Playing experience won’t be an issue heading into the season for the Lone Tree Lions boys basketball team. The Lions are returning all but one player from last season’s 18-6 campaign, including all five starters.

Highlighting Lone Tree’s returners is Jovonte Squiers, who enters his fourth season as the Lions’ starting point guard. Squiers, named last year’s most valuable player in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference North, led the league with 189 assists and 95 steals. His 388 points scored was third most in the SEISC North and 89 made free throws was the most among the 11-team conference.

Niko Gosnell is another first team all-conference performer returning for the team. Gosnell topped the Lions with 144 rebounds and his 45 blocks were the third highest total in the league.

All-conference performers Ross Swinton, Michael Schmidt, and Brock Smith are also returning to the team. Swinton represented Lone Tree on the second-team all-conference squad, while Schmidt and Smith were honorable mention performers.

One of Lone Tree’s team goals is to go undefeated at home. The Lions won 10 of their 12 games played at Lone Tree High School last year. Lone Tree opens their season on November 28, at home versus the Keota Eagles.