Coming off an 8-14 record season, Jefferson has six early-season games before it sees the first local Sectional opponent.

Opening with a 73-39 win against Park View (Loudoun County), the Cougars sent the Patriots back to a 1-5 record. Park View had lost a 93-13 decision to Loudoun Valley.

Jefferson then defeated Silver Oak Academy (the former Bolling Brook Academy from Keymar, Maryland), 49-48, in a home game where the Cougars held a 39-32 lead after three quarters and still won despite being outscored, 16-10, in the last period. Silver Oak was left with an 0-3 record.

Tonight, the Cougars are at home against the St. John’s Saints from Front Royal, Virginia. This will be the first night of the Cougar Boy’s Classic with another game tomorrow night in Shenandoah Junction.

On Tuesday, Dec. 27, Jefferson plays at Boonsboro in first-night action in the Boonsboro Tournament. A second Jefferson game in that tournament is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 28.

The Cougars’ first game against any area Class AAA team comes on Wednesday, Jan. 3, when Hedgesville visits Shenandoah Junction.

The Cougar roster has many inexperienced players, but no less than eight team members who are at least 6-foot-2.

This year’s senior class includes 6-foot-2 Isaac Myers, 5-foot-10 Alex Tennant, 5-foot-9 Jordan Dragon, 6-foot-5 Nigel McGee, 6-foot-4 Will Fields, 5-foot-11 Paris Torelli and 6-foot-7 Juluan Plaza.

The juniors on the 2016-17 roster are 6-foot-2 Scooter Gaskins, 6-foot-1 Julian Hough, 6-foot-6 Bobby Gianniny, and 6-foot-4 Mason Gray.

There are two sophomores — 6-foot-4 Justin Hall and 5-foot-9 Sequoia Gerrard.

In Jefferson’s Section this season will be Martinsburg, Musselman, Hedgesville, Spring Mills, Hampshire and Washington.

Two teams from the Section will reach the Regional tournament and both of those qualifiers could reach the state tournament.

The Cougars are again coached by Richard Lewis and will be searching for their first-ever appearance in any Regional tournament, having never won or placed second in any Sectional tournament under his direction.