By JONATHAN ZWEYGRDT
Hays Post
The TMP-Marian Monarchs basketball teams are set to open the season Thursday night in the first round of the Hays City Shootout against the host Hays High Indians.
The two programs start the season in two different positions.
The girls' program, led by second-year head coach John Linn, are coming off the seventh state tournament appearance in program history, suffering a first-round loss to Moundridge.
They must replace their leading scorer and rebounder.
TMP’s lone returing scorer is senior Claire Schippers.
The TMP boys return all five starters from last season and 11 players who have varsity experience.
Coach Bill Meagher enters his fifth season as Monarchs head coach and returns 2A All-State selection and leading scorer Ty Schmeidler. Jacob Seib and Grant Nehls also earned all-MCL honors a year ago.
The Monarchs boys and girls tipoff against Hays High at 6:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Thursday night against Hays High at Hays High School.