Coming off their sixth straight State Tournament appearance, the Lawrence High boys basketball team looks to continue the streak this upcoming season. 

The Lions will open the season Saturday, Dec. 6 versus Manhattan High School after KSHSAA’s decision to begin the season on time. The Lions will be led by senior guard Zeke Mayo, the only returning starter from last year’s team who averaged 16.0 points per game along with 6.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. 

“Our expectations are to win one game at a time,” Mayo said. “As long as everyone is on board, we will be special and shock a lot of people.” 

Mayo recently signed to play Division 1 basketball at the University of South Dakota State and has played varsity since his freshman year. 

The Chesty Lions graduated seven seniors and will look to replace those contributors with seniors Ntense Obono, Corban Oberzan, and Jackson Dooley, as well as juniors Pearse Long, Avion Nelson, Truman Juelsgaard, Jack Ryan and Grant Cleavinger. 

A combination of Mayo, Dooley, Juelsgaard, and Ryan will be expected to make up the backcourt, while frontcourt players Oberzan, Obono, Cleavinger, and Long will carry the load in the paint. 

Head coach Mike Lewis is excited about the level of commitment and chemistry surrounding this year’s team. 

“We are very blessed and spoiled with a group of guys that love being around each other and love being in the gym,” Lewis said. 

The Lions will compete in three games before the winter break as well as the annual Blue Valley Shootout, which Lawrence placed second in last year. After break the Chesty Lions will compete in twelve more games, including a notable contest against Free State on February 19. 

The Lion’s opener at Manhattan will tip-off at 5:30 this Saturday and will be streamed on the Manhattan Student Media YouTube.