Low numbers, an abbreviated preseason and football injuries may hamper Leavitt boys’ basketball early in the season.

The Hornets have lost at least three players who were hurt in the Class C state gridiron game, possibly for the season. Size and varsity experience are at a premium.

Eli Calder is the lone returning starter, and he gives Leavitt a scorer. The other players in the regular rotation split time between varsity and JV a year ago. Hathaway hopes they will gain consistency on the fly.

Personnel losses have wreaked havoc with Leavitt’s frontcourt. The Hornets may feature a lineup in any given time with no players above 6-foot-1, at least early in the season.

Football quarterback Levi Craig is among the players expected to step up from JV and take on a larger role. D’Andre James is a raw talent with scoring potential. Coach Mike Hathaway hopes those abilities will blossom during the winter.

Coach: Mike Hathaway (seventh year)

Last year’s record: 4-14

Returning players: Senior — Korey Caito (6-0 forward), Isiah Trask (5-9 guard); Sophomore — Eli Calder (5-11 guard).

Key losses: Matt Powell (6-8 center), Nate Coombs (5-10 guard), Levi Morin (6-3 forward), Zac Goulette (6-0 guard), Mitchel Davis (6-5 forward), Austin Anderson (6-3 forward).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Isaiah Calder (5-11 guard); Junior — Levi Craig (6-0 guard/forward), Nathanael Goulette (5-9 guard), Anthony Degone (6-0 guard/forward); Sophomore — D’Andre James (6-1 guard/forward); Freshman — Bryce Hudson (5-10 guard).