The Knights’ hopes to advance past the preliminary round for the first time since their memorable run to the state championship game in 2014 were dealt a blow when senior Greg Leighton went down in the first week of preseason with a torn ACL. Leighton, who was their sixth man last year, was part of a veteran nucleus that includes his twin brother, Kurtis, along with Nathaniel Chouinard, Caleb Hodgkin and Quinn Callahan.

The good news for coach Tyler Tracy is he does have reinforcements to help fill the void.

“The underclassmen worked hard and had a good summer and will be ready to step in,” he said.

Tracy will be particularly pleased if the younger players can ensure little or no drop-off defensively when they are on the floor. The Knights have the athleticism to give other teams problems at their offensive end.

With a typically challenging conference schedule augmented by crossover games against perpetual KVAC contenders Marnanacook and Spruce Mountain, they will be tested nightly. But that slate also includes Class A teams such as Cape Elizabeth, Fryeburg and Greely, so there will also be opportunities to pick up Heal points in bunches.