It may be one of the smallest schools in Pennsylvania, but tradition has it that Weatherly boys basketball teams find a way to dig in and compete - night in and out.

Numbers do get in the way, however, and that has been a problem of late for the Wreckers.

But even though they struggled last season - managing just two wins in 21 outings, including just one in Division 3 of the Schuylkill Boys’ Basketball League - most times they hovered close, but just couldn’t find a way to pull out a win.

If Weatherly is going to improve on last year’s mark, it will need to mature and develop in a hurry after losing four key members of that team to graduation - Frankie Willis (11.33 points per game), Ricky Ray (8.09 ppg), Timmy Maguschak (7.5 ppg), and Owen Broskoskie (4.06).

“Yeah, we lost our share of players, including some great leaders, but we do have a few kids back who saw action, and they’re anxious to get their turn to play,” said Weatherly head coach Corey Gerhart.

The top returnee for Gerhart is senior Ian McLaurin, a 5-11 swing player who will see action at guard and can go inside to help rebound. Last season, McLaurin averaged 5.6 ppg.

“He’s been working very hard in the offseason, and he might be our strongest player physically,” Gerhart said. “Ian is quick, and worked on his outside shot. So he will be the guy the team will rely on early in the season.”

Gerhart cited seniors Dylan Buck and John Hoffman as players who saw time off the bench last year that will be counted on in expanded roles this season. Toss Mike Berger into the mix as well, and the cupboard isn’t totally bare.

Gerhart glows when discussing the potential of three freshmen who will be thrust into the varsity fray - Corby Wagner, Ian McGeehan and Nico Saldukas. Gerhart praised their early season practice play, and their ability to fit right in.

Height is a concern for the Wreckers, however, with Saldukas the tallest players at 6-0. However, Gerhart says his sleeper might be Jacob Parker, who at 5-11 will get a look at one of the forward spots.

In addition, John Puzzetti will be in the mix as a guard/forward, but has a big body, the Weatherly coach pointed out.

Gerhart said taking care of the ball is a concern, and the limited size will be a factor for this edition.

“We are kind of young and inexperienced, but we want to take one game at a time,” Gerhart said. “I feel that we can battle and be igames. We’ve got to try and control the game tempo. That will be our approach.”