Two full-time starters and one part-time starter make up the nucleus to this year's Sidney boys basketball squad. The Eagles' offense will revolve around a headsy, quick-penetrating 5-10 senior All State guard Allen Andersen.

A 6-5 senior, Nathan Johnson, joins Andersen as the other full-time starter from last year. And both shoot the ball with quick proficiency. A strong 6-3 post player in Matt Brenner saw a great amount of playing time as well.

"Anytime you get an All-League, All-State player back, you've got something to build around. He (Andersen) can handle the ball against any kind of defense you see," Sidney Head Coach Rollie Sullivan said.

duane norby | sidney herald Matt Brenner puts up a shot in the paint against the defensive efforts of teammate Beau Prevost in an Eagle practice held Friday.

Although 6-0 senior Devin Bell is anticipated to provide added strength in the post position, Sullivan notes that five of his top seven players this season are guards. For this reason, fans can expect this year's Eagles to get up and down the floor as well as put on a rather strong shooting display.

"We have to be up and down minded - try to get after it full court. Our half-court defense won't be our strength. We have to force guys to cough it up in the back court. The more difficult you make it for your opponents to get the ball up the floor, the better off you'll be, " Sullivan said. "I really like our perimeter players, we're pretty decent and deep. Jared (Baisch) has done a nice job of becoming a good perimeter shooter. He just needs a little more confidence."

Tyrell McPherson and Jordan Abelseth are anticipated to provide good speed in the Eagles' pursuit of full-court defensive pressure with McPherson being one of the fastest players on the squad and Abelseth a scrappy player who runs the floor very well, according to Sullivan. A possible early question mark, though, will be Sidney's effectiveness around the basket.

"I think this team is full of strong transition kids. We might try and mix it up more this year defensively. With Nathan as long as he is, we might try and trap a little more," Sullivan said. "Devin and Matt both work hard and well around the basket. But I think defense and scoring in the paint might be our biggest question mark."

Another possible question mark is one of rebounding. According to Sullivan, rebounding was quite an issue during Sidney's summer play and an issue that may plaque the Eagles early in the season.

"Doing the summer stuff we do gives us a look into our strengths and weaknesses. Looking at last summer, rebound is something we'll need to hit hard and improve on. That's something the kids have to buy into. Hopefully, our mentality for wanting to rebound improves," Sullivan said. "We've got some kids with decent size and our league as a whole isn't that big. The bottom line, though, is how important is it (rebounding) to them as players."

Sullivans doesn't see any team in this year's conference standing out as a powerhouse team, but views Hardin as a possible early favorite with four players back with strong varsity experience. An athletic Laurel team may also be a team that could pose problems to opponents this season. And with Glendive acquiring a 6-7 foreign exchange student, one can't rule out the Red Devils.

"There's really no great big teams in the league. So being a bit undersized might not be as bad as in past years. But there isn't going to be any breather all year on our schedule. Plentywood could be the best team we play all year - Williston and Wolf Point will also be tough. We're going to need to play hard every night. We can play with anyone, but if we don't come out and compete every game, it'll be tough."

Sidney travels to Williston Dec. 4 for its season debut.