After a successful season and a share of the Hampshire North league championship, the Athol boys basketball team brings nine seniors back to this year’s campaign.
“I think we can compete this year, for sure,” Athol coach Brian Patria said.
Athol’s been in the state tournament the last four seasons. Patria is in his fifth season as coach for the Bears. Athol plays in the Hampshire North with Pioneer, Greenfield, Mahar and Frontier.
The Bears look forward to the challenge of facing tough teams from Franklin County.
“I like it,” Patria said. “I love to have the challenge. Battling against good teams. We have good opportunities to compete.”
Athol finished 13-8 last season and lost to Saint John Paul, 55-52, in the Division 5 state tournament preliminary round. Athol went 7-1 in league play, sharing the championship with Lee.
Athol lost leading scorer Ben Kearney to graduation.
While an abundance of seniors is positive, Ethan Goodwin is the lone senior that was a starter last season for the Bears. Some of the seniors do not have varsity experience. Goodwin logged a lot of minutes last season for Athol.
Goodwin has a lanky, athletic frame with good size for the Bears. He brings a solid presence to the paint for Athol. The Bears had a scrimmage against Belchertown on Saturday morning.
“We are having a slow start because everyone is injured,” Goodwin said.
Unfortunately for Athol, two players have missed time in the preseason due to injury. Brandon Adams and Dominik St. Andre hope to be ready soon for the Bears. Adams projects as the starter at point guard and has some varsity experience.
Karim Thompson is a captain for Athol. Thompson can use his handles and speed to get in the paint to create for himself and others. Adams, Thompson , St. Andre and Goodwin will need to increase their scoring output this season for Athol.
Oliver Johnson is another player to watch for Athol. The team has a lot of chemistry on and off the court. The camaraderie should help on the floor as well for Athol.
“We are a pretty close team,” Goodwin said. “We hang out. It’s going to be sad next year when we are all gone. I think we are going to do really well. Maybe Western Mass.”
Athol opens its season at home against Frontier Regional on Monday, Dec. 15.