Northampton head boys' basketball coach Coy Stampone is optimistic that familiarity on both the small and large scale can be a difference in his club's season this winter.

Beginning his third year at the helm, Stampone is confident his club can continue to gain respect and perspective in the new and realigned East Penn Conference.

"We played a lot of basketball during the summer," said Stampone, whose club won three games last season. "We played in a number of leagues and tournaments. Our guys gained a lot of experience and they played well together.

"But that was the lone time they played together. That might be a drawback for us. However, we have players here who have been in the system for three years and they know what to expect.

"We don't have a senior-laden team, but we have a good mix of older and younger players who have developed a good chemistry among themselves."

Senior Garrett Oplinger is back along with fellow senior Basem Azar in the backcourt for the K-Kids along with senior (6-5) A.J. McNeil up front.

Stampone also has been impressed with sophomore forward Morgan Heffelfinger and freshman guard Aidan Elwood, who likely will begin the season as starters after they both had a productive summer.

Junior guard/forward Mario Delker, who transferred back to Northampton last spring from Bethlehem Catholic, also is expected to gain some valuable minutes this winter.

"Morgan (Heffelfinger) and Aidan (Elwood) played a lot for us during the summer," said Stampone. "They both really improved their games. Delker was in the program during middle school and came back. He has gotten himself acclimated and will be in there for us."

With a diverse lineup, Stampone feels comfortable with his club's chances in a division with Central Catholic, Emmaus, Nazareth, Parkland, and Whitehall, who they will all play twice during the season.

The K-Kids will have an early test when they tangle with Pocono Mountain West Friday.

From there, the Kids will meet perennial district power Blue Mountain. Around Christmas, the Kids will meet Quakertown in the opening game of Salisbury's holiday tournament.

"The positive for us is that we have a good mix right now," he stated. "They have a great work ethic and I know we can bang with people. We also have some height and that will help us.

"A drawback will be our division and out schedule," noted Stampone. "We don't have a night off. We'll know where we stand in the first few games of the season. It will be a good test, but I know we will be ready."