Coach: Cody St. Germain (second year)

Conference: MVC; Class: C South

Last year’s results: 8-12, lost in C South quarterfinals.

Returning athletes: Seniors — Mateo LaPointe (guard), Zach Breton (center), John Snowman (forward), Mike Packard (guard); Juniors — P.J. Merrill (guard), Cole Brown (forward).

Key losses: Jeremy St. Germain, Alex Gorham, Chandler Redmond, Jack Lavorgna, Sam Holmes, Cam Kidder, Chase Clark.

Promising newcomers: Junior — Garrett Oliver (forward): Freshmen — Charlie Houghton (forward), Dakota Tompkins (guard), Trenton Hutchinson (guard), Bode Gray (forward), Trent Holman (guard).

What to expect: The Cougars lost most of their rotation to graduation and will look to build around their lone returning starter, LaPointe, and a couple of key bench contributors, Merrill and Breton. They will have a big leadership void to fill but there is talent and depth. Opponents who overlook them do so at their own risk, especially down the stretch and at tournament time.