The extended varsity football season caused Central High School’s varsity boys basketball team to get a late start to its preseason preparations for the 2017-18 campaign, but tryouts have concluded and the Chargers’ roster is now set.

Central Head Coach Mike McGrath said this season’s team features a strong starting group returning.

“We will have to play smart basketball to compete,” he said.

There are 10 seniors, one junior and two sophomores on the roster.

Despite the number of seniors, McGrath noted only six have been in the program for four years, and one of those six is sidelined for the season with an injury.

Senior L.J. Watson is a key returner who will be active, though. The point guard was a first-team all-conference honoree last season. Also returning is senior forward Darryl Jones, who was named to the 2016-17 all-conference second team.

“In the paint, we will have (6-foot-8- inch) Ethan Hoover and (6-foot-1-inch) power forward Ben Spencer,” McGrath said, referring to two more senior standouts.

The Chargers will have to press on without starting guard John McGrath; the senior tore his ACL during football season.

Central, which went 6-17 last season, will miss gradutes Raymond Alexander, Tylik Thomas and Daquan Cleaton.

After opening the season Tuesday, the Chargers host Buckingham on Friday at 7 p.m.