JUDA — The Panthers return just four letter winners and know that in order to have a successful season on the hardwood they will have to work hard every day in practice.

Senior guards Quinton Kammerer and Cole Mahlkuch, along with junior guards Trent Anderson and Dominic Taylor are all back for Juda. The four players averaged a combined 13.5 points per game last season, as well as just 6.6 rebounds per game. Junior guard Gavin Kammerer will also look to add to the scoring.

First-year head coach Aaron Duecker said his team’s strengths should be speed and getting to the rim, as well as shooting. But the lack of height will be a cause for concern.

The goals are still the same, however: “Get better every day as a team and to compete to be in the top half of conference,” Duecker said.

Without much height, Juda could see difficulty in rebounding and overall defense, which could mean players would press themselves in other areas to make up for their weaknesses, according to Duecker, who is also concerned about potential lapses in executions.

Juda finished last season just 6-17 overall and 4-8 in conference, which was fifth overall. Duecker said he believes Barneveld and Black Hawk should battle it out for the Six Rivers East title.