Year of the Moose?

Could this be the year of the Moose?

While several of Palmer's Region III foes took major hits by graduation, the Moose were hardly touched. With four returning starters, imposing size and a legitimate all-state candidate, Palmer could be primed to make a run at the Region III crown.

These factors have Moose head coach Brandon Blake excited about the 2003-04 season.

"We truly have size," Blake said.

The Moose have the potential of fielding a starting five with an average height over 6-feet each night. Palmer will have a pair of starters 6-6 or taller and three at 6-3 or bigger. At 6-7 and 6-6 respectively, seniors Jesse Prins and Kurt Devon will man the post. Follow senior Stanley Ratcliffe (6-3) is Palmer's small forward and 6-0 seniors Charlie Bentti and Brandon Gaines are the guards.

"We have a big front line, and we are not just big, but long," Blake said. "We're excited to have that size and athleticism."

The Moose also have versatility in their starting five. Blake will be able to be creative with matchups as Gaines can play shooting guard and both forward spots, Ratcliffe could see time at either small forward or the off guard and Bentti could play both guard spots.

With his versatility, Gaines could also fill the role as Palmer's sixth man.

Palmer also has deceptive range with its size. Prins has the ability to pop out from the post and hit the outside shot.

"It's a nice luxury," Blake said.

Ratcliffe earned all-conference honors last season and could be an all-state caliber player this year. Blake believes that Ratcliffe has the potential.

"He has the talent and the ability," Blake said. "It is up to him."

The Moose also have a newcomer to the program that could prove valuable by the end of the season. Junior Aumavae, a two-time all-state football selection, has decided to hit the hardwood.

Blake hopes that Aumavae will add toughness, leadership and a physical style of play to the Palmer hoops squad.

"This group could really use some (physical play), that toughness," Blake said. "He has an opportunity to bring the mental and physical toughness. He's solid as a rock."

Aumavae is expected to back up Devon in the post and Blake expects Aumavae could be a force on the glass by the midpoint in the season.

Also new to the Palmer squad is Julius Draughan. Also a member of the Moose football squad, Draughan transferred from Lathrop last season.

In addition to the size and athleticism of his squad, Blake is also pleased with the intangibles.

"There is a lot of good senior leadership," Blake said. "That's always an important piece of the puzzle. I definitely feel like this year we can make some noise."