MORA RANGERS

Head coach: Hank Laumbach (first season)

2008-09 record: 12-17, lost 83-49 to Mesa Vista in the first round of the Class AA state tournament.

Returning starters: P.J. Pacheco, senior, 5-7, guard; Henrique Chavez, senior, 5-7, guard.

Key newcomers: Tyler Martinez, junior, 5-9, guard; Santiago Duran, senior, 5-10, forward.

Outlook — The Rangers have a long tradition of success and Laumbach expects that to continue under his guidance.

"Our expectations are high this season," he said. "I consider ourselves fortunate to have deep bench."

Laumbach expects Mora to take advantage of that depth throughout the season and have it pay off during district and postseason play.

"Our goal first is to win the district," Laumbach said. "Then we want to win the district tournament and get into state. Once you get there, as we all know, anything can happen."

If the Rangers have a weakness, it's a lack of size and rebounding strength, but they will try to make up for those deficiencies by running and blocking out.

PECOS PANTHERS

Head coach: Clyde Sanchez (second season)

2008-09 record: 18-10, lost 61-58 to Santa Rosa in the Class AA state quarterfinals.

Returning starters: Darren Villanueva, junior, 5-6, wing; Del Gonzales, senior, 6-1, forward.

Key newcomers: Estevan Flores. senior, 5-7, guard; Adam Varela, sophomore, 5-8, guard; Bradley Lopez, junior, 6-0, wing; Dylan Cook, senior, 5-8, post.

Outlook — The Panthers want to make it farther than last season, which means a earning a trip to The Pit and walking down the ramp for a state tournament game. Before Pecos can think about that, however, it has to take care of business during district play.

"We're going to run with the ball," Sanchez said. "We're going to play an up-tempo game and we're going to defend. We have some guys that can really mix it up."

Like most of the teams in the district, the Panthers need to overcome their shortcomings in the height department. That's where Sanchez expects Pecos' end-to-end style of play to pay dividends.

MONTE DEL SOL DRAGONS

Head coach: Jonathan Haack (second season)

2008-09 record: 10-17, lost in the first round of the 4AA tournament to Santa Fe Preparatory.

Returning starters: Dennis Mares, freshman, 5-6, guard; Aaron Vogel, junior, 6-0, forward.

Key newcomers: Keamu Medina, freshman, 5-8, wing; Rickie Fierro, junior, 6-0, post.

Outlook — The Dragons are undergoing a renovation project, with an eye toward progressing through their nondistrict schedule in order to be competitive with the district foes.

"For the first time in a long time, we have no Hyde brothers on the team," Hack said of the trio of brothers to come through the program from 2003-2009. "So everything is going to be completely new."

On the positive side, the Monte del Sol players are true hoopsters. "Everybody's been playing basketball their whole life," Hack said. "We'll see if their talent can make up for their inexperience."

SANTA FE PREPARATORY BLUE GRIFFINS

Head coach: Chris Chakeres (seventh season)

2008-09 record: 13-14, lost to Mora in the 4AA tournament semifinals.

Returning starters: None

Key newcomers: Jeremy Henry, senior, 5-10, guard; Sebastian Stokhof de Jong, senior, 5-11, forward; Rob Weiner, sophomore, 5-11, guard; Jack Satzinger, junior, 6-0, post; Daniel Van Essen, sophomore, 6-3, forward.

Outlook — The Griffins have a tough task replacing the 30-plus points per contest that Joel Van Essen put up, but brother Daniel will provide some needed size underneath.

While points may be hard to come by for Prep, Chakeres expects its opponents to also have a difficult time finding the basket.

"We probably have one of the best defenses here in a long time so that's one of our strengths," he said.

The Griffins also should be tough on the board, which should also help make up for a lack of scoring punch and a dearth of varsity experience.