In basketball, when the backbone is gone, you grow a new backbone.

Coach Jesse Allan and his St. Regis Tigers face a tough task in repeating as champions after their historical run last year, which included winning the District 13C tournament championship and a rare Western C divisional appearance.

“We lost the backbone of that team, six seniors who had really bought in and were key to our success,” Allan said. "They allowed us to go 10-deep with two different lineups we could rotate in, gave us another dimension.”

The Tigers may not be as deep on the bench this year but their talent cabinet is hardly bare as first team District 13C and All-State C selection junior Conner Lulis is back to lead St. Regis. As are seniors Barrett Bessette and Isaac Kelly, and junior Nate Bohn, all proven performers in their own right.

“We will be working other kids in where we can, looking to rebuild our depth,” Allan said. "Our motto is make it matter for each other, and that’s the way we are approaching it.”

The Tigers open season play in the annual Tip-Off Classic in Hamilton, playing the Hamilton JV at 11:30 a.m. Friday and the Drummond Trojans at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Although District 14C played a combined schedule with 13C last year and held a competitive combined district tournament at season's end, that format has been scrapped this year and each district will hold its own tournament once again.

Allan rates Two Eagle River and Superior as the two other 14C teams to watch the most closely this season.