A lot has changed since for Newtown High School’s boys’ basketball team since the Nighthawks last were on the court.

In addition to graduation and transfer altering the look of a good portion of its lineup, Newtown — like every other team — has the impact of the coronavirus, including mask-wearing mandate, to which to adjust.

Coach Tim Tallcouch believes his team has the pieces, and wants it to have the mindset to overcome any and all challenges for a successful — and most of all safe and enjoyable — campaign.

“Really nice to get back in the gym for all,” Tallcouch said.

“It is nice to hear some squeaking — and it’s not my knees, it’s the sneakers,” Tallcouch joked (mostly) as his team practiced during preseason this past week.

In an effort to deal with mask-wearing, drills are run differently, with more time put on the clock than would typically be set for the players to complete an exercise, Tallcouch said.

“The key will be to monitor it but not allow the idea and negativity to foster in our thought process and affect our play. All teams are wearing them,” Tallcouch noted. “We’re not going to use it as an excuse; we’re not going to harp on it.”

Needless to say, team goals are about much more than wins and losses, or even progressive improvement under the circumstances.

“My personal goal is to put two feet on the ground every morning and proceed with the day ahead. For the team, it would be to provide an atmosphere that is safe and fun,” Tallcouch said.

That said, the Nighthawks are striving to be the best they can be and will look to win as many games as possible. As preseason unfolds, the coach likes what he has been seeing.

“The goal will be to be playing your best basketball heading into February and sustaining into the SWC tourney,” Tallcouch said.

“There are times I look out there and say we haven’t missed a beat from where we left off last year,” said Tallcouch, adding that conditioning-wise the Nighthawks, probably not unlike any other teams, are behind at this juncture.

Last year’s South-West Conference semifinalist squad lost starters Riley Ward, Jack Mulligan, and Jack Kuligowski to graduation, and the decision of freshman Tyson Mobley to take his talents to Choate Rosemary Hall leaves a hole, Tallcouch acknowledged, adding “but I feel good with senior three-year starter Jack Petersen returning along with a talented junior and sophomore class in tow.”

Captains are guard/forward Petersen (an All-SWC Colonial Division selection), as well as junior forward/center Isaiah Williams and junior shooting guard Liam O’Connell.

Junior shooting guard/point guard Joe McCray, sophomore point guard Cameron Ward, sophomore forward/center Charlie Sepp, and sophomore point guard/shooting guard Saahil Ray are other key players for the Hawks.

Tough teams are Notre Dame-Fairfield, Kolbe Cathedral of Bridgeport, and Immaculate of Danbury, as well as just about anybody this year, Tallcouch points out.

Newtown opens the season Monday, February 8, with a 7 pm visit to Bethel.