

“In general we are young and inexperienced, but we have some solid guards coming back and guard play is really big in basketball. So if we can get some of the younger players and post players to step up, we can really compete for the conference championship and be there (in contention) at the end of the season.”

The Wolverine varsity men’s team includes:

Seniors – No. 32 Todd Yoder (6’4), No. 23 Ben Stockdale (6’3), No. 21 Quin Chody (6’0), No. 5 Alec Philpott (6’0) and No. 4 Tim Owens (5’6); juniors – No. 20 Jaylin Hines (5’10), No. 13 Saquan Miller (6’2) and Anthony Carson (5’10); sophomore – No. 3 Jordan Smith (6’1) and freshman No. 10 Jamal Tanner (5’10).

McEntire said his team has its strengths despite its youth.

“We are very athletic and have some very good basketball talent, but we just have to have it all come together,” he said. “If we will play defense every night and share the basketball we will be fine.”

In terms of areas that will need improvement, McEntire said his guys need to take care of the basketball, bring defensive intensity and also improve scoring on the inside when in a half court set.

Although there are only 10 players on the roster currently, he feels good about the depth of the team.

“I feel good about our bench; that any of the 10 players can go in and contribute at any time and give solid minutes,” McEntire added.

As always, Hendersonville and Mountain Heritage are expected to be the most formidable competition but with several new coaches in the conference McEntire anticipates to be a lot of excitement this year.