The question is “are the defending 1-A state champion Mineral County High boys basketball team rebuilding or just reloading?”

The Serpents lost three starters to graduation. Taylen Wachsmuth, Player of the Year and leading rebounder and 13-3 points per game, Andre Davis, 1st Team All-Conference, 14.3 points per game and 3.2 steals and Brandon West, 2nd Team All-Conference, who was the glue that kept the team operating as one. However, the Serpents have two returning starters along with several players that gained valuable experience and contributed greatly to the Serpents championship run.

Robert McFalls, 1st Team All-Conference, averaged 14.3 points per game and Tony Dominguez, point guard and one of the best defensive players in the league are expected to take the lead for the Serpents. Also returning are Vic Montoya, Damian Montoya, and Devon Davis, who all gave valuable minutes coming off the bench. Ethan Nelms, who played junior varsity and varsity, will be back in his Sophomore year. Sophomores: Seth Bozzi, center; Teven Wachsmuth, forward and Alex Palacious, guard – are coming off the talented junior varsity team. Rounding out the varsity roster are senior Joseph Bandoni and junior, Jared Dore.

Coach Pete Summerbell, returning for his 14th year as head coach says this is the deepest team he has ever had.

The upcoming Serpent Classic will help get the boys to get to working together and continue building that chemistry and teamwork that will be necessary for the Serpents to make another championship run.

The team should be just as fast as last year’s team and the defense which held teams to a low 42.2 average, should be even tougher.