BUTLER
* Coach: K.C. Goodin (second year).
* Last season: 12-13 (lost to DeSales 65-57 in district semifinal).
* Player to watch: Despite being just 6-2, senior Austin Wise can play both guard and forward positions. He led the Bears with averages of 13 points and seven boards a game.
* Other players: G Jaquay Wells (5-11, Jr., 10 ppg, 6 apg, 5 rpg), G Marcus Montgomery (5-11, Sr., 9 ppg), G Kel’Shawn Mozee (6-0, Sr., 8 ppg).
* Outlook: The Bears doubled their number of wins last year from the 2014-15 campaign, and more improvement could be in store as Goodin’s team returns five of its top six players. The Bears won’t have much size, so Goodin expects his team to play more up-tempo basketball, and while other schools may get more of the limelight, Goodin thinks his team could become a contender as well.
DESALES
* Coach: Tom Crews (third year).
* Last season: 10-21 (lost to Bullitt East 57-51 in overtime in Sixth Region semifinal).
* Player to watch: Senior Jaxon Burgess (17.6 ppg) can be one of the most prolific scorers in the city when he’s on. Twice last season he scored 37 points in a game. More than half of his shots were 3-point attempts. However, Burgess made just 31.6 percent (85 of 269) from beyond the arc.
* Other players: G Austin Black (Sr., 12.7 ppg, 50.6 percent 3-point shooting), C Travis Seibert (Jr., 5.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg).
* Outlook: Despite losing 12 of 13 games midway through the season, Crews found the right combination late in the year, and the Colts were just a minute away from making their second straight regional final appearance. Black and Burgess are among the three seniors on the team, and despite the youth, Crews believes his team’s shooting ability and size will make it a contender this season.
DOSS
* Coach: Tony Williams (third year).
* Last season: 30-6 (lost to Paul Dunbar 61-52 in state final).
* Player to watch: Jaylon Hall has helped lead the Dragons to consecutive Sweet 16 appearances. As a starter last season, the 6-4 Hall averaged 10.3 points and 5.3 rebounds and will be looked upon as one of the leaders this season. Williams said the senior can play either of the guard or forward positions effectively.
* Other players: G Cameron Maddox (6-3, Sr., 9.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg), G Stephon Franklin (6-1, Jr. 5.8 ppg), F Cobi Stokes (Sr.), G/F Darrius Washington (6-5, 8th).
* Outlook: The Dragons lost three starters from last season’s state runner-up squad, but considering that team needed to replace 10 players, you have to consider these Dragons as one of the favorites in the region. Washington could be a wild-card player for Williams. Despite Washington’s age, the coach likes his basketball smarts and may play him in varsity games to see how he reacts. Despite winning back-to-back regional titles, Williams has installed an “us-against-the-world” mentality in the Dragons that has developed toughness in the squad.
IROQUOIS
* Coach: Jeff Morrow (fifth year).
* Last season: 7-22 (lost to DeSales 76-60 in district first round).
* Player to watch: Keelan Kennedy is one of the few Raiders returning with varsity experience. The 6-3 junior averaged 9.6 points and 3.4 boards a game last season.
* Other players: G Tresaun Edwards (6-0, Jr., 2.6 ppg), G Rickey Holt (6-0, Jr. 3.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg).
* Outlook: Morrow’s team returns little experience from last year’s team. While the Raiders will have no one taller than 6-4 on the roster, they’ll also have just one senior.
WESTERN
* Coach: Terrence Moorman (fifth year).
* Last season: 12-11 (lost to Doss 71-51 in district quarterfinal).
* Player to watch: Dajour Cameron gives Moorman a highly athletic guard. He averaged 6.6 points a contest as a junior last season.
* Other players: F O’Neal Swint (6-5, Sr. 4.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg at Central last season), G Vitto Taylor (Sr., 1.8 ppg).
* Outlook: Moorman believes this team will be the most athletic squad he’s had in his five years with the Warriors. Cameron and Swint provide a smoothness that could lead to the Warriors racking up points. Swint is a capable passer and has the ability to score. Waiting in the wings are a trio of sophomores with bright futures, Moorman said.