The Patrick Henry boy’s basketball team has lots of talent and experience returning, as the Patriots look to three-peat as the Western Valley District champs.

Returning starters from last year's team that finished 7-1 in the district and 20-5 overall include Marcus Banks (Jr, 5-8), BJ. Hamlet (Sr, 6-3), Cortez Ogden (Soph, 5-11) and Trey Crowder (Jr, 6-3).

Other Patriots include Darius Cunningham (Sr, 5-9), Brandon Robinson (Jr, 6-0), Christian Kirchman (Soph, 6-0), Ray Manning (Jr, 6-4), Jamel Tucker (Sr, 6-4), Nick Ollie (Sr, 6-3), Xavier Whorley (Jr, 6-2), Austin Dunithan (Jr, 6-6) and Tyler Pollard (So, 6-4).

Three-year starters Marcus Banks, Hamlet, and Crowder should be the top players to make an impact this season. Banks missed being WVD District Player of the Year by one vote to teammate Cam Jones.

When asked about the team's strengths and weaknesses, head coach Jack Esworthy responded, "We have three players with experience in final four and six back from last year. We must replace district player of the year Cam Jones.

What can the fans see from the Patriots this season? “We are trying to three-peat as WVD champs. We want to get back to the final four and region champs in 2010. We have a bad taste from last year's regional semifinal loss and want to get the region back," noted Larkin.

"PH has a lot of talent and experience returning and we have high expectations," said Esworthy. "We must fit a few new faces into the PH mindset and work ethic. If we can successfully do that, we should repeat for the third year in a row."

The Patriots open their season on Tuesday, Dec. 6, when they travel to Martinsville.