"We have three starters back and seven seniors overall," said Rubischko. "We want to contend for a section title. That's the goal."

The Lakers will need to replace Jon Sobaski, who was a four-year letterwinner and left as the program's all-time leading scorer. Sobaski ran the offense last year, leading the team in scoring, assists and steals.

Senior Kevin McKiernan will assume a bigger role in the backcourt, while seniors Connor Bair and Austin Heidecker return up front.

Bair averaged 15.6 points per game last year and should be a force inside. But the 6-foot-5-inch forward also has shown the ability to face the basket and knock down open jumpers.

"He's improved," said Rubischko. "He's athletic and can play away from basket. He can play with his back to the basket. He can take bigger players away from the hoop and score and play the post-up game."

Heidecker averaged 8.6 points last year and is a good compliment to Bair inside. Heidecker also showed he can score big. He had a season-high 21 points in a win over Eagan last season.

McKiernan averaged 7.3 points last year. Rubischko said he had a strong summer season to help him get ready to lead the Lakers' backcourt.

"Last year, he did a good job of defending the ball and applying pressure," said Rubischko. "He's improved his shooting and ball handing too."

The Lakers could have a number of three-point specialists in seniors Lucas Olson, Sam Schultze, Keaton Greene and Isaiah Simms. All four will have a bigger roles this winter.

Rubischko wants this team to able to push the ball up the floor and play tough man-to-man defense. In the half court, the Lakers' run a motion offense.

Prior Lake opens the season Nov. 25 at home versus Waconia at 7 p.m. The Lakers will play at Eden Prairie Dec. 2 and will open the SSC season Dec. 5 versus Lakeville South.

Rubischko said Apple Valley is the heavy favorite in the SSC with Shakopee, Lakeville North and Farmington all expected to have strong squads as well, along with the Lakers.

Shakopee is also a Section 2AAAA foe and won the title last year en route to a third-place finish at state. The Lakers nearly beat the Sabers in the section semifinals last season, falling 73-69 in overtime.

Rubischko said his team's non-conference schedule is tough, which also includes St. Paul Johnson (Dec. 12) and Woodbury (Dec. 20), two teams that were 27-3 and 20-9, respectively last year.

But playing in the SSC can also be tough enough.

"We are always looking to be challenged," said Rubsischko. "We want the kids to compete against the best teams. Our December schedule is ridiculous."

Shakopee and Farmington are new to the SSC this season as the two Bloomington teams, Kennedy and Jefferson, moved to the new Metro West Conference.

Jefferson and Kennedy still remain as Section 2AAAA foes, along with Chaska, Chanhassen, Lakeville South and Burnsville.