East Dubuque has not seen much postseason success in school history, but the Warriors think that will soon change. Coming off an 18-7 campaign a year ago, many integral parts are back. The Warriors went 9-4 in the Northwest Upstate Illini, and look to contend for a conference title this winter.

"We were 18-7 last year, return three starters and our sixth man (who played more minutes than the starter). Top three scorers are back, top two rebounders are back, top two assists back, top two steals back, and our center who blocked 84 shots last year (returns)," coach Eric Miller says.

Leading the way for the Warriors is Tyler McLane (6'2" Jr. Point Guard), an all-conference selection following a season averaging 15.1 points/game and 4.8 assists/game. He was also an all-area pick by the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald.

Kyle Huseman (6'1" Sr. Guard) is also coming off an all-conference, all-area year. Huseman averaged 14.2 points/game, 7.7 rebounds/game, 3.1 steals/game, and 3.0 assists/game.

Stephen McDermott (6'7" Sr. Center) was an honorable mention all-conference selection. McDermott averaged 10.1 points/game, 9.8 rebounds/game, and 3.2 blocks/game.

The sixth man from last year's team was Chance Oster (6'3" Sr. Guard). He scored 6.2 points/game and averaged 3.2 rebounds/game. Oster shot 50.3% from the three-point line.

Newcomers to varsity this year will be, Jacob Puls (6'1" Jr. Guard), who was the leading scorer on the JV squad a season ago that finished 15-7. Jared Puls (6'0" Jr. Guard), Lucas Oster (5'10" Jr. Guard), and Cory Thiell (6'1" Jr. Guard) will also contribute to the varsity this year.

East Dubuque should threaten for a conference championship, and even more. "We had a great summer, going 25-3, with only losses to Howard Pulley AAU out of Minneapolis, and a South Bend, Indiana Suburban high school. Had wins over Lincoln-Way Central and Franklin Park Leyden (Chicago-area 4A schools). We expect to compete with anyone in class 1A."

The Warriors look to contend for a Northwest Upstate Illini Conference championship. A conference title has eluded East Dubuque since the Kennedy administration. "We will be the favorite along with West Carroll and Eastland. Surprise schools could include Scales Mound and Pearl City." The most recent regional championship for the school came during the 1982-83 season, and East Dubuque has never won a sectional.

Eric Miller has coached the Warriors for two seasons, after leading Dubuque Hempstead, Iowa for six years. Four players under Miller's guidance are playing in college. Nate David is at South Dakota, David Scott at Truman State, and Kevin Ruh is playing for Grandview College. Those three played at Hempstead. East Dubuque's Darin Schultz is currently playing for Central College in Pella, Iowa.