In each of Ken Termini’s first three seasons as head boys’ basketball coach at Palmerton, the program has taken steps towards development and improvement.

Last season, Termini and then-senior Nate Dougherty — the sixth-leading scorer in PHS history — led the Blue Bombers to the District 11 Class 3A tournament, where they claimed their first championship since the 1988-89 season.

Championships are obviously a great thing. But coaches, players and fans affiliated with the Palmerton program know that there can definitely be improvements to that banner team from a year ago.

The impact of Dougherty’s departure, who is continuing his cage career at Moravian College, will definitely be felt.

However, Termini and his core of returning talent are confident in their work and ability to overcome that loss and continue the recent string of improvement.

“We’re excited to get going,” Termini said. “This group has really set some good goals for themselves. They’ve worked hard and we’re hoping to put a high quality product out on the floor.”

Justin Hosier returns for his senior season with the team and starts the season with 902 points in his career. The 6-3 talent likes to create off the dribble, but his long distance abilities are equally impressive.

“Nate was a great player and will be very difficult to replace,” Hosier said. “But I think the team chemistry that we’ve made over the summer and just having another season under our belts, will be our best plan at replacing a player like that.”

Another capable option for point production who returns is junior Kody Kratzer, who has demonstrated in the past that he can score in waves and from plenty of spots on the floor.

“I think this season is going to be good,” Kratzer said. “The new guys to the team are figuring out their roles.

“We all need to take on bigger roles in order to replace a player like Nate, who did so much for us and helped the team in so many ways.”

Termini thinks the Bombers can do just that.

“Fortunately, we have a deep group of dedicated kids that I think are ready to leave their own mark on Palmerton basketball history,” Termini said. “Last season was a good memory, but we’re looking forward to making some new memories this season.”

That deep group has a healthy rotation of solid athletes, as seniors Ryan King (6-1) and Tyler Christman (6-3) are back to do their thing, while junior Owen Buck (6-3) returns to the post and classmates Tyler Stuck (6-2) and Jared Tobia (6-1) will pad the Blue Bomber backcourt.

“We really need to remain focused on being locked in, getting better each day and taking one game at a time,” Termini said. “If we do that, our other goals should fall into place.”

When asked about goals, Termini acknowledged that the team has plenty of things that it wants to accomplish. But the Bombers’ main goal is a simple one.

“The bottom line is that everybody in the league and on our schedule is a good, strong team and we’re going to have to go out work hard, come hungry, and come ready to play,” Termini said. “Sure we want to qualify for districts, have a winning record, win a championship, but our biggest goal for this season is just showing that we can come locked in and focused every day.”