Boys Basketball – Yoder looking for pieces to come together as Hornets begin another season with plenty of optimism. PREVIEW

Senior Jametric Harris had five 3-pointers and 19 points in tonight's win. Photo: Nathan Lewis

Head coach – Steve Yoder (16th season, 218-152)

Assistants – Eric Farkas, Lucas Houghney, Dean Schwartz, Ara Hoderewski, Julie Williams

Last year – 20-7 overall. EPC, District XI and PIAA State Qualifier

Losses to graduation/other (ppg game)– Dylan Darville (12.3 ppg., 2nd Team EPC), Chase Muckey (4.4) Jake Fotta (7.4), Jackson Lake (2.7), Jr. Mike Ekenyere (transferred)

Returnees – Sr. Will Barber (17.3 ppg., 1st Team EPC), Sr. Jametric Harris (11.7/9 rbs., 3rd Team EPC), Sr. Teague McCourt (2.5), Sr. Jack Curley-Katrishen, Sr. Pacey Santos, Sr. Aiden Santos, Jr. Jack Csensits (2.1)

Newcomers – Sr. Dan Rohlsen, Sr. Matt Volquez, Jr. Chase Whitesell, Jr. Owen Hafner, Jr. Mike Rooney, Jr. Rafael Terrero, Jr. Matt Deschenes, Jr. Tyler Nunez, Sr. Lawson Vasquez (transfer from Allen)

Season-opener – December 1 vs Holy Redeemer @ Wilkes-Barre Tournament, 5:30 p.m.

League opener – December 6 @ Northampton

EPC top challengers – Central Catholic, Parkland, Liberty, PM West, Whitehall

Follow the team on social media – Twitter: @emmausboysbball, @emmaussports.com, Facebook: Emmaus boys basketball

Coach Yoder: “What I’m most excited to figure out about this team is how all the pieces fit because we do have talent and depth. There’s also an incredible closeness about this group and all the guys are going to have to accept their changing roles and embrace it. “

“Most coaches around the league know that are offense and defense is going to run through both Will and Jametric and we’re hoping that both are going to have great senior seasons. They were great as juniors and sophomores and both are battle-tested players and they’re hungry. We’re going to need their leadership to show this year and we’re going to need the other guys around them to improve each game. We are also going to have to defend and from what I saw this Summer and in our practices and scrimmage I think we’re going to be okay.”