Gone are Riley Stursma, Blake Riggen, Austin Ver Meer, Caleb Morgan and the entire group of seniors that made up last year’s state boys’ basketball team. There is plenty to be optimistic about for this year’s squad, says Coach Larry Hessing, and he has some returners this season he expects to step up and fill those holes. The Eagles also have a slew of talented sophomores ready to step up and become major cogs for this year’s team. Coach Hessing adds that this will be an interesting season because of the level of competition the Little Hawkeye Conference will hold. Pella Christian’s boys will start their season on Monday at home against West Marshall.