Last season, Catasauqua uncharacteristically began the season with an 0-4 record. The Rough Riders lost their first three games by a combined seven points.

Still, veteran head coach Eric Snyder was not overly concerned with a young club with just two seniors.

However, any of Snyder’s fears were quickly alleviated.

The Roughies responded by winning 19 of their next 26 games, and their season ended in the second-round of the PIAA state Class 3A playoffs, as they lost a 61-59 decision to Lancaster Mennonite in the final seconds.

They also secured their first District 11 title since 2006, and their ninth overall in the program.

“We just told them to keep the faith,” recalled Snyder. “We knew we had the easier part of our schedule after Christmas, and we really liked the makeup of our club.”

So, what can the Roughies do for an encore?

Well, they have the majority of the team returning, and they have a deep playoff run under their belts.

This year, the Roughies will have a core of seven seniors to anchor a seasoned unit.

Like they have nearly every season, the Roughies will need to find some height. Post players Matt Fotta and Jeremiah Cofie, who were both instrumental in their drive last season, have been lost to graduation.

“The biggest thing for us is to replace them,” noted Snyder. “They were both big and strong down low for us. But we like what we have back.”

Snyder will look to the returning seniors Frankie Pujols and Hamaad Jenkins, both of whom have been in the backcourt the past few seasons. Pujols led the team in scoring at 17.3 points per game, and Jenkins averaged 10.3. Fellow senior Reese Lopez is back on the wing, and he contributed 10.6 points.

Senior Cayden Weaver will take over the middle, and Snyder expects plenty of big things despite being a bit undersized.

“At 5-10, Cayden runs the floor well, blocks shots, and dives all over the floor,” said Snyder. “He is a smart player who knows his role. He will bring his game up a notch.”

Other seniors in the mix will be Dylan Lorah, Manny Bolmer, and Jomar Rosado. Junior Asael Gonzalez should see playing time.

Snyder will also turn to a budding sophomore class of Zay Vaz, Aalani Nix, Joey Conway, Evan DeLong, Cody Roth, and Richie Chaparro. Nix was part of the regular rotation last year.

With plenty of veteran leadership, Snyder anticipates his club will be back in the hunt for a deep postseason. The Roughies did lose to Northwestern in the Colonial League championship, but they defeated defending champion Mahanoy Area in the second round of the district playoffs.

“We had a good summer, and our workouts have been going well,” stressed Snyder. “We are looking forward to the season.”