As the Vinton-Shellsburg Viking boys basketball team takes the floor this year the big question will be who can replace Trevor Dismore, nearly 20 points per game, as the go-to scorer?

That task will fall to returning starters from last years 7-16 overall and 7-11 conference team. Returning Honorable Mention All-Conference players Grant Wittmer, 10 points per game, and Logan Williams, 8 points per game, will try to pick up the slack along with fellow returning starter Zach Heineman, 8 points per game.

Seniors Dane Peterson and Carson Struve also return to the team to add some depth.

"If the three other seniors (Peterson, Struve and Taylor Leyden) learn their roles and continue to get better they will add a lot of athleticism and depth," Head Coach Joe Johnson said. 

Despite the loss of their top scorer Johnson is optimistic about this years team.

"We have long and athletic kids, so that seems to be a strength," Johnson said. "We return quite a bit of experience and our team chemistry seems to be pretty solid."

The Vikings will run a wide open offense with four players on the wing and one post player.

"We will look to score in transition with a pressure man defense," Johnson said.

The Vikings will open up their season Tuesday December 1 at Anamosa.

See this Wednesday, December 2, edition of The Vinton Eagle newspaper for the Winter Sports Tab. The complete 12 page tab will have area coaches highlighting their vision for the upcoming season. Team photos and season schedules will available for the ardent fans. Look to the Daily Eagle for daily reporting on your favorite teams.