Head Coach: Jon VanOosten (4th Year)

2007-8 Season: 19-5 (10-2, 1st place North East Michigan Conference)

Returning Players: Alex Rose, sr. (F); Eric Noble, sr. (G); Dee DesJarden, sr. (G); Alex Jennings, jr. (C.).

New to Varsity: Kody Smith, sr.; Wade Schmidt, jr.; Jimmy Stalzburg, jr.; Rob Kish, jr.; Jason Immel, jr.; Jarritt Orlando, jr.; Anthony Zettel, so.; Justin Wejsa, so.; Tyler Brindley, so.

Outlook: It will be a far different look for the Falcons this season, who return about 10 percent of their scoring and rebounding from a year ago. The good news is that the JV that Jon VanOosten welcomes to the varsity level is coming off a successful season.

Of the four returning players, only senior forward Alex Rose and junior center Alex Jennings saw much playing time a year ago. Senior guards Eric Noble and Dee DesJarden didn't play much a year ago but also are back.

“It's going to be interesting,” VanOosten says. “The good thing is that we have decent size and some kids who are used to success at other levels.”

Jennings stands at 6-6, while Rose may be just 6-2, but is broad-shouldered and strong and “plays larger” than his size. Among the three sophomores on the squad, Anthony Zettel is about 6-4 and “broad and athletic,” VanOosten says.

The Falcons also are coping with their first misfortune of the season as sophomore point guard Justin Wejsa, whom VanOosten said had played into a starting role, was injured in the Falcons' scrimmage last week and may miss the start of the season.

“Realistically it may be tough for us to compete for the league title,” VanOosten says. “Pinconning and Standish should be very strong. We could struggle some, but at the same time, on the right night we've got some real potential.