Following the graduation of one of the deepest and most talented classes in program history, the Pella boys basketball team has a nearly clean slate preparing for the new winter season.

Pella Head Coach Derek Schulte knows that change is in the air with only two players back who saw time in every game last winter, but it’s also a roster that has zero combined starts from 2021-22 and 185 of the team’s 1,575 points scored last winter — which means the past year has been a work in progress.

But, Schulte is excited with what the team can still accomplish, and acknowledges there may be some bumps on the road to get to be a strong squad by winter’s end.

Luke Hardman appeared in all 24 games, scoring 126 points in 2021-22, and Romon Hugan also appeared in every contest last year, but only scored 25 points in those matchups. Luke Keitges joined the varsity roster midseason, tallying 25 points in 15 appearances.

Pella opens the season Tuesday at home vs. North Polk, in a doubleheader that will air live on 92.1 KRLS.