The 2024-25 season will be one of new beginnings for the Youngsville boys basketball team as head coach Jesse Benton and assistant coach Troy Weissinger take the reins of the program.

Benton and Weissinger inherit a team with a great deal of promise, having finished last season 8-15 and as qualifiers for the District 10 Class A Tournament where they lost to perennial powerhouse Farrell.

The Eagles have talent and despite their young roster — they have no seniors — have plenty of experience as well with many of the juniors and sophomores on the team already having extensive varsity playing time. Benton thinks that experience and the team’s overall effort will help them overcome any shortcomings they may have.

“We are small in size but have a lot of talent and effort that is going to overcome our shortcomings,” said Benton. “Our goal is to win games and have fun doing it. We have a hard-working team and these guys are dedicated to getting better each practice.”

The Eagles enter the year trying to replace Nathan Lucks and Carson Chase who were lost to graduation. One significant piece in replacing that void could come in the form of newcomer David Manning — a junior transfer from Tidioute Charter.

“David coming in will help support the loss of both players,” said Benton. “Cash Moore (another junior) has also been showing great physical ability after working out all off season and playing all year.”

The Eagles’ deep junior class includes Braydon Baker, Ethan Beers, Austin Conner, Chris Edwards, Peyton Hammerbeck, Manning, Moore, Rodney Rowland and Hudson Haight. Beers played an extensive role last season as a power forward and backup ball handler while Baker’s shooting ability gives Youngsville an added threat on the outside.

Sophomore Rylan Benton is a team captain along with Beers and Baker and led the team in scoring as a freshman a season ago. In addition, Ollie Boozer and Josh Pikna are back for their second seasons in the red and white.

The team’s freshman class features Uriah Gallegos, Brendon Gallegos, Brayden Long, Collin Montgomery and Steven Rex.

Youngsville competes as one of three Class A teams in Region 3 alongside Erie First Christian and Erie Prep Academy. Class AA teams in the region are Eisenhower, Union City and Mercyhurst Prep.

Benton expects a lot during his first season as varsity head coach.

“We are going to be in shape and ready for the upcoming season,” said Benton. “We have a new staff and new team members that are going to add different levels of play for us this year. If we play together and work hard, we are going to be tough to beat.”

The Eagles open their season Tuesday, hosting Titusville in a non-region clash.

Here is Youngsville’s 2024-25 season schedule with home games in CAPS and region contests denoted with an asterisk.

Tuesday, Dec. 3: TITUSVILLE, 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 6: at East Forest Tip-Off Tournament, TBD

Saturday, Dec. 7: at East Forest Tip-off Tournament, TBD

Monday, Dec. 9: at Jamestown, 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 13: SHEFFIELD, 6 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 16: at North Clarion, 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 20: at Kane, 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 27: at Sheffield Tournament, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 28: at Sheffield Tournament, TBD

Monday, Jan. 6: at Forest Area, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 14: at Union City*, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 15: FOREST AREA, 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 17: MERCYHURST PREP*, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 21: ERIE PREP ACADEMY*, 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 24: at Eisenhower*, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 28: ERIE FIRST CHRISTIAN*, 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 31: UNION CITY*, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 4: at Mercyhurst Prep*, 6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 7: at Erie Prep Academy*, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 11: EISENHOWER*, 6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 14: at Erie First Christian*, 6 p.m.