The Central High School varsity boys basketball team looks to be in the running for the Conference 42 championship again this year, while being competitive in the James River District.

“It’s a tough district to play in,” Chargers Head Coach Mike McGrath said. “Last year, all of our games were close. I expect we’re going to have to fight for every win that we get because the district is so difficult. And then when we get to conference play, I know Mathews (High School) returns their two best players, so once again, I think we’ll be in the top half of the conference seeds. Last year, it kind of came down to homecourt advantage.”

Last season, the Chargers went 10-10, claiming third in the conference for the regular season and advancing as far as the semifinals in the conference tournament, losing a close game to Mathews.

Central must press on this season without its leading scorer and rebounder from the 2015-16 campaign, as forward Jeremiah Davis graduated and is now playing for Randolph College.

The Chargers feature three returning starters this year, including senior power forward Raymond Alexander, who was a first team all-conference selection last season, junior point guard L.J. Watson, who made the all-conference second team, and junior forward Daryl Jones.

“Watson’s an excellent point guard,” McGrath said. “Alexander is just a beast in the paint. And then Jones, he can play inside or outside.”

Central’s roster this year features 10 upperclassmen, including three seniors and seven juniors.

“We’ve got some pretty decent guys coming up who played (junior varsity) last year,” McGrath said.

Up until Friday, as many as eight players were still playing on the successful Central varsity football team that reached the second round of the Virginia High School League Region 1A East playoffs.

The Chargers begin the hoops regular season Wednesday, Nov. 30, on the road against Randolph-Henry High School at 7 p.m.