“Deep.”

When asked to describe this year’s basketball team, one word was all Mr. Mark Nusbaum, head coach, needed.

According to Coach Nusbaum, the greatest strength of this year’s team will be its depth.

Despite returning no players that averaged double figures in scoring last season, the team figures to rely on its depth for this year’s points.

“We’ve got a lot of guys who have been on the team three or four years this year,” senior Dexter McDonald, guard, said. “We’re just looking to take some leadership roles on and off the court.”

Coming off the first season in the past five years in which it did not win its district championship, the team begins its quest to reclaim its spot atop the district Dec. 1 at Lee’s Summit West.

Because the football season extended through try-outs, some of the players were unable to work with the team from the start.

“At the beginning (of the year), we won’t be at full strength,” Coach Nusbaum said. “That will give new faces more time.”

The biggest competition for this year’s squad will come from district opponents Raytown South and Grandview, according to Coach Nusbaum.

Other big games on the schedule include Shawnee Mission Northwest, Shawnee Mission East and Creighton Prep.

Last year, Rockhurst beat Shawnee Mission East in the annual rivalry game for the first time since 2003.

Although the players change from year to year, the goal remains the same.

“Win districts and just take it one game at a time from there,” McDonald said.