Top 5 storylines entering the 2014-15 boys basketball season

We're just weeks away from high school hoops so here are my Top 5 storylines entering the year that could potentially decide how the season unfolds.

1. Class 4, District 1, for the first time in a while, is a toss-up.
Outside of last season's shocking loss in the tournament finale, the king of this district has been Sikeston. The Bulldogs had won the previous five before Cape Central bumped them from the top last year. You can go ahead and throw Notre Dame back into the mix as a serious title contender again this year too. Right now, who's your frontrunner? I can see those three being even more competitive after beating up on each other last season. Cape Central (17-11) went 3-1 in four games against Sikeston and Notre Dame last year. Sikeston (22-4) went 2-2 -- both of their wins were on the road; Cape Central, ND -- and Notre Dame (17-9) was 1-3, which included its 77-76 overtime win over Sikeston during the SEMO Conference tournament semifinals. The Tigers said goodbye to Jamal Cox and Mikey Jones. Notre Dame lost Jordan Barber and Jordan Williamson. They return 11 seniors, which includes 6-6 standout Quinn Poythress. Sikeston lost it's premier player J.T. Jones, as well as eight other seniors, but return junior Dominique Dyes and we'll get to see what touted freshman Fred Thatch will bring to the varsity ranks. Sikeston also received California move-in Anthony Coleiro over the summer, who could contribute from the start. Prepare for the ultimate grind between these three teams.

2. Will New Madrid County Central snatch it's break-out opportunity?
This season could be the season for the Eagles to finally make noise. They could finally win a district title. They could finally squeak by Charleston. They could finally jump into the big boy ranks by contending with the Jacksons, Sikestons and Cape Centrals for the area's top team. NMCC returns nearly everyone from its 12-10 squad. That list starts with standout Willie Jimerson and he's accompanied by fellow senior Asten Newsom and up and coming sophomore Javarcus Word, who exploded during the Eagles' last game of the year against Caruthersville for 20 points after a near season-saving performance. Traditionally, the Eagles don't start -- or end, for our purposes -- the season with a bang. They open the year with their annual Riverbend Classic and head straight into the SEMO Conference tournament, which in most years isn't kind. I figure a possible third place finish in the tournament to boost a strong start isn't a stretch to any imagination. On paper the Eagles are primed for a deep playoff run. The opportunity for a great season is in reach for the Eagles. Will they grab hold?

3. Will Mizzou Arena host Scott County Central once again?
The Braves are, and seem to always be, favorites for a trip to state. This season will be no different. Right? SCC has made the move up to Class 2 for the first time since 1980, which turned out to be a good move back then after winning the school's second state championship. I can hear the simultaneous sighs of relief from Risco and Clarkton fans as well as Class 1 newcomers Advance and Oran. (By the way, in a snack-sized storyline: Who becomes the darling of Missouri's smallest class around here now that the Braves are gone? I say Advance.) How will Class 2 treat the Braves this season? My guess is very nicely. Yeah, they lost four seniors who played nearly every minute, three of them starters. Yeah, one of those seniors was Larandis Banks (the rest were Kendall Blissett, Juwan Owens and Cameron Blissett). And yeah, Class 2 will be more challenging, but not daunting. Led by junior standout Jeffery Porter, Javonta Daniel and Matthew Blissett, will SCC make its way through Class 2, District 1 even with the likes of Bernie and the reigning champs South Pemiscot in the way? I say they are the favorites and have a good shot at reaching Columbia for the sixth time in the last seven years. Once there, however, that may be a different story.

4. The coaching carousel and how they impact their new teams.
A new year always brings new coaches and renewed sprits among programs looking for a fresh start. Dexter tops that list after the departure of longtime head coach Rob Nichols. His replacement is Dexter graduate Josh Dowdy, whose last varsity gig was with Advance in 2010. He's also coached at Puxico and most recently coaching Dexter's middle school program. There's also Paul Unterreiner taking over for Kevin Roberts at Notre Dame. Roberts decided to step down after six years at Notre Dame which gave way for Unterreiner, a Notre Dame assistant for the last two seasons. Lucas and Logan Nutt will be appearing on the sidelines for the first time as coaches too. Both are sons of Southeast Missouri State head basketball coach Dickie Nutt. Lucas is fresh off a degree and playing four years as a point guard for his dad and will reportedly receive one of Arkansas' highest flyers. Victor Dukes, who is still listed on ESPN's recruiting page as a shooting guard from Nettleton High School and was the focus of a national story from Yahoo! because of his insane hops, will attend Senath for his senior year. The Lions haven't won a district title since 2004. Logan Nutt will take over at Woodland High School. He was an assistant at Culver-Stockton just last season and will return SCAA all-conference player Garret Reynolds and 6-6 transfer from Leopold Zach Beel to help guide his first year. Hayti received former Clarkton coach and player Dustin Ferguson, who is a year removed from leading the Reindeer to their first district championship in five years. Hayti makes the leap to Class 3 after finishing with 18 wins and a district semifinal appearance. They return Brandon Burden, Devan Riddick and Indaquel Presberry. Longtime coach David Heeb will be back on the sidelines at Clarkton after a brief hiatus. His last head coaching position was with Senath-Hornersville two seasons ago. Holcomb will be led by Chris Hahn following the one-year tenure of Nathan Walk, who moved on to Puxico. Former Leopold coach Andy Beck was replaced by Corey Brownsberger, a former University of Central Missouri assistant. Beck is now at Clearwater.

5. How far can Bogan carry the Bluejays?
In each game he plays, Charleston's Delfincko Bogan will be the best player on the floor. He's fresh off an all-state year averaging 24 points, six rebounds and three steals after leading the Bluejays to its fourth-straight district championship and fifth in the last six years. Bogan, who has received looks from Ohio Valley Conference colleges, was also our Standard Democrat boys basketball Player of the Year. I'm very tempted to say he will lead the Bluejays to another 20-win season, but I'm not quite there yet. The SEMO Conference alone will be a gauntlet and they usually play a hefty regular season schedule as well. But, with Bogan leading the way, Charleston (22-8) will breeze through its new home in Class 3, District 2 making for an epic sectional between them and NMCC. Bogan is extremely capable of carrying Charleston to another win over NMCC, but losing most of his supporting cast will make it an uphill battle. However, you never, ever count out Charleston. Ever.