HASLETT, MI - The Haslett varsity basketball team is ready and rearing for another tough, rewarding year.

Tryouts for the squad finished this past Wednesday, and the first practice for the 2014-2015 season started on Thursday. The team has a little over three weeks before their first game of the year.

A disappointing end to the 2013-2014 season, Haslett fell to Okemos in the district semifinals 59-50. They look for revenge in the coming winter, and head coach Chris Smith believes the team has the potential to go far.

"We have four players returning with a lot of playing experience, including probably one of the best players in our league Brandon Allen," said Smith. "We have good juniors who are infusing off of last year's jv team that had a very good record."

Smith went on to say that he expects his team to play with the likes of Waverly and Dewitt, rivals of the school in their competitive Class A division.

Speed seems like the name of the game for the Vikings this winter. A fast paced offense and a fast-break off the rebound will help Haslett outpace and outplay their opponents. Coach Smith believes it will throw other teams off their rhythm.

"I would say that we have a number of athletes, we have the ability to play very fast. We have some very good defenders, and we play hard every night," said Smith.

Their opponent for the season opener has not yet been announced, but it will take place on Dec. 12 at 6:00 on Haslett's home court. The Vikings look to shake off a 12-8 record from last year, and start strong against their opponent on Dec. 12, followed by East Lansing high on Dec. 16.