The Wheaton boys basketball team is looking to improve on a 3-win season last year, welcoming back six returners to a squad that prides itself on defense.

Sean Crane, Wheaton boys basketball coach, said for the Bulldogs, the season goals are simple.

“Goals for our season are to improve each day and become competitive in our conference and district,” he said.

Wheaton returns two seniors, three juniors and a sophomore to the floor.

“Senior forward Richard Hnin is very athletic and expected to be a key piece of what we do defensively,” Crane said. “ Senior Lal Thal is a quick guard. Junior guard Brody Bateman will be a key piece for us, as he is capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor.

“Junior forward Mitchell Shockley can play inside and out, and he is expected to be a key piece of our success. Junior guard Andy Bui is hardworking and can contribute in all areas, and David Cunglianthawng is an athletic guard that is expect- ed help us a lot on both ends of the floor.”

Adding to the team’s depth will be a quartet of newcomers, including a freshman, two sophomores and a junior.

“Sophomore guard Tluang Cung shoots well and is capable of being a big contributor,” Crane said. “Amos Thawngzathang is a sophomore guard who is a very athletic player with lots of potential and is capable of impacting the game in all areas. Also joining us are junior forward Jayson Peterson and freshman forward Kaman Kinnaman.”

Crane said Hnin and Tha will be the team’s leaders, pushing the squad to compete at all levels.

“We are very hardworking and have the ability to be a good team defensively,” Crane said. “Experience varsity-wise, we are very raw. I expect us to grow a bunch during the season.”

Crane said the team’s conference games will be big ones, and the Bulldogs’ schedule will challenge them.

“With work we have the ability to have a lot of depth,” he added.

Wheaton opens the season Nov. 22 at Verona Tip-Off Classic. The first home game is Dec. 8 against Sheldon.