Leavitt holds a mixed bag as the Hornets prepare for their boys’ basketball season in the KVAC.

While the Hornets graduated a wealth of talent, some key components return. There’s also the not-so-small matter of a return to the Class A division of the KVAC after several seasons in Class B. And although football injuries knocked out two players who probably would have been in the Hornets’ regular rotation, Leavitt benefits from the return of several outstanding seniors who sat out their junior season while nursing gridiron aches and pains.

Eli Calder is the most accomplished returning player, having started every game for Leavitt as a sophomore. James also broke into the starting lineup a year ago, and Goulette and Sylvester were playing key minutes at the end of the season.

Being able to mix in the senior reinforcements gives the Hornets an athletic, 10-man rotation, although Leavitt won’t have overwhelming size. The addition of Brunswick, Mt. Ararat and Class AA preseason co-favorite Oxford Hills will make for a challenging docket.