The loss of Antoine Byrd may look bad on paper, but the Warhawks basketball team is looking to the future.

Byrd averaged 13 points per game and four rebounds, but coach Pat Miller said he’s excited about the players he has at that spot already.

“I feel like the guys we have now, like [freshman] Quardell Young, are very athletic and have the ability to get in the lane,” Miller said.

Last year the ’Hawks went 17-9 overall and 7-3 in the WIAC, which was helped a lot by Chris Davis’ play on the block as well as his outside shooting. Davis made first team all-conference averaging 21.3 points per game and nine rebounds.

“He’s playing very well and I expect he’ll be our go-to guy,” Miller said. “He’s just really a difficult matchup for people because he’s so physical on the block yet he can step out and shoot threes. He can also put the ball down and penetrate.”

Other players, such as sophomores Cody Odegaard and Eric Bryson, have stepped up their play from last year. The ’Hawks are pretty young this year with six freshmen on the roster, but Miller has been pleasantly surprised with them and is happy where the team is at right now.

“Team camaraderie is great,” Miller said. “It’s been a great group to work with.”

According to the WIAC, the ’Hawks are predicted to finish second in the conference, but predictions don’t mean much to Miller.

He said teams need to stay healthy and survive injuries in order to make it through the season and be successful.

“I think there are a number of teams this year that whether or not they are successful is going to depend on how healthy they stay,” Miller said. “A lot is going to depend on how well Quardell Young and Alex Merg progress throughout the season. The point guard spot is a critical spot. Both those guys are young and capable of playing well.”

The Warhawks will start their season on the road, playing four games before returning for their home opener on Nov. 30. The ’Hawks will take on Concordia University of Chicago next Friday.