William Chrisman welcomed in a new head coach last year. This year, they welcomed a new tourney - and hopefully a big year as well. 

The Bears, who finished 11-16 in the first year under Jacob Kates, look to flip the script to a winning record in 2018-190. 

Chrisman, off to a strong start at 3-1 and ranked in the preseason 810 Varsity Top 25, look the part after finishing second in the inaugural Phog Allen Classic this past weekend to No. 7 Lee's Summit North, 74-73.

The Bears returns nice pieces from last year, including senior Kelvyn Mason. The 6-0 guard averaged 10 points per game and three boards.

"Kelvyn's the most athletic guard we have," said Kates. "He's a game-changer for us when he's plugged in."

Fellow senior Dawson Herl also will be in the backcourt. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard average 12 ppg and 5.5 rebounds.

"We will need him to rebound well again," Kates said. "He has to hit the open three's for us to be great."

A pair of juniors also will be in the mix with 6-foot-1 point guard Isaiah Jackson (8 ppg, 5 reb, 4 ast) and 6-foot-1 Alex Calhoun.

"Isaiah will have to lead our team this year as a veteran point guard, and can be one of the best ball defenders in the Metro," Kates touted. "Alex is perhaps our most improved player from the end of one season to the start of another that I have coached in my 17 years of high school basketball."

Overall, the guard and style will lead to piling up points on the scoreboard. So far, the Bears are averaging nearly 70 ppg.

"Offensively, we should not have a problem scoring points," Kates stated. "We will spread the floor and our spacing must remain good. Our guards are the engine that will make us run. If we stay unselfish with the touches and keep the ball moving, we will be very good."

"Defensively, we must stay engaged," Kates continued. "When we play team defense, it's a very pretty thing to watch. Our defense should lead to some transition points for us this year."