LINDEN &8212; If you look at the fact that the Longhorn basketball team graduated three seniors from last year&8217;s team and has two returning starters you might wonder about the leadership depth of the team. But a second look will more than dissuade any doubts.

The Marengo Academy varsity boy&8217;s basketball team is returning to the hardwood this season with a group chalked full of upper-class leadership. On the 13-man roster, there are only two 10th graders. The rest of the team is made up of five juniors and six seniors, all of which are more than accustomed to Marengo Academy head basketball coach Danny Stenz&8217;s system.

Despite their familiarity in the system, Stenz said the group has a lot of work to do before the season starts on Nov. 26 on the road at Jackson Academy. He said eight of his players have been working on learning this seasons offenses, defenses and in-bounding plays, but Wednesday was the first day back for five of his players who played football at the school this season.

Stenz said his group has been in the weight room and has size, which is an asset for the team. And, along with strength, he said the group is taller than groups he has had in the past.

Stenz said last year the team made it to the Alabama Independent School Association&8217;s final four, after placing second in their region in the regular season. He said this year a repeat is possible and perhaps more, depending on the work of his team.