Last year, Mt. Abram came agonizingly close to earning a tournament prelim spot and vying for its first trip to the Augusta Civic Center since 1999.

“It came down to the last night of the regular season,” coach Richard Hawkes said. “Obviously, our goal this year is to get back to Augusta.”

The Roadrunners had a good off-season but still need to answer some questions before ending the drought.

First they must fill the leadership and scoring void left by the graduation of tri-captains Trevor Chaput, Glendon Howard and Dan Luce. They relied on the latter in particular for scoring, and Hawkes is hoping the Roadrunners can share the load a little more. Sophomore swingman Nate Luce and senior point guard Sam Storer will lead the offense. Senior Evan McKay, who is back after missing last season with a knee injury, will bolster the backcourt.

The Roadrunners have good length in the frontcourt with seniors Casey Holt and Dawson Bate and junior sixth man Jack Deming. But Hawkes was still looking for some more reliable help off the bench in preseason.

Coach: Richard Hawkes (second year)

Conference: MVC; Class: C South

Last year’s results: 4-14 

Returning players: Senior — Sam Storer (5-8 guard), Casey Holt (6-4 center), Dawson Bate (6-3 center/forward), Evan McKay (6-2 guard); Junior — Jack Deming (6-3 forward); Sophomore — Nate Luce (6-0 guard/forward).

Key losses: Glendon Howard, Dan Luce, Trevor Chaput.

Promising newcomers: None at press time.