Conference: 3A-4
Coach: Len Harris (27th year overall, 604-210, first year back after spending the last two seasons at Dover. Was at Perryville from 2007-09)
Assistant coach: Terry Smith
2010-11 record: 11-15 overall (sixth in conference)
Returning starters: Dylan Dufresne, Nathan Hubbard, Cody Rainey and Lane Tubbs all started some at different times during the year. All are in the 6-feet to 6-2 range and guard /forward-type players, Harris said.
Best inside players: Harris said Daniel Eubanks averaged 4 points and 4 rebounds at another school last year as a sophomore before he transferred to Perryville. “I look for him to have a big year,” the coach said.
Best outside players: Harris said Dufresne, Hubbard, Rainey and Tubbs would all have good chances to be “every-night players for us and carry an equal load.” He said Hubbard is the most skilled; Dufresne is the most athletic.
How will you match/exceed/fall short of your success from last year? Perryville graduated four solid starters off last year’s team; those made up 90 percent of the Mustangs’ offense and rebounding. “A good start to the season is a must with a very inexperienced team,” he said.
Strengths of the team: Harris said the Mustang roster would include eight or nine players of equal ability. Balance and depth will be team strengths.
Weaknesses of the team: The Mustangs are inexperienced to start the season, but that should improve as the season goes on. Their overall athleticism is also suspect.
Games to watch: The Mustangs’ nonconference battle with Bigelow is always circled. “We are fierce rivals,” Harris said. Additionally, he said all the 3A-4 conference games would be key. “There is great balance in our conference,” the coach said.
Toughest opponent: Charleston should provide the Mustangs their toughest test. “They have a returning nucleus and a great junior high team moving up,” Harris said.
College prospects: None.
In a nutshell: “Gaining much-needed experience early on and replacing great senior leadership from last year is a must,” Harris said. “I hope we can grow up as a team this year as the season progresses and be playing really well come tournament time in February.”