Rangeley faces a numbers game every year in boys’ basketball. Coach Jeff Larochelle said he believes that there are only 24 boys in the entire high school, and 10 are on his team.

With two out of the lineup in preseason due to medical issues, the Lakers haven’t been able to play the pressure defense and quick pace that the coach prefers. Rangeley has lapsed into a zone to avoid fatigue and foul trouble.

At full strength, the Lakers will be young and scrappy. Mason Cavalier is the lone senior. Junior center Wyatt Dellavalle and sophomore wing Ricky Thompson are the only players 6-foot-1 or taller.

Three of the four freshmen on the roster — Kyle Larochelle, Hunter Lowell and Tristan Dresser — played on the varsity as eighth-graders. That experience should help against a EWC Class D schedule that features challenging opponents and lengthy road trips.

The Lakers lost four games by eight points or fewer in 2013-14. Coach Larochelle hopes Rangeley can spin those around and potentially get back to the tournament after a multi-year absence.

Coach: Jeff Larochelle (second year)

Last year’s record: 3-15

Returning players: Senior — Mason Cavalier (5-9 guard); Juniors — Timmy White (5-7 guard), Wyatt Delvalle (6-3 center), Orrin Mitchell (5-10 forward); Sophomores — Ricky Thompson (6-1 guard/forward), Devin Clark (5-6 guard); Freshmen — Kyle Larochelle (5-9 guard/forward), Hunter Lowell (5-10 forward), Tristan Dresser (5-4 guard).

Key losses: Mike Haley (6-0 forward), David Bachelder (6-1 forward).

Promising newcomer: Freshman — Bo Beaulieu (5-7 guard/forward).