When talking about this season’s version of the Emmaus High School boys basketball team, head coach Steve Yoder, in his 15th season in charge of the program, showed a spirited excitement in describing the group.

“I am as excited about this group as any that I have had in the last 15 years coaching here,” said Yoder. “They are a fun group to coach and that loves to compete and work hard every day. They listen to what our coaches preach to them and just want to get better and love playing the game.”

The Green Hornets went 16-8 last year, qualifying for both the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and District 11 6A tournaments. They had a quicker exit than they would have hoped in those postseason events, but are ready to take the next step and advance further to accomplish their goals of conference and district championships.

Following the graduation of key players such as Jadis Brevitt, Jaden Gallagher, Ryan Santos, Ryan Diehl and Ben Kieres, Yoder will welcome back a good amount of returning experience.

Back after seeing considerable playing time last season are junior Will Barber (10.7 points per game), senior Dylan Darville (10.0 ppg), junior Jametric Harris, senior Chase Muckey, senior Jeremy Ko and senior Dom Nunez. Other players that Emmaus will rely on to contribute this season include Jake Fotta, Teague McCourt, Aiden and Pacey Santos, Jackson Lake and Jack Csensits.

“This is a very talented group we have returning, led by Will, Dylan and Jametric,” Yoder said. “After those guys, we just have a lot of talent behind them that will give us more depth than we had last year. This year’s team is also very unselfish and competitive and really want to bring a title back to this program and this school.

“If there is one thing that we may be lacking, however, it’s experience. Behind Will, Dylan and Jametric, there is not a whole lot of quality minutes at the varsity level for our group.”

Emmaus opens its 2022-23 regular season at the Interboro Tip-Off Tournament at Interboro High School this Friday against Upper Darby.

The Green Hornets will then take on either Methacton or host Interboro the following day, depending on Friday’s results. The EPC opener is set for the following Tuesday night against Allen at Emmaus High School.