The boys basketball season in Licking County tips off Friday, and teams are led by versatile players who can impact the game at both ends.
Here is a look at a player who will be a focal point for each team.
Jase Becker, Granville
The senior guard is a fearless penetrator and can either score against bigger defenders or set up teammates. He averaged 12.7 points per game, shooting 57% from the floor last season, leading the Blue Aces to a share of the Licking County League-Buckeye Division championship and earning Division II All-Ohio honorable mention recognition.
Andrew Benvie, Granville Christian
The senior engineers the Lions’ up-tempo attack. He averaged 14 points, 3 assists and 3 steals per game last season.
Jaxon Duston, Heath
The junior wing is part of an intriguing group of Bulldogs, who received critical experience last winter. Duston filled the stat sheet, averaging 8.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
Brady Barb, Johnstown
The senior point guard will be asked to score more after the Johnnies graduated a pair of double-digit scorers. Barb is an elite shooter, who averaged 7.1 points and 2.5 assists per game last season.
Adam Crawford, Lakewood
The steady senior leads a group of Lancers, who hope to take a big leap in their second season under coach Dan Shackleford. Crawford averaged 10.4 points per game last season.
Kaden Minier, Liberty Christian
The senior point guard will take a lead role after the Eagles graduated their top two scorers. Minier averaged 8.7 points and 2.1 assists last season.
Ezra Bobo, Licking Heights
The guard leads what should be a balanced and deep attack for the Hornets. They carry confidence into the winter after finishing last season on a high note, claiming a piece of their third consecutive LCL-Buckeye title and beating Upper Arlington in the first round of the Division I tournament.
Gunner Bowman, Licking Valley
The senior had a breakout junior season, using his length on the perimeter to affect the game in multiple ways. He averaged 9.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game last winter and is part of an experienced core that carries momentum after winning its final four regular season games.
Steele Meister, Newark
The senior is a physical presence for the Wildcats, who again will be quick and scrappy at both ends. Meister averaged 11 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2 assists per game last winter during a run to a Division I district championship.
Griffin Urdarovski, Newark Catholic
The senior was one of the Green Wave’s top 3-point shooting threats as a junior. He will be asked to spread the floor for a team that graduated its four top contributors from a run to the Division IV district finals.
Carter Mallernee, Northridge
The senior guard showed an ability to score from anywhere and against anyone. He averaged 20.6 points and 2.5 assists per game, leading the Vikings to the LCL-Cardinal championship and earning All-Ohio Division III third-team honors.
Roman Gamble, Utica
The senior point guard plays with a high motor and can catch fire as he averaged 14.8 points and 2.7 assists per game last winter. Gamble hopes to keep Utica on the ascension after seasons of 15 and 13 wins.
Cole Massie, Watkins Memorial
Massie has the length at both ends to be disruptive on the wings and in the paint. The Warriors graduated their top two scoring threats, but they return several players with significant varsity experience as they attempt to contend in the LCL-Buckeye.