The Escambia Academy boys’ basketball team is returning several key starters from last year’s playoff team.

While starters Jordan Sasser and Tehron Stallworth graduated last year, the Cougars retained center Garrett Kirk, guard Scott Brantley, guard Brett Helton and forward Jacob Dean to a big and talented team.

“We’ve got good size and good athletic ability,” coach Kevin Woods said. “I think our talent level is a little better than last year.”

Woods said the team started practicing last Tuesday, but they won’t have a full practice until next month when football season ends.

With the Cougars’ football team guaranteed a playoff spot, Woods said he doesn’t know when the season will officially start.

“Most of my players are still playing football,” Woods said. “It’s up in the air depending on what happens with football.”

In addition to a strong nucleus of 11 returning players and five with playing experience at the varsity level, the Cougars will call up “several players from last year’s junior varsity team,” Woods said.

The Cougars fell short of the state tournament last season, losing to Tuscaloosa Academy 60-50 in the AISA regional tournament.