BARAGA – With a solid returning cast of veterans, Baraga High School boys basketball coach Daryl Putala is confident about a good season.

“We have some good basketball players coming back,” the second-year Vikings coach said. “Now we have to put it together for a full season.”

Senior guard Brendan Varline collected all-Copper Country Conference and All-Upper Peninsula honors a year ago. The 5-foot-11 Varline averaged almost 19 points along with six rebounds and three assists per game.

“He (Varline) is a good all-around player,” Putala said. “He can shoot, handle the ball and pass. He’s the complete package.”

Four other seniors start, including guard and leading scorer Austin Smith.

“Austin (Smith) doesn’t mind defending the best player on the other team,” Putala said. “He’s a tough kid.”

Zach Darcy brings more quickness and can shoot 3-pointers.

“We have several guys who can hit from out there,” Putala said.

Upperclassmen Jonah Goodreau and Josh Sutherland both add experience.

“They’re both tough defenders who can rebound,” he said. “They’ll give us good balance.”

Six juniors will make up a solid bench.

Jake Putala stands 6-3 and has the ability to rebound and block shots. Matt Beck brings more muscle under the hoop, being 6-2 and 235 pounds.

“We’ll look to the juniors to give us some size under the basket,” Putala said.

Adding depth inside will be 6-1 Randy Owens and 5-11 Nick Turpeinen.

Colin Kangas and Solomon Whittaker will both supply quickness and defensive skills.

Coach Putala sees a tough race in the newly organized Copper Mountain Conference.

“I think just about any team can beat the other on a given night,” he said.

The Vikings open the season next Monday at Lake Linden-Hubbell, the defending league and Class D district champions.