With a lot of experience returning this season, the Northwestern Warriors have one initial goal in mind, becoming the first boys’ basketball team at the school since 2004-05 to claim a league championship.

It all begins at home on Friday, as the Warriors host Miami East in their season opener beginning at 7:30.

“We have a starting five back from last year, but we are off to a slow start in preseason,” said Northwestern coach Gerald Embry. “We would like to win the league and that is what we are working toward. We are only as good as we guard.”

“I thought we could get off to a fast start, but it has been up and down. One day we are right there, then we take a step back. We have some good seniors and other new kids trying to get everyone on the right page.”

So far in the early season, Embry feels that defensively his team has been pretty good, but on offense they are just out of sync, but are working to get better every day leading toward their opener on Friday.

It all starts with their six seniors, the players that Embry will be counting on to lead the way for the Warriors.

Ryan Cleland is back as their senior point guard, and Embry knows it all starts with him.

“He is our leader, talking to everyone trying to help younger guys,” Embry said. He can push the ball and plays great defense. Ryan is working hard to find his teammates and wants to break the assist record at Northwestern. He has weapons around him and a great opportunity to do that.”

Returning as the leading scorer, rebounder and shot blocker is senior Kurt Waters, who will have a lot of responsibilities.

“He led the league in blocks, rebounding and was like fifth or so in scoring,” Embry said. “He is one of those kids who is a guard in a big man’s body. He can shoot the three and finish at the rim. Kurt has a good around game.”

Liam Randall is small forward, and will contribute with great defense.

“I love how he guards, plus offensively, he shot 45% from the three last year, and can knock them down. He is getting into his comfort zone.”

Derek Whip also returns and according to Embry does the little things for the Warriors.

“You can count on him to play post defense, finish at hoop, and is not afraid to take a charge,” the Warriors coach said. He plays hard and runs the floor well and is hungry this year, they want it this year.”

Also back is senior James Stringer, a 6-foot-1 post who split time last year on JV and varsity.

“James will be a good role player for us, we will count on him to play good defense and is good around the rim,” Embry said. Another seniors who will be asked to contribute is Ryan Doughman, who is a hard worker every day according to Embry.

Juniors on the squad are Evan Crew, a 6-foot-1 shooting guard coming off two knee surgeries ready to contribute, along with Jordan Nokfee, a 6-foot-6 post who can step out and fire the three.

Evan Nofkee also returns as shooting guard with great range, while a pair of freshman will look to contribute in Ethan Farmer and Jalan Minney.

“The league on our side is a bit down this season and was senior heavy last year,” Embry said. “I think it could come down to Northwestern and Indian Lake this season. We always battle well with them.”