Telstar improved from three wins to five in 2014-15, and the Rebels were competitive in a fistful of other MVC contests.

There’s reason to think that progress will continue this winter, but with only seven varsity players and one JV swing player at the moment, Telstar will need to stay out of foul trouble and hope that injury and illness don’t intervene.

The Rebels will have one of the tallest frontcourts in the region, with 6-foot-5 Jeremiah Richardson and 6-4 Tanner Wheeler patrolling the paint. Both were raw talents who put in the time over the summer to improve their games. Richardson also is a threat from the perimeter.

Avry Griffin anchors the backcourt after starting every game as a sophomore. Small forward Jarrett Bean also was in the lineup most nights his freshman year.

Telstar spent a year getting acquainted with new coach Mike Pelletier’s system and should be able to take another step forward this season. In addition to keeping its starters on the floor, the Rebels will need to be more consistent shooters in order to improve their win total and make a run at the playoffs.