Things are looking up for the Swede boys basketball team …literally.

Fans will notice a definite size difference when Gothenburg takes the court for the first time this season.

“We have some big kids who can get up and down the floor,” said coach Roger Koehler. “It’s definitely a plus.”

The Swedes are a year taller with three of 13 varsity players topping 6 feet and a couple reaching far beyond.

But while size matters in basketball, Koehler is more excited about another year of experience that the Swedes bring back.

“We’re already well ahead of pace from last year,” the coach said. “We’ve got good chemistry with a core group returning and most of these guys played a lot of summer ball.”

That experience combined with size and a little speed has Koehler itching to put his team on the hardwood.

“We’ve got enough quickness that we’ll look to push the tempo a little,” the coach said, “but with our size we’re also going to be able to get some mismatches when we settle into the half-court offense.”

Defense seemed to be Gothenburg’s trademark last season, Koehler said, and that likely will continue this year.

“We like to get after it on defense,” he said. “I’m very excited about the potential for this group.”

The Swedes open the year with a home game against Lexington on Thursday before traveling to Hershey Friday.

A host of new coaches for opposing teams—at least six including Lexington—leaves multiple unknowns for Gothenburg.

“When it comes down to it, we need to do what we do and take care of our own business first,” Koehler said. “Sure it’s nice to be prepared for what the other team is going to do but we’ve got to worry about ourselves first.”

Minden and Valentine are Koehler’s picks to lead the Southwest Conference.

“I’d like to think that if we can develop a little depth, we could be in the mix,” he said.

Gothenburg’s C1-11 sub-district in Lexington will have a different feel this winter with only four teams in the bracket.

Cozad moves to Class B for boys basketball leaving Chase County, Gothenburg, Hershey and Ogallala.

“I like our chances,” Koehler said, “but that’s a long way from here.”

Tipoff against Lextington is set for 7 p.m. Thursday in the boy/girl doubleheader.

Members of the 2011-12 Gothenburg boys basketball team are (*denotes letter winner):

SENIORS—Korey Ahlenstorf*, Jesse Baxter, Brett Dockweiler*, Alec Foster*, Jackson Graham, Trey Kolbo, Dillon Linegar, Alix Meisinger*, Jeramie VanAcker*.

JUNIORS—Aaron Collins*, Preston Franzen, Logan Koehler*, Jake Matthies, Logan Sheets*.

SOPHOMORES—Nate Graham, Eric Linnemeyer, Trenton Long, Ross Ostendorf, Blake Ristine, Roy Slack, Adam Speck.

FRESHMEN—Tanner Borchardt, Jacob Clark, Seth Eggleston, Jacob Franzen, Jake Peterson, Remmy Rocha, Connor Schwanz, Brennan Spencer, Dalton Sylvan, Levi Tripp.