Competition was so strong at preseason practice that Western Tech coach Mike Slepesky had to cut five of the 20 players who tried out for varsity to get down to his 15-player roster.
The coach had some blue-chip veterans back from last year's 13-5 squad that lost in the regional semifinals to Patterson.
Included among the eight returning varsity players are senior forward Ranford Richards (6 feet 1), junior forward Tyrell Mosely (6-2) and sophomore Isaac Iyoriobhe (6-1).
Mosely is the team's top shooting threat and Richards is accurate from the perimeter.
Iyoriobhe was having a strong rookie season until he broke his ankle in a game against Catonsville in early January.
"Having him not gotten hurt, the future was very, very bright for him and now we need him to get back on track," Slepesky said.
Senior shooting guards Joseph White (6-0) and Jared Milburn (6-1) return to the starting backcourt.
"Jared and Joseph will kind of rotate responsibilities at the guard position," Slepesky said.
Senior Justin Sye (5-10) and junior Jalil George (6-0) should help at point guard.
George and senior power forward Kelechi Kalu (6-2) are first-year players in the basketball program.
"This is probably the most athletically gifted team I've coached," Slepesky said. "There is a lot of room for improvement, but the one thing I absolutely love is the athleticism and to be able to get out and run and do things quickly and not have any one person that slows up a drill or a practice."
Seniors Aaron Bailey (6-1) and Jordan Carter (6-2) bolster the low post along with juniors Dylan Beall (6-0), Mike Uche (6-4) and Gerard Gross (6-2).
Juniors Jamal Richards (6-0) and Jordan Carter (6-2) will help in the backcourt.
In addition to liking his team's athleticism, the coach also likes the versatility and depth.
"We are going to be tougher to guard because they are a threat from all positions," he said.
Western Tech opens the season at home against Loch Raven on Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m.