CHARLO - Charlo fells just short of the state tournament last

season, but this year they should be geared up for another run at

the Big Dance.

CHARLO - Charlo fells just short of the state tournament last season, but this year they should be geared up for another run at the Big Dance.

"We're going to be a little shorter this year but I think we'll be a lot quicker," Vikings head coach Michael Brown said.

If anyone needs a preview of the teams' speed, just take a look at how the football team did this year. They scorched teams running up and down the field and Charlo looks to do the same on the court.

"The boys will have an uptempo offense," Brown said.

The big rock for Charlo will be senior Chance Rosenbaum who should solidify the post position for the Vikings.

"The guy gives his all every game no matter what sport it is," Brown said. "He leaves it out on the field and court."

Senior Chico Stipe is coming off a knee injury from football, but should also help Rosenbaum with rebounding this season.

"I've been holding him back and he's chomping at the bit," Brown said.

Brown also said that junior Dillion Delaney will be an integral part of the team. After sitting out basketball season last year, senior Kolten Andrews will bolster the ranks for Charlo as well.

"He's healthy," Brown said. "He'll fill up the guard position for us and give us some depth."

Junior Stephen Delaney sat out all of football season with

a hairline fracture in his back, but should be good to go for basketball. He worked on his core muscles during the football season and Brown feels that he'll be a presence.

"He grew over the summer and was at the open gyms," Brown said.

Sophomore Trae Ludeman, who has a fantastic football season making tacklers miss left and right on countless kick returns, will be a speedy guard for the Vikings.

"I think he got a little tougher and should be more aggressive," Brown said.

Brown added that he feels like there are plenty of young players that will step up as well.

"I think I have a few boys that will shock the league," he said.

In that league, Charlo will be aiming at Arlee in a rivalry that dates back for years and years. While the Vikings lost some of their height this season, they're not alone.

"The teams are going to be competitive, but short," Brown said.

Brown is a little worried about playing without that security blanket stable of tall players in the post to backup the defense. However, players know they need to focus on stopping the other team

"We lay our hats on playing defense," Brown said. "That's what we do here in Charlo."