Coach: David Pepin (first year)

Last year’s record: 1-17.

Returning letter-winners: Seniors — Nate Backus (5-10 guard), Kindle Bonsall (6-0 forward), Cam Abbott (6-2 forward); Juniors — Brad Durrell (6-4 center), Drew Parsons (6-1 forward), Colton Lawrence (6-0 forward), Kody Vining (6-1 center), Justin Evans (6-1 forward); Sophomore — Devin Hoyt (5-8 guard).

Key loses: None.

Promising newcomers: Senior — Andrew Pratt (5-10 guard); Sophomores — Alex Gilbert (5-8 guard), Ryan Pratt (5-6 guard); Freshman — Zach Middlestadt (6-1 guard).

Outlook: The Cougars hope to bounce back from a painful 2012-13 season with much of their nucleus eager to show how much they’ve improved and bolstered by the return of Abbott, who missed last season with a knee injury. Backus, Bonsall and Durrell showed scoring ability last year, and with Pepin’s aggressive halfcourt defense creating turnovers, figure to get more easy opportunities in transition. They will usually be at a size disadvantage, so they will have to crash the boards to supplement their defense with rebounding for opportunities.

Copy the Story Link