By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - A senior dominated Niles varsity basketball team may be the key to a successful season for the Vikes this year.
Niles returns seven seniors with experience and so far everything is looking bright for the Vikes.
Returning for Niles are seniors Nick Etzcorn, Nate Parks, Ben Hansen, Pete Brandstatter, Tom Robson, Lavette Walker, Nate Orr and sophomore Brandon Thomas.
Parks stated that all of these players have certain threats that will contribute to the team.
Parks also likes the fact that his team ended the year on a good note. After a slow start to the season, the Vikes picked up the pace and Parks admitted his team is picking up where they left off.
Niles ended with an 8-13 record last year, but with the talent returning and the help of some new players, the Vikings should see a much improved record.
Some new faces appearing on the squad this year are juniors Mat Peters, Danny Rodts and Josh Moffit and sophomores Paul Dreher, Demetrius Phillips and Jordan Parks, all of whom Parks said have been working very hard in practice and will contribute to the team well.
The Vikes open their season tonight at South Bend Washington at 7:45 p.m. Last year, Niles took the 76-44 win over the Panthers.
Parks also stated that this year's West Division will be a tough one, but wide open to anyone.