Unlike last year when Oak Harbor returned only two lettermen, this year’s Wildcat boys basketball team features seven players with plenty of varsity court time.

That experience should help the Wildcats improve upon last year’s 4-15 record, including a 1-10 mark and a 13th place in the Western Conference.

Returning lettermen are seniors Joe Arinaza, Ozell Jackson, Gabe Salinger and Weston Whitefoot and juniors Gavin Allen, Haven Brown and Kevin Schuldt.

Coach John Weston said the veteran group is one of the strengths of this year’s team.

“We have some quick players, and we have some solid shooters,” he added. “We are pretty deep; I think all the players on varsity will be able to contribute.”

Helping fill out the varsity roster will be seniors Matt Jones and Brennan Nay and juniors Austin Boesch, Terrell Crumpton and Dorian Hardin.

Weston’s biggest concern heading into the season is his team’s lack of height.

“We are not very big so we will be giving up size, which could impact us inside and on the boards,” he said. “We also need to keep improving defensively.”

Weston noted that he wants his club to be known for being “tough and scrappy.”

“If we are able to do this consistently, we will be able to be competitive.”

Oak Harbor begins the season with two home non-league games, starting with Monroe (17-7 last year) at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28. Lakewood (6-15) visits at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1.