The Valmeyer High School boys basketball team is led by eight seniors for the 2014-15 campaign, and head coach Rick Crossin is hopeful their experience will bring positive results.

“We have eight experienced seniors, and we’re looking forward to a winning season,” Crossin told the Republic-Times.

The 2014-15 Valmeyer High School boys basketball team is, from left, front row, Collin Ford, Tyler Kempfer, Evan Thien, Andrew Whipple, Adrian Crossin, Cole Juelfs and Colton Qualls; and back row: Hunter Brewer, Owen Miller, Jerad Berning, Griffin Seidler, Eric Smith, Zach Williams and Ryan Unterseh. Not pictured are Matt Hemenway, Justin Fausz, Avery Lubbes, Quentin Bangle, Jordan Matecki, Trent Larsen, Vaughn Larsen and Michael Chism. (Robyn Dexter photo)

Although it was a loss, the season started on a promising note as the Pirates battled host team Metro East Lutheran to a narrow double overtime defeat on Nov. 25.

“Going into double overtime with the host school for our first game was a bright spot for all of us,” Crossin said. “Very exciting.” Valmeyer finished the tourney with a 2-2 record after defeating Marissa, 55-49, in overtime on Saturday.

Among the key returning starters for Valmeyer who will be counted on for scoring night in and night out this season are Zach Williams and Ryan Unterseh.

Williams averaged 13.7 points per game last season to lead the team, including 57 percent shooting from three-point range. So far, he is averaging 12 points per game in the 2014-15 season. Unterseh averaged nearly 10 points per game last season, including an amazing 23-for-33 (70 percent) from three-point land. He scored 25 points in the double-overtime loss and 22 in Saturday’s win, and is currently averaging seven rebounds per game in the 2014-15 campaign.

Other key contributors to the Valmeyer hoops squad in 2014-15 will be Eric Smith and Griffin Seidler. Smith is averaging nearly 10 points per game this season, including a team-high 14 points in a 73-57 loss to Roxana in the Metro East Lutheran tourney on Nov. 28. Seidler averaged seven points per game last season. He scored 11 points in the loss to Roxana.

Matt Hemenway and Hunter Brewer, who each enjoyed success for the Pirates soccer team this fall, are also expected to provide athleticism on the basketball court for Valmeyer.

Hemenway averaged 6.4 points per game last season, and scored 12 points in a Nov. 25 tourney win against Christ Our Rock Lutheran. Brewer averaged 6.1 points per game during the 2013-14 season.

Vaughn Larsen, Jared Berning and Michael Chism will also be looked on for key minutes for the Pirates, the head coach said.

“We haven’t decided on regular starters yet, but we have a deep bench and decent quickness,” Crossin said. “Our goal is to be .500 or above in wins this season.”

Key games on the regular season schedule include a Dec. 12 contest at conference rival New Athens, and a Jan. 13 tilt against Monroe County foe Gibault.