An experienced Northwestern boys’ basketball team is gearing up to begin the season this weekend, as the Warriors open the season Friday night at Miami East before hosting Greeneview on Saturday night in their home opener.

It will be year where they have to replace the top player in the league in Andy Elliott, but coach Gerald Embry feels his team is experienced and ready for the challenge in front of them.

“We do have some experience coming back, and we should be mush improved from the previous two years,” he said. “We need to make sure we can finish around the basket.”

“We have shown some good things at practice the first couple of weeks, and are way ahead of things the past few years. I am most pleased how we move the ball. Last year, we had Andy and stood around a lot but now we need to do it all together. We are coming together as a team better.”

Five seniors are on the Warriors roster this season, including several with experience. Shane Salley is a 5-foot-8 guard who is a three year letterwinner.

“He is one of those guys who we threw into the fire and he has grown so much with experience,” Embry said. “Not we are expecting big things from him.”

Also back is 6-foot-1 Trevor Gebby, who is coming off of the football season.

“He has been on varsity since his freshman year, and is the best defender on the floor,” Embry said. “He is our most athletic player and does a lot for us.”

Ellif Ulery is a 6-foot-3 senior who is two year starter expected to add to the attack.

“He played several quarters when he was a freshman and now is a two-year starter for us,” the Northwestern coach said. “We are looking for him to score and play big inside. We need to get his confidence going.”

Standing 6-foot-6 is Cole Brewer, who played as a junior after not playing since eighth grade.

“He came back out to play and has been trying to get into the flow with us,” Embry said. “He is understanding what we want him to do, and has come along far this year. We are expecting big things from him this year.”

Joe Allen also look to contribute, as the 6-foot senior will be primarily a forward and a post for the Warriors.

Four juniors are on the roster, including 5-foot-10 Liam Randal, who is much improved this season according to Embry. Him and Ryan Cleland, a 6-foot post, have worked all summer to become much improved.

6-foot-3 Derek Whip will play the post, as the junior saw some time last year.

“He has gotten taller this simmer and put some weight on,” Embry said. “He is ready to produce for us.”

A player that Embry is counting on is 6-foot-4 Curt Walters, who moved in from Riverside.

“He is likely going to be the best player on the floor a lot,” Embry said. “He can do it all, put it on the floor, hit the three and play strong at the rim. We are throwing a lot at him, but he is picking is up.”

Sophomore Liam Burns, 6-foot-3, will also see some minutes on the varsity and likely swing with the JV at times. Finally, 5-foot-10 freshman Evan Noffke is one of the best shooters in the program according to Embry, and will just need time to make his presence felt on the floor.

“Our league has been strong, and hopefully we can compete,” Embry said “It has always been a tough league.”