Carl Trafton, Kyle Larochelle and Ricky Thompson were all East-West Conference all-stars last year and will be the key to the Lakers finding the balance between kicking up the tempo while also playing under control.

“We’ve been working on moving the ball up the court quickly and using our speed,” Coach Jeff Larochelle said. “Our press has been a process over a few years and every year we’ve gotten a little better.”

The nucleus beyond the big three is young but picked up some valuable varsity experience last year as freshmen and eighth graders. As they mature, Larochelle expects the Lakers to play more consistently and maintain some leads that disappeared last year due to inexperience and erratic play. If that happens, the Lakers will make some noise in the D South tournament.

Promising newcomers:  Freshmen — Nolan Boone (5-7 guard), Hunter Parson (5-9 guard), Levi Pitt (6-0 forward); Eighth graders — Will Brey (5-4 guard), Kenny Thompson (5-5 guard).