PIEDMONT—With a team that lost nine seniors off last year’s roster, Wren High boys’ basketball coach Fran Campbell says his squad will have their work cut out for them in 2012-2013.

The Golden Hurricanes tip off their season with an alumni game on Nov. 30.

“Last year we had nine seniors, so we only had four returners,” Campbell said. “We’re basically starting over and trying to develop a totally different team. We don’t have anybody that is a big time college player at this point so we’re trying to develop the young kids. They are working hard.”

Campbell said his team has been dealing with injuries, but things are beginning to look up.

“We’re actually a little bit ahead of where I thought we would be,” Campbell said. “We’ve had to deal with some injuries. Jacob Clary, who was the quarterback of our football team, had knee surgery last Wednesday and won’t be back for another two or three weeks. Another one of our post players is out until January, so we’ve had to practice with that kind of stuff.

It will be good to get (Clary) back because he’s a leader,” Campbell said. “He’s a leader in football and we’re expecting him to be a leader in basketball as well.”

Campbell said he likes what he has seen from his young team thus far.

“I feel good about them,” Campbell said. “They’ve really competed hard in the scrimmages and I think we’re getting better. We may surprise some people. We may be a little bit better than what people think.”

Surprising teams will require players to play within their role, according to Campbell.

“The kids have been doing the things that they can do and haven’t been trying to do the things they’re not capable of doing,” Campbell said. “That’s the beauty of a team sport. If everyone finds a way they can contribute, you’ve got a chance to be a pretty good team.

They are learning what their strengths and weaknesses are,” he continued. “I think a lot of them are starting to find their niche.”

After moving to Region AAA, Campbell’s schedule is full of unfamiliar opponents. The head coach said, however, the team’s goals will always remain the same.

“We want to defend our own turf,” Campbell said. “If you can win your home games then you’ve got a chance. You can’t let those slip away.”

Playoffs are also a goal for the Hurricanes.

“Our first goal is to make the playoffs. We were always in the playoffs when we were in Region AAAA, and we want to keep that going,” Campbell said. “I know it’s going to be tough, but that’s our first goal. Obliviously you want to make the playoffs and win the conference. Whether that’s possible or not, that’s what we’re shooting for.”

Wren tips off at home against T.L. Hanna on Dec. 6. Game time is set for 6 p.m.