Year two for Coach Matt Murphy and the Newtown High School boys’ basketball team is set to tip off and the Nighthawks are aiming to be among the top competitors in the South-West Conference.

“As always, we are hoping to compete for an SWC Championship and will look to make a deep run in the state tournament. Although we return a large number of players with varsity experience, we have some big shoes to fill from our seniors that graduated last year. We should have good depth and athleticism,” Murphy said.

Captains who will lead the way are senior forwards Drew Bradley and Asher Williams along with junior guards Aidan Walker and Emmet Regan.

Key returning varsity players include senior guard Jack Glassman, junior guards James Glynn, Luke Stewart, and Marcus Gerace, along with junior forward Quinn Kull.

“This group of players has been extremely committed to improving both their individual skills and the feeling of togetherness. Our chemistry should win us some close games. The kids have been dedicated to strength training — in the weight room two to three days per week since March — and they have been pushing each other to improve every day during the offseason,” Murphy said.

The Hawks will have to overcome, among others, graduation of top scorer Makai Coleman.

The Nighthawks will test themselves with some playoff primers right out of the gate. They visit Torrington in the Wednesday, December 18, opener, head to FCIAC foe Wilton two nights later, then entertain FCIAC runner-up Staples of Westport in their first home tilt, Monday, December 23; all of these games are set for 7 pm. Northwestern and Darien are also on the early part of the slate before the Hawks dive into SWC play. The regular season ends with FCIAC opponent Greenwich.

The SWC boasts D-I semifinalist Notre Dame-Fairfield and D-III champ Bunnell of Stratford.

“Our league schedule is always tough with some of the best teams in the state. We do not have a night off in conference play. Our nonleague schedule has the same opponents as last year with a few strong FCIAC teams, as well as some solid Litchfield County teams. We will be battle tested early,” the coach said.

Last year the Nighthawks went 13-7 in the regular season and earned the No. 15 ranking in Division II; the Nighthawks are back in D-II this winter.

“The players and staff cannot wait to get back in the gym and compete. It is our second year together and we are hoping to build off of the success we had last year,” Murphy said.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.