For the Warren Central boys’ basketball team it’s not how you start, but how you finish.

That was the case last season when with injuries and players waiting on eligibility to start the season, the Dragons were 1-5. Once the roster came together, Warren Central took flight – earning the program’s third straight region title after a thrilling overtime win over Bowling Green in the Region 4 championship.

Warren Central loses seven players from that roster, but remains confident with a new-look squad that William Unseld said has as much potential as any he has coached.

“We have a lot of new faces, a lot of young guys,” Unseld said. “It’s a little more talented team, but it is going to take us a little while to gel. Our length and talent is there. We’ve got some really athletic kids – a really special group.”

Warren Central loses its top five scorers, but options are in play starting with senior forward Jarek Kirk – the leading returning scorer. Sophomore wing Armani Byrd appeared in 22 games last season, while junior guard Dominique Anthony appeared in 25 games.

Junior Johan Pratt and seniors Jayren Byrd and Isaac Strow also saw limited varsity action last season.

The Dragons’ roster includes a pair of transfers expected to make an immediate impact. Robert ‘Ant’ McAfee is a senior guard from Legacy Christian Academy who is expected to be one of the go-to scorers. Junior Ryan Hulbert is a point guard from Memphis who will add to the backcourt depth.

“We’ve got some talented kids,” Unseld said. “We are definitely deeper than we were last year … top to bottom, we are probably better than we were last year.”

While Unseld is confident that the talent is there, he added that doesn’t mean anything until this team proves it on the court. After three straight region titles the target continues to grow, even if the faces have changed.

“Everybody wants to beat the name on the jersey, but I’ve told these guys, ‘Y’all ain’t done diddly squat,’ ” Unseld said. “We’ve challenged them. Some hard work is good and they have responded. They are gonna get knocked around a little bit, knocked on their heads early, but we will see what happens come February.”

The hope is by February that this team can be in the same place the previous three teams were – in prime position to claim a region crown and make a run in the Boys’ Sweet 16.

“All we want to do is give ourselves a shot,” Unseld said. “The district is going to be really good. All four teams are really good – got some experienced guys back. The goal is always to get to Rupp Arena. It’s going to be tough. It’s hard, but the goal is always to get there.”