The Warrenton boys basketball team's greatest concern entering the season was its lack of experience. With just one returning varsity starter and no seniors in the lineup, the Warriors expected to face some growing pains. Assistant coach Joe Klostermann, who took over after head coach Eric Burle resigned his position in early February, says the team found ways to compensate for its youth. The Warriors also had to make up for their lack of height by excelling in other areas. Klostermann says confidence and outside shooting were key in Warrenton's 7-19 record. "A lot of it was about the guys realizing where their niche was on team, where they would fit in on the floor," said Klostermann. "Toward the end of the season, everyone realized what they were capable of doing." Junior point guard Scotty Lathrop brought the most experience to the floor and led the team in a pair of statistical categories. He averaged 11.3 points and 5.6 assists. His command of the game and ability to dribble drive were pivotal in helping a young team develop. By drawing the defense into the paint, Lathrop was often able to kick the ball back out to the perimeter - a place the Warriors had regular success. Warrenton hit 137 treys over the season, led by junior David Dent with 43 and freshman T.J. Lafaver with 42 three-pointers. The development of those first-year varsity players came in time. "I think it had a lot to do with them becoming confident in themselves and their teammates," said Klostermann. "In games where we shot the ball well, our confidence shot up." Dent proved his ability to be a big production guy on a few occasions. He averaged 9.4 points and scored 28 points in helping the Warriors to a win over Hermann. Lafaver adjusted quickly to the varsity role, getting thrust into a starting role early in the season. He made his biggest statement during the rivalry game against Wright City, when he nailed a three-pointer to sink the Wildcats in overtime. "I think T.J. really got a boost to his confidence after that Wright City game," said Klostermann. "We had seen in practice that he could shoot, but he began findining his during the game after that." The Warriors' tallest post presence was 6-foot-1 Joey Curtis, and he found himself battling much larger opponents on most nights in the GAC North. He chipped in 7.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Curtis received some relief when Adam Smith was able to return from a preseason injury to help out in the post. Junior Matt Denton was a contributor on several levels, slashing to the bucket and also knocking down three-pointers. He averaged 5.2 points per game. Among the Warriors other returners will be juniors Josh, Jake and Isaac Boedeker. "We bring all these guys back next year, having developed their game this season and gained the confidence that they can compete at the varsity level," said Klostermann. Warrenton's first win of the season came against Union. The Warriors beat Hermann to take a 2-5 record into the St. Dominic Tournament, where they faced a slate of much larger, more athletic teams. They also knocked off St. James, before beating a trio of Eastern Missouri Confernce teams. Warrenton's closest and most astounding win came against Wright City on Jan. 12. A strong finish in the Hermann Tournament also led to a consolation trophy for the Warriors. Klostermann also liked the way the team finished the season against St. Charles. The Pirates had beaten Warrenton by 27 in a previous meeting, but the Warriors lost by just seven in their district opener.