Blue Ridge returns four starters from a team that shared second place in Lackawanna League Division 4, leaving the Raiders regarded as the top threat to defending champion Elk Lake as they enter their first season under new head coach Wes Parks.

Parks, who won a junior high championship coaching at Susquehanna and has been active in the youth program in the Blue Ridge School District, replaces Casey Jenkins.

While the coach is different, much of the personnel is the same.

Connor Cranage, a 5-foot-10 guard, was a first-team, all-star last season as a freshman.

Seniors Coleman McCain and Hunter Thomas and junior J.J. Rosa also return to the starting lineup.

“We are planning to build off a strong summer and fall filled with basketball, and continue to develop,” Parks said.

Cranage was not the only freshman to make an impact last season.

Dylan Bradley, at 6-foot-1 the tallest player among the 11 returning from last season, was the team’s third-leading scorer.

Junior guard Dalton Rutter also has significant experience.

Junior forward James Barbour, junior guard Timmy Higgins and sophomore guards Morgan Thomas, Ryan Scott and Carson Gallagher saw limited varsity time.