The return of Centennial Conference player of the year Chris Fitzpatrick, who averaged 21.5 points a game, is a comfort to first-year Enid High School boys basketball coach T.J. Scholz.

“We’ll be running a lot of things through him,’’ said Scholz, who was promoted from assistant coach last spring after Will Jones resigned to become athletic director at Grove.

The Plainsmen, who open their season at home Friday against Harding Prep, won’t be lacking for outside shooters.

What they will be lacking will be an inside presence with the graduation of two players who went on to the college ranks — Chance Cravens (Northern Oklahoma College Enid) and Brandon Rollins (Southwestern Christian University).

“We have a lot of guards who can shoot and we have a lot of quickness,’’ Scholz said. “We’re still looking for the right mixture.

“We have been emphasizing defense and holding opponents to one shot. If they get any type of (offensive) rebound they should be able to score because we have no height.’’

Scholz talks about playing as many as four guards at one time, the same strategy used by Travis Ford at Oklahoma State last season.

Fitzpatrick had 17 20-point games as a junior. Scholz wants him to get better on defense.

Senior Gibson Rose, a part-time starter, is a good outside shooter. Scholz said Rose understands his system well and makes good decisions. He had three games in double figures a year ago.

Senior Zach Siewert has recovered from a broken foot that sidelined him for all but three games last season. He plays good defense and “does all the little stuff you ask him to do,’’ Scholz said.

“He’s not up to full speed yet,’’ Scholz said, “but his toughness makes up for that. He knows where he’s supposed to be at.’’

Virginia move-in Dillon Walker gave the “team a lot of energy’’ in scrimmages, Scholz said.

Alex Patterson, who quarterbacked the Plainsmen to the football playoffs this season, scored 21 points in a game against Broken Arrow last season.

Jalon Jackson, primarily a junior varsity player a year ago, is a strong outside shooter.

Clint Gamble, a part-time starter inside, will be counted on to fill the role of Cravens and Rollins. He takes charges and blocks out well, Scholz said.

“We need him to step up,’’ Scholz said. “He relaxed a little last year but he wants to make sure he goes out with a bang as a senior.’’

The lineup, Scholz said, is not set in stone yet.

Matt Blakley, who was Enid’s placekicker in football, is fighting Nathan Brown and Colby Scott for a post position.

Blakley hasn’t played since the eighth grade but is “pretty strong and athletic,’’ Scholz said.

Brown has “really improved over the last two years but still has a way to go,’’ Scholz said. Scott saw some varsity action last season.

Sophomores Marvin Elmore and A.J. Smith could be players for the future.

The Plainsmen will need to block out and play defense “so if the shots aren’t falling well, we’ll have a chance,’’ Scholz said.

EHS had some good scrimmages and some bad scrimmages in the preseason. Scholz said the players are ready for the opener.

“We have some really good leadership,’’ Scholz said. “I think our leadership and experience will allow us to be in a lot of games.’’

EHS, 18-6 a year ago, will try to defend its Centennial Conference championship. Sapulpa has dropped out of the league.

Woodward dropped a home-and-home series with EHS.

The Plainsmen will have home-and-homes with Lawton and Lawton Eisenhower as well as Harding and league foes Stillwater, Ponca City, Sand Springs and Bartlesville.