The Whitehall boys basketball team will feature a blend of youth and experience which should help position themselves for another postseason run.

Last season the Zephs finished 13-10 and will have three returning starters from a team that advanced to the district tournament. They also return six seniors, and that experience will help lay a strong foundation as they get ready to begin the 2014-15 season.

That experience begins in the paint with senior center Brett Radocha anchoring the middle. Radocha led the team in scoring last season, his 12.6 ppg earning him a spot as a first team all-star in the Lehigh Valley Conference.

Radocha will have an even greater role this season. Head coach Jeff Jones said that Radocha comes into this year a little bigger and stronger and that means bad news for opposing centers who will have to deal with the talented senior. Radocha has been a starter since his sophomore season.

"He's going to be a big focal of our offense," said Jones. "We're expecting a lot of good things from Brett."

It also extends to their backcourt where senior point guard Chad Rex (7.7 ppg) and senior off-guard Jacob Meyers (6.6 ppg) will be key figures in the Zephyrs' attack. Meyers has consistently been one of their best perimeter scorers, while Rex can spot up and shoot or drive to the hoop for two.

Jones said that Meyers has the ability to soften a zone by connecting from the outside, while Rex is a heady player who uses his experience as a starter to get his shot.

The backcourt will also feature senior Nick Hassler, a transfer from Parkland. Jones said that Hassler will get the lion's share of minutes at the point, freeing up Rex to play off the ball a little bit more.

Jones said that Hassler brings a tough, competitive attitude to their team. He's a tireless worker who will be a valuable addition this year. His presence allows Rex to freelance a bit, while it also gives them the luxury of having two experienced point guards on the floor at the same time.

"I feel very comfortable with Nick at the point," said Jones. "He runs the offense pretty well. He just plays hard at all times. He's upbeat and is extremely competitive."

On the wings will be seniors Jacob Buskirk and Saquon Barkley. Both players will be counted on to give Radocha a hand inside, using their athleticism to get that tough board, or the critical put-back.

Buskirk gives them a physical presence inside, a player who can use his strength to establish position for a key rebound. He can also score when necessary, something he's demonstrated as a reserve the last few years.

Barkley is another player who will be a key contributor. Jones said that Barkley is just scratching the surface of what he can do on the court and believes he can "go out and have fun" since he's not the focus of attention like he was in football.

"He's going to continue to get better," said Jones. "He asks a lot of questions and wants to contribute as much as he can."

Jones said that the six seniors have set a strong work ethic, leading by example through their hard work which rubs off on the underclassman.

"They're all working extremely hard, and that sets the tone for everyone else," said Jones.

Logan McGinley also returns. The sophomore made the team as a freshman and Jones expects his role to expand this season. He'll be a frontcourt player, either at the 3 or 4, and is someone who has committed himself to the game through his preparation in the off-season.

"He just plays relentless," said Jones. "He doesn't back down and competes with everyone."

Another returnee is Gianni Sinatore. The junior can play a number of spots on the floor, giving Jones a versatile player he can plug in a number of places. Sinatore also brings experience running the offense and can score the rock as well when the situation arises.

"His greatest asset is his versatility," said Jones. "We can play him at a bunch of positions."

Juniors Andre Diokmedian and Jarrod Miller will also be key contributors this season. Jones said that both players work hard and are young players who will provide depth off the bench.

Jones said that Miller is a cerebral player who figures things out, while Diokmedian is a skilled ballplayer who handles the ball well and his shot has gotten better.

Finally, newcomer Mikey Esquilin is expected to have a big impact this season. Esquilin will be the lone freshman on the team, and Jones foresees the guard getting significant playing time this year.

"He's an extremely talented kid," said Jones. "This is a kid who's going to get a chance to play. He competes at an unbelievable level. We're hoping to get him a lot of good minutes."

Jones said that practice has been very competitive in the ramp-up to the season. He also said it's a team with a lot of offensive options, beginning with their three returning starters, and then accentuated by some new pieces that can also score.

Jones believes that will add up to more points this season, giving them a more offensive-minded team than they've had the last few years.

He also believes they've gotten stronger defensively, and that will help them immensely as they compete in the rough and tumble Skyline Division of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.

The Zephs open the season at the Tip-Off Tournament at Mifflin County High School on Dec. 5-6.