The Jamestown Eagles boys basketball team had a strong season last year, as they won the Class 1 District 9 Tournament title but lost a tough game to Chamois 43-36 in the sectional round to end the season with a record of 26-3.
Even though the team lost some key players, head coach Jay Thompson said this year's team will have the expectations to be competitive every game they play.
"We have a talented group of guys coming back, a few key players - Clark Rohrbach, Christian Snyder and Tristan Jones - who got a little playing time last year," Thompson said. "We've got some shooters. I expect us to be competitive every game we play and, you know, those guys played last year against a state-playoff team every day in practice.
"I think we will surprise a lot of people this year."
Thompson said getting some experience on offense in late-game situations will be a key for the team this year.
"I know we are going to have some growing pains with that," Thompson said.
The team is fast and Thompson said the team needs to use its speed to its advantage by pushing the ball up the floor.
When it comes to defense, staying focused, having high energy, getting steals and getting into transition are things that will be keys for Jamestown. Changing up its defenses will be the thing the team needs to work on the most, according to Thompson.
Thompson said this team can play with a chip on its shoulder this season.
"With losing four starters and six seniors last year, there are a lot of people that are not expecting them to do anything," Thompson said. "The thought around here is quite opposite; so, I think they can play with a chip on their shoulder every game."