Second-year Langley boys’ basketball coach Scott Newman hopes to build on the success the team experienced near the end of last season, when it finished third in Conference 6 despite a slow start.

Increased size and depth should help the Saxons’ cause.

While Langley’s roster includes just one senior, Newman said this year’s team has the talent to allow him to play 10 or 11 players on a given night rather than the rotation of seven or eight he played last season. Mix in five players listed at 6 feet 3 or taller and Newman is excited for his second year at the helm.

“Our greatest strength is our depth,” said Newman, who was a Langley assistant before taking over head-coaching duties last season. “… It’s unlike any team I’ve coached at Langley.”

One big reason for Newman’s optimism is 6-foot-4 forward Nate Shafer. The junior is a shot-blocking force at the defensive end and can score in the paint.

“Nate Shafer is just a tremendous shot-blocker and interior defender,” Newman said. “… When we’re forced to help [on defense], Nate can [make a difference]. … Whenever we have a breakdown, having Nate at the back of the defense … really [helps. He] cleans up a lot of mistakes that we make. … I would be really surprised if he was not one of the two or three guys in discussion for Defensive Player of the Year in our league.”

Along with Shafer, senior guard Alex Callaghan, junior guard Daniel Salamone, junior forward Chris Miner and sophomore guard Aaron Kim return with varsity experience.

Callaghan will start at point guard for the Saxons. Salamone and junior guard Tavon Tarpley are two of the Saxons’ top perimeter players.

“[Salamone has] really matured and advanced his game,” Newman said. “He’ll be one of our key perimeter threats. … [Tarpley is] long, he’s athletic, he’s quick and he’s our best perimeter defender. He’s also crafty on offense and gets to the rack.”

Six-foot-4 sophomore Sami El-Rafey could see significant time at forward. Six-foot-6 junior John Rau provides Langley with additional size in the paint.

Langley opened the season with a home game against Osbourn at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3. After hosting Herndon on Dec. 5, the Saxons will travel to face rival McLean on Dec. 12.

“The No. 1 thing that I’ve taken away from my first year going into my second year is I’m trying to be much more level as a coach and more consistent and even-keeled,” Newman said. “I’m taking an approach to build their confidence and believe in their abilities.”