DARLINGTON — Double-digit scorers and First-Team All-Conference selections Hunter Hardyman and Easton Evenstad leave a big hole to fill on Darlington’s offense. In their senior seasons, the duo averaged 15.7 and 14.6 points per game, respectively.

“We replace our two leading scorers, so we will need to replace that consistent scoring,” head coach Tom Uppena said. “We will be a young team, so I expect growing pains that come with youth.”

Senior Carver Fitzsimons — an Honorable Mention All-Conference selection in 2021-22 — and junior Will Murray will likely fill in those scoring roles, as they averaged 10.5 and 11.4 points per game last season, respectively. Junior Brady Long could also be in the mix, averaging 8 points per game last year with 31 three-pointers made.

Defensively, the same trio will lead having averaged 7.6, 5.7 and 4.3 rebounds per game, respectively.

Others that could make contributions include Cannon Lancaster (SR), Levi Carter (SR), Carter Murray (JR), Reagan Jackson (JR), Tagg Gille (SO) and Broker Buschor (FR).

If the unity, work ethic and leadership Uppena sees as his team’s strengths combine with the scoring and defense necessary to win a game, Uppena believes his team could win conference and make a deep postseason run. Last year, the Redbirds were fourth in conference with a 9-5 record and were 18-8 overall.

“We will be in the mix for a conference championship if we can find consistent scoring and play as a team,” Uppena said.