The Community R-6 boys only have four upperclassmen on the roster this season.

The Trojans will obviously have plenty of youth coming but also plenty of talent, head coach Kody Asquith said, as they aim for more wins than five a season ago.

The roster should have 16 total players with some of those upperclassmen being key returners, such as senior Clayton Jennings and junior Cooper Rohan. However, sophomore Caden Thomas saw plenty of varsity time a season ago and should progress this season, according to Asquith, and will see plenty of playing time along with sophomores Clayton Eikel and Brett Beamer.

“We’ll be able to move the ball quickly this year,” Asquith said. “I’m hoping to be able to run the floor pretty well this season.”

Asquith said the roster is smaller this season so a greater emphasis will be put on speed. Eikel, Jennings and sophomore Rett Curtis have some height, but the Trojans don’t anticipate having the post presence left from Brant Cope and Mason Carroll last season.

Eikel and Beamer should bring some perimeter scoring, participating in the 3-point contest at the preseason FanFest this year. Asquith said freshman KaTavyn Wheeler could potentially be an offensive threat and is going to “earn his time quickly” while fitting into this quicker identity.

“He’s going to be one that’s going to step up early,” Asquith said. “We’ve got big shoes to fill with Mason Carroll, losing him from last year. Between (Eikel and Beamer), Caden and even my freshman point guard KaTavyn, he’s going to bring a lot to the table this year.”

Asquith has grown more familiar with his roster over time since he also coaches the middle school program. He said it is a big step from varsity basketball to junior high but can be done.

“As much as the work they want to put in, they can go as far as they want to go,” Asquith said. “I believe in them. I think they can do some good this year.”