The Warriors boys’ basketball team is looking forward to adding more wins to its schedule for this season.

The last two seasons for Nansemond River High School basketball haven’t been the best. Last season, the team finished just under 10 wins. However, Nansemond River had games where they were a play or two from winning against very good opponents. This season, Coach Ed Young is hoping that the close losses the team has taken over the past two seasons turn into wins.

“We are excited to get started,” Young said. “We have been getting after it for a few weeks now. Scrimmage games are nice, but we have the real deal coming up here Friday.”

Nansemond River returns two starters from last year’s team. Jeremiah Lewis leads the way; he averaged a double-double last season. Lewis is a senior and was an All-District selection last season. He was also the Winter Male Suffolk News-Herald Player of the Year last season as well. Rayshawn Murray is a co-captain along with Lewis and started most of the games last year as well.

Justin Fatherly along with Jamal Boone will also add production for the Warriors. Jalil Langston will add a defensive presence for Nansemond River. Young credited the offseason he had and will be expected to play more minutes this season. Overall, the Warriors felt like they had a good offseason; however, they know that will have to translate on the court in the regular season as well.

“A good offseason doesn’t mean you’re going to have a good regular season,” Young said. “If we stay focused and execute the way we can, we have proven that we are more than competitive with the top teams. We have to be more consistent.”

Consistency and production are two things that Young stresses. He knows the team will have to be consistent to reel in wins. A lot of spectators might bring up the word potential with this Warriors group, but Young is ready to see production.

“The kids are working hard,” Young said. “We just have to put everything together. We have to learn how to win and get over the hump.”

At the end of the regular season, the Warriors want to have an opportunity to qualify for the regional tournament. Only the top eight teams qualify, and Nansemond River remains in a talented Class 5A Region. Last year, an eighth seed won the regional tournament and went on to advance to the state tournament.

They open the season up against Deep Creek High School at home at 7 p.m. Friday.