There is no secret that the Bethel boys’ basketball team will be talented this season. They return several key players from last years’ Cross County Conference championship team, as the Bees begin the new season with a big bullseye on their back, as they aim for another league title, and a longer run in the post season tournament.

Who can forget last year’s sectional championship game for the Bees, as they defeated Anna in a high scoring affair 101-81 as Caleb South scored 46 points in the win for the Bees.

South is back, as is a lot of weapons from that team that ended up falling short of making it to state with a loss to Roger Bacon in the district finals.

South leads the way, as the senior is not only the top returning player in the conference, he has some personal goals this year also. The senior, who is undecided on his college plans, looks to become only the third player in Bethel history to surpass the 2,000 career point mark, joining only Matt Witt and Kelly Lyons as Bethel players who accomplished that feat. South is an explosive player who can not only get to the rim, but has good deep range from the perimeter.

Also senior who is back is sharpshooter Ryan Rose, who Bethel coach Brett Kopp feels is the best pure shooter in the area. Rose is deadly from the three-point line, and looks to bring his high scoring skills to the table again this year.

Jacob Evans, who finished a stellar career as quarterback on the football team, returns with an improved perimeter game and has already shown in a strong game in the preseason.

Defensively, Korri Hamlin will contribute with solid play, who according to Kopp isn’t going to be a big scorer, but will always be consistent with his defense.

Another senior who will be counted on in the paint will be 6-foot-8 Alex vanHaaren, who Kopp says has shown improvement and will be a factor on the boards and giving the Bees a post presence.

Bethel opens the season December 2 in the Ohio Valley Hoops Classic at Southern State as they play Williamsburg at noon.