By ALEX SPONSELLER The defending Division I champion Bishop Hendricken basketball team is back to work as its practices began in late November.

The Hawks are eyeing another title this time around, but will have to do it with not only a new lineup, but a new style as well. Hendricken graduated big men Jason Onye and Cam Hughes last spring, which will force it to rely more on the back court which features a crop of returning players.

“We’re a different style team this year. We’re not a small team by any means, we have length, but I really like this group of guys and they're extremely focused. We have David Lynch, four other guys returning that saw significant minutes and are hungry. I can already tell that this group will have strong chemistry,” said Hendricken coach Jamal Gomes. “As long as they listen and continue to work hard, I see good things for them this year. I’m looking forward to seeing what this team will become.”

Lynch, who recently quarterbacked the Hawks to another football championship, will also be the team’s go-to leader as a senior. Lynch made an impact off the bench during his sophomore campaign and broke out last year as a junior, and will look to be one of the state’s best players this winter season.

“The past three years have been wild so it’s crazy (to be the senior leader). We have a great group of guys, a lot of athleticism, we’re looking forward to (the season). Experience goes a long way in high school sports. I’ve played in some huge crowds now, so hopefully fans can come back and create a great atmosphere,” said Lynch.

Gomes added: “His experience, competitiveness, his drive, leadership, we’re going to depend on him a lot this year. We’re expecting big things from him this year. I thought he was an all-stater last year and I think he’ll be in that mix again this year.”

Other key pieces returning include Eze Wali, Cam Chinn and Azmar Abdullah.

Wali, a junior, is looking forward to taking over the leadership role as well.

“Last year, we had really good leaders. Now it’s on us to be the leaders and to help the younger talent coming up. We have a lot of confidence after winning it last year and a lot of our guys coming back got that experience. We’re ready,” Wali said.

As the team’s season opener approaches, it hopes to make the most of its final practices and is looking forward to displaying its new, fast-paced style of play.

“Ever since we got here and were playing JV, we always played at a fast pace. (Losing the size) may be detrimental, but we’ll figure out what we have to do to beat teams. We just need to stay together and dominate,” said Chinn.

Abdullah is excited to face some of the top teams in the state, including the upcoming championship rematch against the Purple.

“We’ve got a much tougher schedule this year with some of the teams moving up and with teams like Classical, that’s a game we’re looking forward to,” said Abdullah. “Playing at Hendricken, you always have a target on your back and when teams face us, it's their state championship. We have to be ready.”