With the continued spread of COVID-19, Palmerton head boys basketball coach Ken Termini is well aware of the possible termination of his team’s season.

The players and coaches are well aware after the team was initially told it’s season would be taken away. only to learn recently that it would be reinstated.

“We discuss COVID every day,” Termini said. “These boys know what it feels like to be told you cannot play, and they understand what we need to do to stay on the court. Every member of the program is committed to following every safety protocol, and they know that COVID is this season’s toughest opponent.”

That being the case, the Bombers will look to improve on their 16-8 mark from a season ago that saw the team capture the Slatington Rotary Tournament, qualify for the Colonial League playoffs and make it to the District 11 semifinals, where they lost to eventual champion Panther Valley.

Graduation hit the squad hard, and gone are Tyler Christman, Justin Hosier, Ryan King, Logan Kresge and Josh Mooney.

Hosier averaged 18.4 points per game and reached 1,000 points for his career. Christman played in every contest a year ago, while King and Mooney saw action in 23 of the Bombers’ 24 games.

However, returning for his senior season is Kody Kratzer, who should be able to put up big numbers.

Kratzer, who led the team at 21 ppg, enters the season with a career total of 911 points and was a unanimous First Team selection to the Colonial League All Star Team last year.

“Kody should be able to get his 20-25 points a night,” Termini said. “But we will need two or three other guys to average double digits to be a true contender.”

With experience as its main weakness, Termini looks to two Blue Bomber football players to make their presence felt inside, as seniors Owen Buck and Hunter Connell should be able to add to their contributions from a season ago.

Also looking to step into the rotation are seniors Tyler Stuck (G), Austyn White (G), Alex Whitney (F), Dylan Frank (F), and Braden Bates (G).

Junior Kyle Sebelin (G), sophomores Chase Reph (F) and Kendall Robinson (G), and freshmen Brayden Hosier (G) and Matt Machalik (G/F) will also get playing time and look to make key additions to the Bombers’ success.

“It sounds silly to say on a team with eight seniors, but only three of them saw significant varsity time last year,” Termini said. “Of course, losing 35 summer league, tournament and team camp games didn’t help with our experience problem, either.”

With his fifth season looking to get under way, Termini is excited and likes what he has seen in the early going.

“I love our energy, focus, and work ethic,” he said. “There has been some intense competition at practices, and what’s great is that our guys are battling for minutes, yet everyone is still helping and supporting each other.

“We can do everything right, but a couple cases at the wrong times can take away our entire season. I’m grateful our administration and town agreed it’s worth trying to play.”