Adam Bremner
Staff Writer

After suffering its first losing season in years under Coach Brad Chasteen, the Coppell Cowboys basketball team enter the 2010-11  season tonight with a new look and a fairly young team.

The squad is without huge contributors from last year and it is evident they are changing their style. Firstly, they lost size. Centers Dallas Riney and Patrick McNamara graduated in June and leave the ‘Boys with their only size in 6’6″ Junior Jett Raines. Secondly, the team is deprived of 20 points a night provided by last years’ leading scorer Andrew Bourg. Bourg was captain and an offensive weapon the team will have to replace quickly.

Despite the displaced players, Chasteen and the close bunch are optimistic and deservedly so. Primarily, the upside is the plethora of talent and returning players that make up the squad. Among those restoring their spot are captains Andrew Rexroat and Travis Chun as well as Hunter Robinson, Brooks Midddleton, D.J. Feitl–who sat out the whole year due to a knee injury–and Kyle Echerd. All of these players saw time on the floor to an extent last season and are suited to lead the team together.

Their young talent is everywhere you look. Warren Oishi, Austin Mankin, and Raines are three juniors that also hit the hardwood last season for a considerable dose and each displayed abilties that are promising and remarkable. The best friend tripod has chemistry and skills that could land them on the starting lineup by season’s end. The squad also acquires transfer Simi Socks, a freshman with raw abilities and a boat load of potential. The problem is, there is little brute force down low in the post, and rather an athletic preference surrounding the roster so Chasteen has called for a run’n’gun styleoffense.

The Cowboys visit Plano East tonight in Plano at 7:30 p.m. for the season opener as the first part of their three game set this week. The home opener is Friday at 7:30 p.m. against Irving MacArthur.