DONIPHAN, Neb. – There’s lots of unfinished business to take care of for the Doniphan-Trumbull boy’s basketball team.

The Cardinals started the year winning 20 straight games and only lost twice in the regular season. They made it to state but were an early exit in the opening round versus Tri County.

The Cardinals averaged 60 points per game behind freshman lead scorer Jack Poppe who is set to start his second year at the varsity level.

"It was definitely a good experience getting on varsity," said Poppe. "I think I played pretty well offensively and shot pretty well. I'm trying to work on my defense, and get rotated faster and better."

Head Coach Kelan Buhr is back for his 9th season and has all five returning starters back on the court. With the boys’s experience, it makes Buhr’s job a little bit easier.

"It's definitely felt like maybe we're a little ahead of schedule this year," said Buhr. "I think that's just the familiarity that everybody has that's back this year. Our kids are so un-selfish, it's really easy to let them go, make the right play, and share the basketball."

One of those with veteran experience is 4-year varsity starter Jaden Williams. The senior is using last year’s state championship loss to motivate the team to go all the way this year.

"We really thought we could do good things last year," said Williams. "We know with our experience from last year that we'll do good this year, and it makes us hungry. 

After one of the best season’s in school history last year, the bar is set high for the Cardinal boys this year.

"Last year our goal was just to get to state, but now we're changing that as a team," said Poppe. "We want to at least get there and win a game."

The Cardinals open the season on Friday night in Blue Hill.