Eight players—that’s the amount of talent the Saxon Varsity basketball team has lost since last year. Finishing 8-14 on the season, the 2014-15 campaign didn’t have the sterling outcome all Saxons hoped it would. This year, new talent looks to improve the end result of the season, which poses a tough challenge given that several players, such as Guards Aaron Kim (11) and Blake Mintz (12), are not playing this season.

“ We’ve got a really nice mix of senior leadership and talented younger players who will contribute,” said Coach Scott Newman, in his third year coaching the Langley Varsity squad. “ If we can play with great toughness and togetherness, we have a chance to be one of the top teams in the region.”

Coach Newman’s optimism has been rubbing off on many of the Varsity players he will coach this year. “ I think we have a really great team this year. We’re gonna have a lot of success this season, and I think we can make the playoffs,” said sophomore Colter Carton, a gaurd in his second year on the varsity team.

Coming from an 8-14 campaign last year and a loss of several varsity players between seasons, the challenges certainly look daunting for Saxon basketball this year. “ We lost some players, but we can still go deep into the postseason,” said Senior Forward Chris Miner. “ We have to go one game at a time, and we have the ability to really succeed.” With steadfast coaching, a mixture of fresh talent and experience, and an optimistic outlook, the upcoming season could lead to an exciting run deep into the playoffs for the Saxons.