By Mike Rubin

After barely missing the tournament for the first time in several years, the Somerville High boys basketball team is aiming for a return.

Featuring talented underclassmen and some promising seniors, the Highlanders are optimistic for a successful run.

“We’re a young a team, and we’re lacking height, which is nothing new, but the guys are working hard, and we’re going to have to find a way to win the close games,” said third year coach Mark Antonelli.

While the Highlanders finished the season at 8-12 overall, 18 of their 20 games came against tournament teams and six contests were decided by six points or less.

“We had a really tough schedule last year, and we lost a lot of close games,” said Antonelli. “If we had found a way to win half of those games, then we would’ve made the tournament and maybe won a game or two, but we’re ready for the season, and we’re very optimistic about the season.”

Leading the way for the Highlanders will be junior Johnson Thomas along with senior Skerby Odivin. Thomas is slated to be positioned at the point while Odivin is also scheduled to emerge as a shooting guard.

“(Thomas) saw some quality playing time last year, and he showed a lot of promise, while Odivin can handle the ball very well from up top,” said Antonelli. “We’re hoing that they’ll be able to provide us with some depth at the guard positions.”

Other key starters for the Highlanders include junior Kevin Silva, who is slated to rotate between guard and forward while Max Laurent is penciled in at forward.

Rounding out the tentative starting lineup will be Shane DesRochers at guard.

“We have a lot guards, but we need to find a way to rebound effectively,” said Antonelli. “It seems like every team in the Greater Boston League has guys over six feet and we only have like a couple that are 6-2. We just have to find a way to work the systems that work the best for us.”

As for reserves off the bench, Antonelli will look to sophomore Gustavo DeMoura along with junior Billy Benoit and senior Pat Tracy.

“We have a young team, and we’re calling up some guys that didn’t see a lot of time at the varsity level,” said Antonelli. “We have some new players and a transfer from (Georgia), so we’re hoping that they’ll be able to add some depth to the roster. They’ve looked pretty good so far, but it’s still early and we’re figuring things out.”

For non-league opponents, the Highlanders will participate in the Christmas Peabody Tournament followed by a home and home series against Randolph and Malden Catholic. Other contests include Revere and the Acton Boxboro tournament at the end of the season.

As for top teams in the league, Antonelli looks to Cambridge as the pre-season favorite while Everett and Malden should also be in the mix.

“Its going to be a tough league, no doubt about it,” said Antonelli. “We’re just hoping we can pull out the close games, and we’ll see what happens.”