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Photo by Richard Gwin Richard Gwin

From left, Seabury’s John Wigen-Toccalino, Lawrence High’s Dorian Green, Veritas’ Jeremiah Johnson and Free State High’s Chase Hoag are returning players who will lead their teams with experience.

There’s a little bit of magic left on Lawrence’s east side of town. At least, that’s what Lawrence High boys basketball coach Chris Davis is hoping as the 2008-2009 hoops season approaches.

“It feels like it’s just a continuation,” Davis said. “We haven’t talked about it very much, but I think everybody is kind of carrying themselves that way.”

The Lions, of course, became the Cinderella story of last season’s Class 6A postseason, defeating Leavenworth, Olathe North, Manhattan and Wichita Heights — all higher seeds — on their way to the state championship game, where they lost, 88-67, to Wichita Southeast.

This year’s LHS team features several recognizable faces from that state runner-up team, including four players who started at some point during the season.

The swagger returns for the Lions, but the same style of play won’t.

Gone are big men John Schneider and Baba Diallo, which means the Lions must rely on speed — and a guard-heavy lineup.

As a result, expect the Lions to shoot from deep. A lot.

“Most everybody on the court has a green light to shoot from outside,” Davis said. “We’ll get it up in the air.”

Leading the way for LHS is senior point guard Dorian Green, who emerged last season as one of the top players in the state. Green averaged 24.3 points per game at last year’s state tournament, and much of the offense should run through him this season.

Chris Davis’ son, Bobby, returns for his senior season at guard, as does Lance Kilburn. The two long-range shooters form a formidable outside presence and will be vital to the Lions’ success. Also in the mix at guard are Marcus Ray and junior Drake DeBiasse, who saw some time on varsity at the beginning of last season.

In the post, Chris Davis is counting on returning starter Chebon Dawes, Paul Eltschinger and Michael Stanford to rotate and keep each other fresh.

With a different offensive scheme, Chris Davis said he expected things to develop slowly.

“Basically everything we did last year is thrown out the window,” Chris Davis said. “Everything is brand new.”

LHS kicks off its season tonight at home against Washburn Rural.

Across town at Free State High, the Firebirds also return four seniors with starting experience off a team that finished 13-8 and lost in the first round of sub-state.

The team’s leading returning scorer, Jake Miller, averaged seven points a game last season. Miller developed into a reliable shooter as the season progressed, starting the team’s final 10 games. He averaged double-figure scoring in games he started.

Also back is point guard Sean Brown, shooter Conner Monarez and Chase Hoag, who coach Chuck Law said had emerged as the team’s vocal leader.

Law said the rest of his lineup would feature younger players with little varsity experience. How they mesh with the returning varsity guys could determine how far the Firebirds go this season.

Like the Lions, expect the Firebirds to get the ball up and down the court.

“To be honest, I think if our scores are lower, we’re going to be in trouble,” Law said. “The more up-tempo we can play, the more easy shots we can create in transition, the better off we’re going to be.”

Law said in the past, his teams were less likely to rely on the three-pointer. But this year presents a whole new set of opportunities.

“We’re probably liable to shoot it from deep a little bit more than we have in the last three years,” Law said. “I don’t want to live and die by it, but we have some guys who can make shots.”

Free State starts its season Thursday at the Bonner Springs Invitational.

At Veritas Christian, coach Doug Bennett also brings back a core group of players from last year’s 9-14 team that finished in fifth-place at the KCAA postseason tournament.

Senior Jeremiah Johnson, a 6-foot-2 guard, is the team’s leading returning scorer and will be counted on to continue that trend this season. Also back are sophomore brothers Nate and Ethan Scott, who will play two of the other guard spots for the Eagles. Bennett said he would need contributions from sophomore Ethan Kay and 6-footer Neil Daniels, who transferred from Olathe Christian.

At 6-4, Taylor Zook faces the challenge of being in the post, as will 6-3 senior John Hicks, a transfer from Belton, Mo.

“We don’t have that one real big guy, but we have good overall height,” Bennett said. “I think our height is athletic and quick. We’re really hoping to create a lot of defensive pressure both in the full court and half court.”

The Eagles begin the season today at Northland Christian.

At Seabury Academy, coach Mike Harding leads an experienced group of varsity players into his first season with the Seahawks.

Among his returners are point guard Gus Wigen-Toccalino and guard Bill Gibbs. Inside, Harding is relying on Skyler Malone and Reed Grabill, both of whom will have interchangeable spots on the court.

Harding said three sophomores — Austin Barone, Kansas Fiori-Brown and Dan Simons — all would see significant playing time, as would shooter Nathan Wilhelm.

The Seahawks likely will be smaller than the opponent most nights out, so Harding said he expected a quicker style of play from his team.

We’re going to have to run and make smart decisions in the open court,” Harding said. “We’re going to be athletic enough to where we can press. I think that’s going to help us a lot.”

Seabury’s first game is Tuesday at Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy.