BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

Few high school basketball teams this season will be as fresh as Wheaton’s.

With new Head Coach Josh Wiseman at the reins, the Bulldogs — who went 19-9 and were district runner-up last season — have just one full-time starter and one bench player coming back to the squad that graduated six.

Wiseman said the start of a season with a new coach and so many new players on the floor is an exciting prospect.

“We look forward to trying to build on what last year’s team did, and we hope to keep the winning going here at Wheaton,” he said. “It will be a challenge with so many new faces, but we are looking forward to it and are ready to compete and keep growing as a program.”

The lone returning starter for Wheaton is senior forward Houston Roller, who averaged 8 points per game last season. Sophomore guard Brody Bateman, who had 8.5 points per game off the bench, provides a dash more experience.

“Houston provides us with experience and can play both inside and out,” Wiseman said. “Brody is a very talented playmaker who is expected to lead our offense this season. We expect Houston and Brody to lead our team and have an even greater impact this season.”

With so few returning, the newcomers list is extensive, including four seniors who have joined the program this year in center Jacob Bittle, center Joel Sherwood, guard Blake Fields and forward Cam Cartwright.

“They should help us with leadership, and as they gain experience, provide valuable minutes on the varsity level,” Wiseman said.

Other players on the squad include a couple of the four sophomores who earned playing time last year, as well as three freshmen.

“We have a lot of newcomers this season that will have to step in and provide us help on the varsity level,” Wiseman said. “Sophomore guard Yescua Cha dealt with an injury last season and was unable to play. We expect him to have an impact for us at the varsity level. Sophomore guard Andy Bui is a returning player who played JV for us last season. He will also be expected to help us this year.”

“Jayson Peterson, sophomore guard, is expected to get minutes this season and help us on the defensive end. Mitchell Shockley, sophomore forward, will also take a step into a varsity role this season. He is our tallest player and will be expected to provide us with rebounds and a presence in the post.”

Incoming freshman who could have an impact on varsity this season are guard David Cunglianthawng and guard/forward Amos Thawngzathang.

“They are both very athletic and can help on both ends of the court,” Wiseman said. “They should help us this season, and we are excited to see them develop.”

As the only player with significant minutes and experience, Wiseman said Roller will be leaned on heavily this season to guide the squad in the right direction.

“He is expected to be our team captain and help the younger players,” Wiseman said. “We expect him to have a huge impact for us on the varsity lev- el in his final year. [The senior] newcomers have also already provided a good work ethic and have been great teammates.”

Wiseman said to vie for a district title again, Wheaton must leverage its athleticism and avoid the mistakes associated with inexperience.

“We are very athletic as a team,” Wiseman said. “As far as being athletic goes, I think we can compete with anyone. All of the players give their very best every time they go out onto the court, and their effort is something I as a coach have not had to question.

“The biggest thing our team needs is experience. We are a young team, and many of our upperclassmen are playing for the first time. I think as the season goes and they get more experience on the varsity level, they will be a very good team.”

With a trio of early tournaments on the schedule and a 5-game road swing in January, Wiseman said the opponents will be a good challenge for the Bulldogs.

“I think our schedule will give our players much-needed experience and help us develop for the future while competing this season,” he said.

One game on the schedule has Wheaton’s eye — Blue Eye. The other Bulldogs defeated Wheaton for last season’s district title, 44-39.

“We are looking forward to the Feb. 4 game against Blue Eye,” Wiseman said. “Blue Eye usually has a very talented team, and we are looking forward to seeing how far we have come by then and how we stack up to them.”

Setting goals simply to compete in the Ozark 7 Conference and to gain experience and skill each day, Wiseman said the potential for the fresh squad is plentiful.

“I think the unique thing about this team is how young we are while still having some upperclass presence,” he said. “Out of the seniors we have, most will be playing for the first time, and they are good at pushing the younger guys.

“So far, the team chemistry is good, and they all get along great with each other. It will be fun to watch them play together as the season goes on.”

Wheaton opens the season this week at the Verona Tip-Off Classic. The home opener is set for Dec. 10 against Galena.