Porcupine boys search for leadership amongst talented young team

The Nashua boys' basketball team was running most of its first practice. That's because the Porcupines plan on running all season, and eventually hope to run to the top of District 3C.

The Porcupines only graduated one senior last year, which means there will be plenty of experience on the roster. Four starters from last season are back in the mix and 17 boys came out for the first practice, the most the team has had in quite some time.

“I think we should be pretty strong this year,” head coach Gary Fisher said. “This is my third year here and this is the largest as far as numbers we've had.”

The starters that return should help the Porcupines keep pace in a tough conference. Junior center Brandon Hansard should be a force this season along with All-Conference returner Anthony Bengochea. Willy Lauckner and Dustin Kelm will also return starting minutes to the lineup.

“We have a pretty good core coming back plus a lot of younger guys to mix in with them so I think we should do all right,” Fisher said.

Depth will be a strength with this team but after losing their only senior leader from last season, the Porcupines will be looking for someone to fill in as a leader on this year's team.

“That's one thing that we'll need to learn,” Fisher said. “When you lose a senior leader it's hard to regain that. We're just finding our own identity for this year.

“Every team brings new challenges and new highs and lows. We're looking forward to it.”

The Porcupines will get their first test when they open the season at home against Dodson on Dec. 5.