SOUTH WAYNE — The Warriors finished tied for second in the Six Rivers East last year and believe they have what it takes to fight for the league title this season.

Black Hawk finished just 10-14 overall in 2019-20, but went 8-4 in conference play. The Warriors return three key players from last year’s team and are excited about the group of juniors ready for full-time varsity minutes.

“As a team, we believe that we can fight for a conference championship,” said Trent Wyssbrod, now in his second year as head coach. “Other teams that we believe will be strong competitors for it are Argyle and Monticello.”

Lost from last year’s team are Jaylen Rufenacht, a first-team all-conference guard, and honorable mention players Avery Baumgartner and Lucas Flanagan.

Seniors Clayton Stietz and Thatcher Schliem, as well as sophomore Lucas Milz are key players returning to the hardwood for Black Hawk. Stietz earned an honorable mention all-conference nod last season.

Senior leadership and focus are team strengths, according Wyssbrod. “We have a really strong group of juniors this year,” Wyssbrod said, with several players getting in solid varsity minutes as sophomores last season.

One thing is for certain, if the Warriors are to vie for a conference title, owning the glass and the backcourt will be crucial.

“Things we need to work on from last year to win games will be our defense and rebounding. We got outrebounded in every loss that we had last year,” Wyssbrod said.