Letterwinners include, Nick Blake, Jacob Jasper, Colton Leyo, JJ Kitko, Shane McMurray and Josh Potutschnig. Sinclair said on offense, they’ll be looking for big things from Potutschnig.

“Josh Potutschnig is a well rounded and talented player,” Sinclair said. “He can be one of the best players in our area. He is very competitive and wants to win. He is basketball smart and knows the game of basketball very well. He is one of our leaders and sets the tone on offense.”

On the defensive side, Sinclair said they’ll look towards relying on Jasper.

“Jacob Jasper is very athletic and he is competitor,” Sinclair said. “He hustles and plays hard every night. He is one of our leaders and sets the tone on defense.”

Juniors Kitko, Leyo, Blake and McMurray figure to be a vital part of the Vikings’ game plan this season, as Sinclair said he expects them to contribute in every game.

“JJ Kitko has improved his game and has the willingness to do whatever is needed to win,” Sinclair said. “He will be counted on to set the tone in the paint on both the offensive and defensive side of the court. Colton Leyo is a highly competitive and gives 110 percent all the time.

“He is a very good defender and will be counted on to play the other teams best player on any given night. Nick Blake is a solid rebounder and shot blocker. He will be needed to control the boards and match up with the other teams post players. Shane McMurray is going to be needed this year to be a leader and contribute wherever he’s needed. He is a competitor and wants to win.”

Others that Sinclair feel will contribute for the Vikings this season are sophomore Jackson Kitko and freshmen Ryan Sinclair and Loegan Smeal.

While there are no seniors on the roster, Sinclair said his juniors are definitely experienced, as they’ve played at the varsity level for the past two seasons.

“They know what it takes to compete in the leagues we play in,” Sinclair said.

Along with the team’s experience, Sinclair feels that height and guard play will be a big advantage for his team.

“We have some decent height and will be able to work the ball in the paint more than we have in the past,” Sinclair said. “We also have two of the best guards I believe in the Mo Valley League. We have speed and athleticism and are a pretty well rounded team.”

Aside from the juniors, the remaining nine players don’t have much experience, which Sinclair said they’ll continue to work on. The Vikings will also look to improve on shooting and rebounding throughout the year. But overall, Sinclair is extremely excited to get going. He said it’s been fun watching the kids as they start to believe in their abilities as the come together as a team and not just as individual players.

“Expectations are high and I believe this year we will put it all together and be successful,” Sinclair said. “I am excited for the season to begin. We want to be competitive and compete in the leagues we play. We know that every team in the leagues we play are talented and are very well coached. We will have to earn every win we get. We are looking for improvement every day and developing a winning attitude and build on that.”

Glendale kicks off its season tonight as they travel to Mount Union.

Roster

Juniors

*Nick Blake, *Jacob Jasper, *Colton Leyo,*JJ Kitko, *Shane McMurray, *Josh Potutschnig.

Sophomores

Jackson Kitko, Ryan Pringle, James Yingling.

Freshmen

Jacob Holes, Justin Monahan, Josiah Rivera, Ryan Sinclair, Loegan Smeal, Mason St. Clair.

*Denotes returning letterwinners.

Schedule

December

13—at Mount Union. 15—at United. 18—West Branch. 20—at Curwensville. 21—at Moshannon Valley. 27, 28—at Cambria Heights High School (Christmas Tournament), TBA.

January

3—at Harmony. 4—Juniata Valley. 8—at Bellwood-Antis. 11—at Williamsburg. 15—Claysburg-Kimmel. 19—Mount Union. 23—at West Branch. 24—United. 26—Moshannon Valley. 30—at Juniata Valley. 31—Curwensville.

February

2—Bellwood-Antis. 6—Williamsburg. 9—at Claysburg-Kimmel. 12—Harmony.

All games begin at 7:30 p.m. unless noted.