The 2019-20 season for the Wilson Dragons could go either way. “With a completely new lineup from losing four seniors, the kids can either respond and step up, or they can be pushed back a little. Time will tell,” said head coach Trenton Ptacek.

The Dragons have a lot on their side.

Ptacek has been head coach at Wilson starting with junior high school boys’ basketball for two years, then high school head boys’ basketball coach starting a second year. He coached the members of this year’s team the entire time.

The players also know each other.

“These guys have been playing with each other since sixth and seventh grade,” Ptacek said.“They should know each others tendencies which leads to good chemistry.

“We lost four seniors that were key for us to win games. It is definitely going to be a big adjustment for younger guys to fill spots more consistently than just substituting in.”

He said juniors Cooper Weinhold and Garrett Thielen will be expected to step into leadership roles.

“As posts they control our game as we like to play inside first, outside second,” Ptacek said.

Junior Cameron Eberhart is expected to be co-point with senior Westin Hughes.

“They will control the pace of our game and they are quick and athletic enough to push the pace,” Ptacek said.

The team’s tentative starting five are Weinhold, Thielen, Hughes, Eberhart and Charlie Hlad. With limited numbers, freshmen could have opportunities to start.

“Our weakness will be number of kids,” Ptacek said. “As of now I am looking at eight to nine to maybe 10 kids at the most. Sickness or injury could change everything we do for each game.”

Again, another piece of good news for the Dragons.

“We have freshman kids that are athletic and eager to learn and listen,” Ptacek said.

Another plus for the Dragons is assistant coach Jake Stoppel.

“His college athletic knowledge allows him to coach as a head coach almost,” Ptacek said. “We share leadership roles. If I am gone, practice or game, it doesn’t skip a beat.”

Wilson travels to Otis-Bison Friday for its first game of the season.