After last season’s disappointing 11-16 record, the returning players were looking forward to redeem themselves and get ready for this year.

“[Last year] we were average, but we got better,” senior Stephan Whitehurst said.

During last season, the team suffered from lack of defense and rebounding. To improve, workouts were arranged and recommended for each player at the end of last season.

Along with the workouts offered for each player, the players were also provided with an open gym and access to the weight room. Coach Bill Moyer was hoping that the workouts would benefit the players for try outs and future practices.

“The workouts help a lot,” junior Dan McGraw said. “It gets everyone into the ‘basketball shape.’”

This years tryouts are starting Nov. 9. Moyer is setting the bar high for the players that are trying out.

“I am expecting their to be more height, more talent and more players to just work harder,” Moyer said. “Also players need to be in shape, execute the fundamentals, and be able to work as a team.”

Because of the dedication that the players displayed in off-season workouts, Moyer and some of the players believe that the team is going to be very devoted during the regular season as well.

“We will have a good team because we have good chemistry and we are all dedicated to having a successful team,” Whitehurst said.