While the Sedona Red Rock High School boys basketball team heads into another season, the Scorpions are expecting to do as well as last year, if not better.

The 2010-2011 campaign ended with a 17-12 record after qualifying as the No. 16 seed in the 3A conference state tournament in February. Sedona lost to Holbrook High School in the first round of the state tournament, 74-42. Holbrook was the eventual state champion.

Although many are looking forward to this season, none can ignore the talent which graduated in May. Martin Galvez was a solid point guard and a leader on the team. The Scorpions also lost Blake Barker, who was their shooting guard, and Troy Loparco, who was a power forward for Sedona.

Another loss for Sedona is the 6-foot-5-inch senior center J.R. Henry, who transferred to a high school in Washington. Henry was awarded a first-team All-Region award in the 3A West his junior year in 2010-2011.

“With a tougher schedule this season, and having lost all of our starters from last season to begin this year, the boys will have to come together quickly, and work together if they expect to do well,” Head Coach Brian Bergner said.

Although Sedona’s talent and height will be greatly missed, replacements are coming.

Top newcomers include T.J. Ryan, a sophomore, who recently moved to Sedona from Texas. He is a gifted athlete, according to Bergner, and should be a big help for the Scorpions this season.

Sophomore Carlos Rodriguez is a smaller guard but has potential. Josh Caccitore, a freshman, is a solid player but has plenty of room to grow and will get some experience on the floor this season, according to Bergner.

Incoming freshman Doron Bryant made the team as well, transferring to Sedona from Florida this summer, and he should be a good asset to the team in the future.

The athleticism within the returning players is promising this season, Bergner said.

Senior Chris Oestmann is expected to have a big year at center for the Scorpions.

“I am excited for the season. We are playing different schools, and our coach has changed up our offense this year and I’m ready to try it out. I hope I can inspire the team to do great and lead by example,” Oestmann said.

Returning junior Graham McGilvray is expected to lead the team playing point guard with his excellent ball-handling skills, and junior Steven Sundberg is up to the task to replace Loparco at the forward spot.

At guard for the Scorpions, returning senior Ashor Samano will take on the responsibility of swing man, as he is able to play multiple positions. Seniors Arley Leyva and Gabe Greenfield will be great role players for the team this year.

On the downside, returning senior starter Bradley Cox suffered a tear in his medial collateral ligament during the high school football season during the last game of the year Oct. 28.

The team hopes Cox returns quickly and fully recovers; he is expected to return by the White Mountain Invitational Tournament at the end of December.

“Our team has lost a lot of key players from last year, but I believe we will be able to still have an amazing year that is full of success,” Cox said. “My injury happened at an unfortunate time. Tearing my MCL was terrible, but I should be back in business in December to help our team win games.”

Even with the trials Sedona is having to face early in the season, the team is still willing to fight for a great year.

“With the new alignment changes this year, it will be the most difficult year to make the postseason in our program’s history, but with the guys we have, I think we can do it,” Bergner said.

Whitney Cooper, a senior at Sedona Red Rock High School, will cover the Scorpion boys basketball team this season for the Sedona Red Rock News.