IRON MOUNTAIN — Coming off of a season that ended at the Breslin Center in East Lansing in the state championship game, head coach Harvey “Bucky” Johnson returns three starters from a team that finished 27-1 last season.

Coach Johnson notes key graduation loses to be three-year starters Charlie Gerhard and Jaden Vicenzi, along with subs Owen Caudell, Adrian Dove and Teagan Erickson. Returning starters and team captains are senior Marcus Johnson, junior Foster Wonders and senior Tony Feira.

Wonders, a two-year starter, was named 2018-19 Mr. U.P. Basketball, Division 1-3 Player of the Year and to the All-Class Dream Team by the U.P. Sportswriters and Sportscasters.

Johnson was named to the All-Class Dream Team, while coach Johnson was named Division 1-3 Coach of the Year.

“We are looking to build on our successes from last year and get better as a team with each practice and game,” coach Johnson said.

The Mountaineers begin their season Friday night when they host Calumet in a West PAC Conference game. On Monday, IM travels to long-time Mid-Peninsula Conference foe Manistique.

The Mountaineers are dual members of both the West PAC and Mid Peninsula Conferences again this season.

Varsity assistant coach is Richard Olds, and JV coach is Robin Marttila again this season.