Twenty-one athletes comprise the 2019-2020 Summerland boys' basketball team, including five returning starters from two squads.

Coach Brett Kaczor said his team has several strengths including athletic ability, stretch shooters, and competitiveness.

The move to a higher class will result in a more physical game.

"We will have to be much stronger with the ball offensively and work our tails off defensively," Kaczor said.

Pre-season practices have gone well.

"We are throwing a lot at the guys with schemes and tempo, and they are learning on the fly. We just have to keep coming to work every day and get better with every rep," he said.

Kaczor expects a competitive season. Top teams to keep an eye on include Elkhorn Valley, Humphrey/Lindsey Holy Family, St. Francis, Laurel-Concord-Coleridge and West Holt.

Summerland tips off the season at 8 p.m. in Neligh, Dec. 5.