When the South Putnam Eagles hit the hardwood this season, they will do so with a new coach and plenty of talent. 

Josh Estridge replaces Kyle Swafford, who led the Eagles to an 11-11 campaign last year, which was the best record since the 2018-19 season. 

"We have a lot of returning players and I think we can build on what was established last season.  This offseason for me was building relationships with the players and started implementing my system.  We really focused on fundamentals, ball movement on offense, and building our defensive principles," Estridge told The Putnam County Post.

South Putnam brings back some experience and weapons this season, beginning with senior guard Drew Hill, who averaged 18 points and six rebounds last year. 

Also back is junior forward Cameron Bozell, who averaged 7.8 points and four boards, junior guard Wyatt Mullin, who averaged 6.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game and Wyatt Switzer, a junior forward, who averaged 3.8 points and 3.8 rebounds last year. 

According to Estridge, the Eagles have the "ability, talent, leadership and experience to have a successful season."

"My goals for this team are to get consistent effort day in and day out.  Compete in every single game we play.  Hopefully we can create some consistency as a whole where we are playing our best basketball come tournament time.  I think we have the pieces to compete for championships," Estridge said.   

The Eagles open the season Nov. 21 at home against Clay City.