“The kids are practicing at a high level and it has really shown during the scrimmages we had,” Sinclair said.

The Vikings didn’t lose a single player to graduation, as four of the five letterwinners are seniors this season. They will be led by Jacob Jasper, Josh Potutschnig, Nick Blake and J.J. Kitko. Sophomore Ryan Sinclair is the other letterwinner.

“Jacob Jasper and Josh Potutschnig will lead the offense and both are very capable of taking over any game,” Sinclair said. “They both are good shooters and ball handlers. Both are very good defenders. Nick Blake is a solid defender and rebounder. He will be big in what we do defensively. Ryan Sinclair and J.J. Kitko will lead the offense in the paint. They both will need to control the boards offensively and defensively.

An addition to the familiar Vikings faces will be sophomore Loegen Smeal, who Sinclair said should see a lot of playing time.

“Loegen Smeal will be counted on to contribute both offensively and defensively,” Sinclair said.

With the returning nucleus still intact, Sinclair feels that will be one of the team’s strengths heading into the season. The Vikings also look to use their speed and senior leadership.

“We have overall good height and good perimeter shooters,” Sinclair said.

One of the things that Sinclair said they will continue to work on is the lack of depth outside of the letterwinners. In order for the team to be successful, they will also need to limit turnovers and be consistent shooters.

Sinclair is in his third season and is being assisted by coach Amy Potutschnig.

“Coach Potutschnig is a very good defensive coach and has instilled a solid defensive philosophy,” Sinclair said.

Sinclair — who also has volunteers John Matchock and Jerry Henry on the staff — said his goals for the season are to start off winning games and continually build from there. With the wins means they would be competitive in league play and Sinclair hopes they will play good team basketball.

“This team is ready to get the season underway,” Sinclair said. “These kids come to practice every night and practice hard. They have put the work in and are willing to do the little things to get better. I believe this year we will be much improved and be competitive in the leagues we play. They have been playing very good team basketball.”

Glendale starts its season on Wednesday as they host West Branch.

Roster

Seniors

*Nick Blake, *Jacob Jasper, *J.J. Kitko, *Josh Potutschnig.

Juniors

Jackson Kitko, James Yingling.

Sophomores

Jacob Holes, Justin Monahan, *Ryan Sinclair, Loegen Smeal, Luke Spencer, Mason St. Clair.

*Denotes returning letterwinners.

Schedule

December

12—West Branch. 17—at Moshannon Valley. 19—at Curwensville. 20—Juniata Valley, 7:15 p.m. 26, 27—Cambria Heights High School (Christmas Tournament), TBA.

January

2—St. Joseph’s. 4—at Bellwood-Antis. 10—Claysburg-Kimmel. 11—Williamsburg. 14—at Mount Union. 16—at Harmony. 18—at West Branch. 21—Moshannon Valley. 23—at Northern Bedford. 25—at Juniata Valley, 7:15 p.m. 29—Bellwood-Antis. 30—Curwensville.

February

1—at Williamsburg. 5—at Claysburg-Kimmel. 6—Harmony. 8—Mount Union.

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