The 2017-18 Warrenton boys basketball team matched its win total from last season, finishing 18-9, and advanced to the Class 4, District 8 semifinals last month in Hannibal.

“I think we played well,” first-year Head Coach Mark Thomas said. “There were some games where we could have done some things differently and had a better outcome, but 18-9 was a really good year for us. I hope that leads to more wins in the future.”

Thomas, who worked under former Head Coach Mike Uffmann last season, was familiar with the group heading into the season.

He had the benefit of playing five seniors in his rotation this season, but the downside of that will become clear heading into the summer.

“I’ve never had to replace four starters, so that will be tough,” he said. “Ninety-five percent of all of our stats are gone, so there will be a lot of opportunities for guys if they want to work hard and try and take the spots. I hope nobody takes it for granted and thinks they are guaranteed a spot.”

The Warriors were led offensively by senior point guard Brenden Smith, junior guard Jake Tonioli and senior forward Caleb Strauss, who combined to average 35.5 points this season.

Senior starters Randy McRoberts (9.8 points) and Dylan Chandler (7.4) will also need to be replaced next year, as well as sixth-man Brandon Molinari (3.2).

“We had two good years with this senior group, and they will be very, very missed,” Thomas said. “There are a lot of shoes to fill, and I hope the returning guys see it as opportunities to come work and fill the spots.”

Tonioli will be the leading returner next season, but he will be the only player with significant experience.

Sophomore Dylan Smith and juniors Brady Nelson and Blayne Prenger played sparingly, but will likely be asked to help carry the scoring load next year.

After Warrenton’s loss to Liberty in the district semifinal, Thomas talked about improving the schedule to prepare his team for the postseason.

He said while most non-conference games are locked in with contracts, he hopes to add a few more challenging games next season.

The Warriors have already gotten back into next season’s GAC/Suburban Shootout field after sitting out the event this year.

“We’d like to address it and make it a little tougher, depending on the contracts we have with schools,” Thomas said of the schedule. “We’ll be back in the Suburban/GAC Shootout, so that will be a tougher game back on the schedule. I think we’ll stay in the Moberly Shootout, too, so hopefully those will help us get better next year.”