The South Loup boys basketball team is looking ahead to the 2022-23 season and a chance to build on successes and avenge some close losses from last season, and build up a strong group of lowerclassmen to become competitive players.

After going 10-12 last season, Head Coach Jeff Cole is hoping to capitalize on the highly competitive nature of his returning letter winners to add more W’s to their record this season.

“I’m extremely excited for the upcoming season, having four starters and four additional letter winners returning,” said Cole.

Having lost only one senior to graduation last year, the Bobcats have four strong starters returning this year - seniors Silas Cool and Lance Jones, and juniors Trey Connell and Cache Gracey. The four returning letter winners are senior Kaden Paulsen, junior Joey Sallach, and sophomores Harper Johnson and AJ Starr. Also returning is senior Johnny Lamphear.

Last season, Gracey was averaging 21 points per game, followed by Connell with 12.7 points per game. Gracey and Jones kept things hopping in the paint with an average of 5.1 rebounds and 5 rebounds per game, respectively.

The Bobcats have their sights set on revenge in a handful of close losses from last season, including to Sandhills/Thedford (54-59), Brady (49-52), Anselmo-Merna (49-55 and 48-49).

Coach Cole is confident in his team this year, though. “Hopefully with all our experience returning, we can turn those close losses into wins this season.”

Having a strong crop of upperclassmen will be key to priming the large group of younger players for the fast-paced play driven by not only many opponents the Bobcats will face, but also the standard of play that Coach Cole expects of his players.

Seven freshmen joined the team this season, as well as two new players, Jamie Tickle and Brady Brestel.

In addition to Cole, the Bobcats are coached by Mike Weverka and Joel Karg. The Bobcats will open their season on Friday in Callaway against Twin Loup. JV will play at 5 p.m. and varsity at 7 p.m.