Dulaney went 20-5 in 2013 and followed it up by by going 21-3 last season. However, both campaigns ended with disappointing playoff exits.
"We have reeled off 15, 16 straight wins only to lose to Paint Branch two years and Springbrook last year," Dulaney coach Matt Lochte said of the Class 4A regional final and semifinals, respectively. "We have to find a way to get over the hump."
Lochte believes he might have found a solution: A tougher schedule.
It includes Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference champion Mount St. Joseph and B Conference champion St. Paul's.
Dulaney opens its season at home Friday against St. Paul's.
"It's by far the toughest (schedule) we've had since I have been here in 2001," Lochte said.
The presence of senior guards Isaiah Lamb (6-5) and Scott Harrelson (6-4) and senior shooting guard Gary Bernardez (6-1) should make the Lions a force again. Lamb averaged 16 points per game last year, Harrelson 14 and Bernardez 9.
"Both those guys are Division I-bound players," Lochte said of Lamb and Harrelson. "Isaiah has six Division I offers. Gary is a very good high Division III or Division II player. We really have some returning firepower, and these guys are really something to build around."
Dulaney graduated two starters who are playing in college: 6-foot-8 center Jon Sims (St. Mary's) and guard Stewart German (Mount Vernon Nazarene).
Lochte believes he has two solid replacements in junior guard Joey O'Dwyer (6-3) and senior forward Ben Stevens (6-6). O'Dwyer transferred from Loyola Blakefield, and gives the Lions more scoring punch.
"He can really shoot," Lochte said.
Stevens came off the bench last year as a varsity reserve, but provides some much-needed muscle in a expanded role.
"He played about eight minutes a game last year," Lochte said. "We are looking for him to play 16 to 20 minutes this year."
Leading the newcomers is talented sophomore forward Marco Vogel (6-3). "He was arguably the best player on the jayvee last year," Lochte said.
Another frontcourt option is senior forward Jair Williams (6-6).
Two reserve point guards, sophomore AJ Richardson (5-9) and senior Raynard McCamie (5-7), figure to play prominent roles.
Senior forward Aubrey Brown (6-3), senior guard James Bonner (5-11), junior guards Alex Kasslois (6-1), Jordan Williams (5-10), Amiri Allen (5-10), Javon Smith (5-8) and Darrell Gray (5-11) are also expected to contribute.