2007-8 Season: 14-6 (8-4, 4th place North East Michigan Conference)

Head Coach: Drew Decker (1st Year, also coached team previously)

Returning Players: Jeff Janis, sr. (F); D.J. Decker, jr. (G); Jesse Siwek, jr. (G);

New to Varsity: Bryan Brodt, sr.; Joe Laidlaw, sr.; Andy Salwey, sr.; Justin Bielby, jr.; Brandon Brodt, jr.; Gary Sisk, jr.; Travis Simmons, jr.; Cody Jordan, jr.; Nick Hulea, jr.; Kurtis Branham, jr.

Outlook: Tawas Area will have a different look from a year ago, but still figures to be in the NEMC title hunt despite returning just three players and breaking in a new coach.

Actually, the “new” coach, Drew Decker, isn't quite so new. He headed up the Braves program for four seasons in the late 80's and early 90's, prior to the Paul Becker era. With Todd Kaems stepping aside to concentrate on the girls program, Decker welcomes back senior forward Jeff Janis (4.1 points per game) and junior guards Jesse Siwek (11.5 ppg) and D.J. Decker (7.3 ppg), his son.

The junior Decker was a mid-season call-up from JV last year and gave the Braves some much-needed outside shooting. Siwek is coming off a late-season football injury, as is Janis, but both figure to be ready.

With 10 newcomers and a man-to-man defense that will be a change-up from their matchup zone of years past, the Braves will rely heavily on their speed and athleticism to keep up with the likes of Pinconning and Standish-Sterling.

They'll find out very quickly if they can: the Braves open NEMC play against SSC at home on Dec. 12.