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It's been the most comprehensive summer ever for the younger players in coach John Hertel's third season.

"This has definitely been our most extensive (summer) program we've had since I've been here," Hertel said.

"Basically, the last two years we have done a really good job with our varsity and junior varsity.

"We had a more extensive program this summer, doing more things, which I think will help us."

Hertel expects to have seven players who'll be seniors this season coming back.

Developing that mix of experienced and younger players has been Hertel's goal since he took over the reins of the program.

"You want to have a solid senior class, but you don't want to lose everything coming back," Hertel said.

"That's a big reason we wanted to do more with the freshmen this summer. We want to get better.

"We want to be one of the top teams in our league (Lake Michigan Conference), and we've prepared to do that.

"I'm really happy with the turnout we had overall. The biggest thing is we really one of the most comprehensive freshmen camps ever this year."

Hertel took the players down to Albion College for a team camp.

"It's nice for the kids to be exposed to a college environment," Hertel said. "To be on a college campus I think was a neat experience."

Responding to concerns about too much emphasis being placed on summer basketball scrimmages, the Michigan High School Athletic Association instituted a "dead period" for the summer when coaches can not have any contact with their players.

That goes for ALL sports.

Each individual coach can determine that period, but has to be strictly observed.

Some coaches have already completed their summer activities, and won't meet with their players as a group until practice officially begins.

Others haven't had their summer camps, preferring to schedule them as close to the start of school as possible.

Boyne City is especially excited about this coming season because the Ramblers are hosting the district tournament this year.