It's the dawn of a new basketball season, and the Zephyr boys will once again look to rise above the competition and get back into the postseason.

The Zephs finished last season 12-12 and made it to the district playoffs. With no margin for error, that team responded to the challenge of winning tough games down the stretch to secure a D-11 berth. This year's team will also need to find that same mental reserve since it's a fairly inexperienced team that's going to need to rely on heart as well as talent.

While they do have six seniors this year, a number of those players had limited roles last season. Still, they'll hit the court with a number of seniors who logged significant varsity minutes, including Anthony Bellucci (3.7 ppg) and guard James Wah whose quickness is a tough match for any team. Additionally, forward Nick Shafnisky saw plenty of time on the floor last year. The senior will be an anchor in the middle for the Zephs, grabbing the tough rebound and scoring in the paint.

Seth Sommer is another senior who played last year. He'll vie for time in the frontcourt along with Damon Meckes and Dominic Bellucci.

For head coach Jeff Jones, having that nucleus, plus the influx of younger players and how they adapt, will tell the story of the season.

"We're really counting on those guys, the seniors, and the underclassmen," said Jones. "And as for the seniors, we'll be looking for leadership out of those guys."

They lost their two leading scorers in Chris Moran and Nick Melosky, so finding someone to put the ball in the net will be a top priority.

Jones said that "a good portion" of that scoring will come from the underclassmen. While Anthony Bellucci ranks as their best shooter, the Zephs will need to get offense from that younger set, including junior guard Aaron Keglovits, and forwards Matt Melosky and Jeff Charles.

Additionally junior guard Devante Mickel will provide a spark off the bench, while fellow junior guard Seth Rissmiller will give them another option in their offensive sets.

The Zephs also feature some talented sophomores this year, including Brett Radocha who's size and athleticism should establish him as an integral part of their front court. Other sophomores who will have an impact include guard Chad Rex and forward Jacob Meyers.

"I'm excited to have three sophomores on the varsity," said Jones. "At some point this season, they might all be on the floor at the same time."

Jones said last year's offense featured players who could break away from a designed play and get their own shots.

"We don't have a guy who can do that this year," said Jones.

This year's team won't have quite that same freelance mentality and will work within the system to get a good shot. He said that players will stay within the framework of the offense, establishing a continuity that should help them get good, consistent looks.

"This group is going to run the offense and stay within that offense," said Jones. "They're going to put themselves in the best scoring positions."

This is a season of opportunities. Jones said that every player has the opportunity to seize more playing time, and is still fine tuning his line-up heading into their final scrimmage.

The backcourt will feature point guard Wah, with Rex also getting time at the position. Anthony Bellucci will play the two, sharing time with Keglovits. At the three spot, Jones foresees a "conglomerate." with Melosky, Sommer, Charles and Dominic Bellucci all in the mix. At the four, Shafnisky provides interior size and strength, while Radocha, and Meckes, (who will also see time at the five spot), give the Zephs additional rebounding power.

Jones is also looking for his defense to generate some offense. This year he plans to put pressure on the ball from the outset, relying on the speed of Wah, Bellucci and company to create havoc and get some turnovers.

For Jones, the goals always remain the same. He believes in setting them high and work toward that end, and that included winning their division which would put them in the league championship as well as the district playoffs.

"We want to get better as the season goes on, and get better collectively as a group," said Jones.