By Dec. 19, the Lopez Boys’ Basketball team will have played six league games and two non-league games.

Coach MR Buffum’s goal for the boys is to win at least half of the league games.

“We’re a small team so we will have to work together,” he said.

Last year the team ended the regular season 3 wins and 13 losses, but experienced the victory of winning a playoff game against Shoreline Christian.

Now eight players from last year’s team will hit the court running this season.

“That will have to help us,” said Buffum about having a large return.

Those eight players will also have a vital role in leading the other six members that have never played before. Five of the new players are exchange students.

“The older kids will have to step it up,” said Buffum.

Luckily the small team comes with long-standing bonds that will help them secure wins.

Three of the junior players have been on the same team since sixth grade. But overall Buffum said one of the team’s greatest assets will be how they work together.

“They all play really well together,” said Buffum.

The teams other great strengths are shooting the ball and having great speed. Buffum said rebounding will be a challenge due to their size. As far as other goals – Lummi and Tulalip will, as always, be the teams to beat.

“I hope we get better and better and can compete with those tougher teams,” said Buffum.

This year marks Buffum’s 23rd year as a basketball coach.