It doesn’t take a genius or basketball expert to figure out which boys team will be the one to beat in Bossier Parish this season.
The Bossier Bearkats return most of the key players from a team that went 31-4 and reached the Class 3A state championship game.
They include first-team All-Bossier Parish selections Tevin Robertson, a 6-foot-4 post player, and 6-2 guard Devonte Hall.
Other key returnees include Breon Morris, Deorvion Robinson and Rashard Owens.
The Bearkats have made it to the state championship game four straight years, winning the Class 4A title in 2011.
High expectations are nothing new.
“The expectation is the same, but we understand it’s a process to get there,” Bossier coach Jeremiah Williams said. “We’re still pretty confident that if we work hard we’ll have an opportunity maybe to get back and have a chance at it again.”
The 2012-13 season begins today.
Here is a look at the other parish teams.
Airline: Coach Chris White returns only one starter off last season’s District 1-5A co-championship but he’s a good one — 6-foot-3 guard Hayden Hildebrand.
Hildebrand was a first-team All-Bossier Parish selection last season. He has also been first-team All-District 1-5A the last three seasons.
Other projected starters are Demetrius Early, Anthony Gladney, Deaundre Small and Andrew Latson
Parkway: Coach Mike Guess’ top returnee is All-District 1-5A selection Broderick Jefferson.
Other potential starters are Chris Yates, Keondre Wudtee, Brandon Harris and Rob Harper. Wudtee, Harris, Harper and Jefferson are still playing football.
Benton: Coach Tim Cram has three returning starters — forwards LeeAaron Alexander and Jeff Stephens and guard D.J. Bratten.
Louisiana New Tech at Plain Dealing: The Lions reached the Class 1A semifinals last season and with 13 players back will be looking for even better results this season.
First-team All-Parish guard Cardarrious Ray returns along with guards Deaumante Johnson and Kaino Long, forward Tray Harris and center Carderrick Johnson
Haughton: The Bucs have a new coach in Brian St. Andre. Haughton lost its top scorer from last season, Lewis Sykes, to graduation, but he was the only senior on the roster.
