Last winter this coach led Herrin to a regional championship win and also a fine showing in a loss to East St. Louis at the 3A Mascoutah Sectional.

It proved to be the closest contest the Flyers had in getting to state as they eventually won the championship.

Herrin ended up 27-5 overall, which is one of the best mark's in the school's history.

Coach Shurtz will have some kids missing that were essential in the success.

Guard Drew Ringel, Tate Johnson and Hayden Holloway combined for 33 points a game and a lot of defensive stops.

That is a lot to replace but this Tigers' program doesn't appear to be short on talent so there will be others to come forward.

Four of the players back are seniors who have been there before.

Five-foot-eleven guard Brandon Anthony, who Coach Shurtz described as “a playmaker” as he will be the point guard for the third season.

Look for 6-foot-4 senior Luke LeQuatte, who was also all-conference last season, who averaged nearly a double-double.

The first one off of the bench last season for the Tigers was 6-foot senior Jake Baumgarte, who could play anywhere on the floor with success.

Six-foot-four senior Reice Hartline topped the junior varsity last season in scoring and he will likely end in the opening night starting five.

Billy Braid, a 6-foot-4 junior, could be a key to their success.

Bench play is always important and Coach Shurtz has some kid ready to help out when called upon.

Six-foot-four junior Hayden Lence will help out in the front court while 5-foot-11 sophomore Landon Bolen should also see playing time.

Bolen transferred in from Benton and he played for the Rangers last season and should provide time off of the Tigers' bench.

Look for 5-foot-11 sophomore Riley Chrostoski to help out as a backup point guard, another of the positions that is very important to get good minutes from.

“This team wants to pick up where we left off last year. Losing to East St. Louis in the sectional last year stung but the way we competed was a step in the right direction for this program. We lost a lot from last year but still have a core of experienced players,” said Coach Shurtz. “Our main goals are still to win the Conference and a Regional Championship. Going undefeated in the conference last year put a bit of s target on our back. We want to embrace it. There is a lot of individual talent on this team but our team cohesiveness and defensive mindset will determine if we can repeat the type of season we had last year.”

OUTLOOK – The Tigers are the defending conference champions and they will be one of the favorites to do it again in 2019-20. It is nice to see stability for this program and Coach Shurtz is a great fit. Although they weren't as fortunate as the rest of their league as their postseason will once again be 3A, look for a good showing from the Tigers this winter. It isn't out of the question that they could make another run at a sectional.