Every coach wants to see their program take a step forward in their second year in charge, and Ryan Garnett is no different with his Kelly boys basketball team. The Hawks doubled their win total in Garnett's first season, but he says that was just the start of the project.

"I think that once we had our foundation laid last year, this year is when we really start doing the building work," Garnett said. "We're starting right now where we left off last year, whereas last year it took us until the second half of the season to get rolling. We're rolling now, working hard and they're enjoying the process. There's buy-in across the board. It's really one of the better groups I've coached in 12 years of coaching."

The buzz is positive for Kelly, which returns a host of players who got significant time for a 10-14 side in 2014-15. Only one starter -- Dalton Huffman -- is gone, and all of the team's statistical leaders return as they try to increase that production. But the coach says it's not just about the skill, but also the group's commitment to the plan. That's what has Garnett, who describes himself as an "incurable optimist," really excited about how things are shaping up.

"They've bought into the philosophy as a team," Garnett said. "They're leaving a legacy, and that's something they should be proud of, and I think they realize that. We're doing a lot of things as far as getting older kids involved with the little kids *... Really, K-12, we're trying to establish ourselves.

"With the group we have this year, they really have a chance to be one of the better groups Kelly has seen in years."

Cayden Williams returns after leading the team in assists, but Ty Householder is also a playmaker and floor general for the Hawks. Maurice Davis provides a quick, explosive presence -- he is a state champion in the 100-meter dash -- and newcomer Skylar Lemons should provide production on the wing with a versatile skill set. Barnett believes he has four or five players who can be quality outside shooters, as well as some size down low that will provide balance.

Conner Dittlinger, Jake McClain and Levi Alsup provide that size and all return after earning starting time a year ago. They are part of a seven-man senior class.

Look for Kelly to -- as is the trend in most places -- push the pace more often this winter, with an up-tempo game plan a priority. It is something, however, that the squad needs to perfect, with Garnett pointing to carelessness in transition as perhaps the group's biggest weakness going into the season.

"Right now, we're a little loose with the ball," Garnett said.

The key to the up-tempo approach will be for Kelly to be smart with the ball on the offensive end, which should help them avoid getting caught up the court on the defensive end.

"Our shot selection is very important to us," Garnett said. "Limiting our turnovers on the offensive end makes the defensive transition better for us. We've got to be the first guys down the floor, period, and protect the hole. Offensively, we're trying to get the ball inside and from there we can work it back outside and shoot in rhythm. But we know the high percentage shots are inside."

With a big group of upperclassmen, experience and leadership should not be an issue for the Hawks. Garnett calls Householder and Alsup the guys expected to "hold our feet to the fire" and keep things in line.

If the Hawks have bought in the way their coach believes they have, there may not be too many times when things need to be put back in line. At least, that's how the optimist Garnett seems to feel about it.

"We have guys filling the correct roles in the correct places," Garnett said, "and it looks good on paper."

Players to watch

Davis returns after being a co-leading scorer for the Hawks with 12 points per game as a junior. He'll also be the fastest player on the floor every night, and should have the opportunity to shine if Kelly is committed to pushing the pace. Garnett likes his team's balance, but Davis seems to have the profile to make the most of the way the Hawks set up.

Lemons is also one to keep an eye on, as he could provide a major boost for the program. It's not often you get a newcomer with some experience to lean on, but Lemons transferred in from Scott County Central, where he was a contributor for a perennial title-winning program. It's yet to be seen exactly what role he plays, but it will likely be an important one that could help Kelly take another step forward.

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Class 3 District 2

Conference

Scott-Mississippi

Head coach

Ryan Garnett

(2nd year)

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ROSTER

Player Year

Levi Allsup 12

Cole Bollinger 12

Maurice Davis 12

Conner Dittlinger 12

Ty Householder 12

Skylar Lemons 12

Jake McClain 12

Isai Campos 11

Quintin Lara 11

Kade Proctor 11

Cayden Williams 11

STARTERS GONE

Dalton Huffman

STARTERS BACK

Ty Householder

Maurice Davis

Conner Dittlinger

Jake McClain

Levi Alsup

Cayden Williams

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SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time

11/30 Oran Invitational Tourn.

12/8 @Bloomfield 7:30 p.m.

12/16 @Leopold 7:30 p.m.

12/18 @Woodland 7:30 p.m.

12/26 SEMissourian Xmas Tourn.

1/5 Puxico 7:30 p.m.

1/8 Jefferson 7:30 p.m.

1/11 Eagle Ridge 6 p.m.

1/12 @Oran 8 p.m.

1/14 vs. Scott City 2:30 p.m.

1/15 Chaffee 7:30 p.m.

1/18 Scott-Mississippi Conf. Tourn.

1/26 @Saxony Lutheran TBA

1/29 @Oak Ridge 7:30 p.m.

2/2 Scott Co. Central 7:30 p.m.

2/5 Delta 7:30 p.m.

2/12 @East Prairie 7 p.m.

2/15 Marquand-Zion TBA

2/18 Bell City 7:30 p.m.

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LAST SEASON

LEADERS

Points: Maurice Davis, Ty Householder (12 ppg)

Rebounds: Jake McClain (7 rpg)

Assists: Cayden Williams

RECORD

10-14