Upper Perkiomen's new boys basketball coach expects the team to exceed last year's win total. According to Brandon Hibbler, it could approach 10 victories if everyone stays relatively healthy

           "My expectation is that we will win more than two games," Hibbler said.

Trey Robinson, a junior guard, drives to the basket during Upper Perkioimen's first official practice of the season on  Monday.

"Depending on how we do against our non-conference games, we could get 10 or 11 victories. We've got some good pieces."

            Hunter Flack and senior Drew Kupchak will provide the bulk of the returning varsity experience for the Indians. Flack, a junior point guard, should provide solid ball handling and leadership skills. Senior Sean Boyle will likely be counted on for offense.

            According to Hibbler, the Tribe should be competitive against its Pioneer Athletic Conference Frontier Division opponents, which includes Phoenixville, Pope John Paul II, Pottsgrove, Pottstown and Upper Merion. He said the team needs to excel against its non-league opponents such as Brandywine Heights and Kutztown.

            "I'm hoping to have a good year," Flack said. "Hopefully we can be competitive in our division."

            The new coach said the players, most of whom competed together during the off-season in multiple summer leagues, have bought into his program.

            "The guys have come a long way," said Hibbler, a Slatington resident and a 10-year coach who most recently served as the head varsity girls coach at Palisades High School. "Everyone always hustles. That's the absolute least they can do."

            Flack, who played three games with his high school teammates over the summer in a tournament in Allentown, says the new coach will provide a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the team. According to Hibbler, Flack and senior Nate Maiden should provide the Indians with a solid ball handling ability.

            "I'm not worried about being pressured," the coach said. "We've got three guys who can really handle the ball."

            Look for the Tribe to play a deliberate offensive approach. Hibbler said the team likely won't succeed utilizing a fast-break style.

            "We have to keep the scores down," the coach said. "If it reaches the mid 50s, we're probably going to be in trouble.

            Flack said he sees his offensive priority in those offensive sets as handling the ball and setting up his teammates. Boyle could be one of his favorite targets. According to Hibbler, the shooter – who missed all of last season – is 100 percent cleared to play.

            The new coach expects Rich Clancy, Adam Shaak and Nick Aaron to make significant contributions. Hibbler described Clancy, a 6-foot-2 senior who didn't go out for the team the last two years, as athletic and skilled.

            "Rich should make a major impact," Hibbler said. "He gets up and down the floor is transition."

            Shaak, a small forward who can run the floor and is a solid shooter, should be included in the Tribe's seven-man rotation, according to the coach. He said Aaron is expected to contribute to the varsity team.

            The Indians open the season Dec 6 in the Upper Moreland Tip-off Tournament against the host Golden Bears. They are scheduled to open the conference schedule Dec. 12 at Pope John Paul II.