Coach: Chris Bessey (third year)

Last year’s record: 14-6, lost Western B quarterfinal

Returning letter-winners: Seniors — Scottie Hall (5-9 guard), John McKenna (5-10 guard), Austin Couture (5-10 forward); Juniors — Peter Theriault (5-11 guard), Anthony York (6-3 forward), Deonte Ring (6-1 forward), Tyler Kachnovich (6-0 forward).

Key loses: Nate Hamblin (guard), Josh Wilcox (forward).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Eric Taylor (6-3 center); Juniors — Kyle Trask (5-10 guard), Matt Vigue (5-9 guard); Sophomores — Andrew Darling (5-9 guard), James Ouellette (6-1 forward); Freshman — Austin Darling (5-9 guard).

Outlook: Spruce Mountain returns its starting five and essentially all of its scoring to garner preseason favorite status in the MVC. The Phoenix have the speed and depth to wear opponents down with their up-tempo style. Vigue, recovering from a concussion suffered in football, could add even more depth and speed.They don’t have a lot of size, but York, Ring, Kachnovich and Theriault are strong rebounders who can get the transition game going. They also have a number of options in the halfcourt, with Theriault, Hall, McKenna and Ring all capable of getting hot for stretches.

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