After a heartbreaking overtime loss in the CCS Open Division Quarterfinal to the St. Francis Lancers ended their 2012 campaign, the Paly boys’ basketball squad looks to rebound in their 2012-2013 season.

However, the Vikes will need to recover from significant losses from their 2012 squad. Graduated captain Israel Hakim (’12) will leave a hole in the Vikings’ leadership and the departure of EJ Floreal (’13) to Kentucky will take away a dynamic triple threat from Paly’s offense.

The Vikings will need to rely on serious contributions from seniors Mathias Schmutz and Kenny Jones if they hope to make a championship run. Aubrey Dawkins (’13) will bring an explosive transition game to the Vikes with his speed and athletic ability, which he put on display as he threw down during the Spirit Week Rally in the gym.

The Vikings have been working hard in the offseason undergoing  training sessions with assistant coach Dave Capurso and head coach Adam Sax. If they hope to return to the CCS Open Division playoffs, they will need to have large contributions from inexperienced young players.