NEW GLARUS — The Glarner Knights look to repeat as Capitol Conference champions this season. In doing so, the New Glarus boys basketball team would likely give head coach Travis Sysko the 300th win of his career. Sysko enters the season 291-241 overall in 24 seasons of coaching. In 20 years at New Glarus, his teams are 251-192.

“I expect to continue to compete for one of the top spots in the conference,” Sysko said of his team’s outlook for this season.

As is the case every year, the Knights will have to find new personnel to fill the role of since-graduated players. This year, the Knights will have to fill the void left in the wake of three starters leaving: former conference player of the year Mason Martinson in the post, plus guards Nathan Streiff and Darris Schuett. The trio combined to average more than 29 points and nearly 14 rebounds per game. 

Two starters return for New Glarus: 6-8 senior forward Dain Walter, a first-team all-conference pick that averaged a double-double in the paint (14.8 ppg/11.2 rpg), and senior guard Carter Siegenthaler (8.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg). Also back are five letterwinners, including senior Jack Parman and junior AC Strok, both of whom were top options off the bench last winter.

Nine newcomers enter the mix as well, including senior foreign exchange student Utku Safak. 

Sysko analyzed his team strengths as post play, physicality and overall athleticism. On the opposite end, he’s concerned about consistent outside shooting and defensive play. Even still, he understands the potential that his roster has.

“I think we are in the mix along with Marshall and Belleville. Marshall returns everyone from last season’s team that shared the title with us. Belleville probably has the best team I’ve seen out of Belleville since I’ve been in New Glarus,” Sysko said.

New Glarus travels to Marshall Jan. 21 and hosts the Cardinals Feb. 18, while the Knights and Belleville go head-to-head Jan. 7 in New Glarus and Feb. 4 in Belleville.