LAPWAI,ID- The Lapwai boys basketball season starts tomorrow against the Orofino Maniacs.

Senior Ahlius Yearout is one of many veterans leading the program this year, with the wildcats looking to settle some unfinished business from last season.

"I just want to win, and go get that state banner too. it's definitely fuel for us to compete and to get back," Yearout said.

That's the sentiment around the team, with their only loss last year coming in the state championship game against lakeside.

The wildcats have been preparing all offseason to finish what they started.

"We've had a lot of open gyms before the season, and we got some team bonding in, and definitely know more about what guys do, and how we can work together to play basketball and win."

Yearout has played a vital leadership role in showing the newcomers how to have a championship mentality.

"I've been showing them the way, showing them the ropes on how to compete and how to work. We have new guys coming in with huge roles, and I feel like our defense is going to improve a lot this year."

Now, the energy shifts to competing against other players besides their own teammates.

"I'm very excited, just our fans are very supportive, and I feel like they'll definitely show up."

Tipoff is set for 7:30 pm in Lapwai.