>> Broncos season schedule

Lee's Summit North Mike Hilbert won't know the feeling of coaching Trae Young or Stephen Curry, but he and the Broncos have their own version this year.

The Broncos, who enter the season as the No. 4 team in the 810 Varsity Top 25, will enjoy another year of star guard Javaunte Hawkins. The 5-foot-11 senior point wing set a school scoring record with 22.2 ppg last year, as well as the single-game scoring record with 39. Hawkins also owns the school marks in three-pointers in a season (73), career (159), free throws made in a season (106) and tied most field goals (13) made in a game.

They may still need to get the eraser out this year with Hawkins likely to add or set new marks ahead.

But it won't just be Hawkins causing other teams fits. Senior point guard Mikel Henderson (6-0) returns after a strong junior season.

"Mikel has an equally sweet shooting stroke and brings a court awareness and passing ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates," Hilbert stated. "I believe Mikel is actually the key and maybe a bit of a secret weapon on this year’s team."  

Fellow seniors in guard Christian Carter (6-0), Tommy Erwin (6-foot-4) and Elijah Smith (6-foot-3), a transfer from Center, should round out the starting lineup.

Senior guard Jack Gatti (5-foot-11) also returns after logging varsity time last year. 

"These six kids will make sure we have a chance to win every game we play this season," said Hilbert, who sits just one win away from win No. 250 at Lee's Summit North.

"Behind these guys will be a collection of players who will fill important roles and must contribute if we hope to build on the success of last year and compete for championships this year."

Kolby Franklin, a 6-foot-1 guard, also will bring depth to the Broncos lineup as well as the addition of Smith.

"Elijah is a strong, mature win who can shoot and handle the ball. Kolby is a long, athletic guard that can run the floor and attack the basket," touted Hilbert. "If we can get effort and production out of kids not named Javaunte or Mikel, we could be as good as anyone in KC if not across the state."

The non-con schedule features big tests in 810 Varsity Top 10 teams Rockhurst, the Blue Valley Shootout with three other top 10 teams in Blue Valley, Grandview and Lawrence, and Park Hill South in January. Plus St. Thomas Aquinas in the 810 Varsity Shootout at Avila on December 15.

"I am really excited to get started," stated Hilbert "and can’t wait to see where this group can go this season."