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Coach: Scott Cherry (first season as a head coach)

Home court: Millis Center (1,750), High Point

2008-09: 9-21 overall, 4-14 Big South (T-9th)

Projected starters: G Tehran Cox, 6-1, Jr. (transfer from Arkansas-Fort Smith); G Nick Barbour, 6-1, So. (14.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg); G Eugene Harris, 6-2, Sr. (12.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg); F Corey Law, 6-6, Fr.; C Cruz Daniels, 6-11, Sr. (7.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg).

Also returning: G Joe Stroman, 6-1, R-Fr.; G David Singleton, 6-3, So. (5.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.8 apg); G David Campbell, 6-4, Jr. (3.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg); F Earnest Bridges, 6-6, Jr. (4.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg); F Jourdan Morris, 6-7, Jr. (6.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg).

Newcomers: G Adam Hall, 6-2, So.; G Jairus Simms, 6-1, Fr.

Projection: This is an undeniably young team, but the pieces are in place for the Panthers to improve to the middle of the Big South pack. Perhaps their biggest key: turnover margin. In close games, giving three extra possessions to your opponent can make the difference, and High Point was last in the league in that differential last season.

Tickets: $15 and $10 online at highpointpanthers.com or call 841-9276

Local radio: WBLO-790, WIST-98.3

Official team Web site: highpointpanthers.com

SCHEDULE

November: 14, UNC Pembroke, W 104-72; 18, Wake Forest, 8; 21, Hampden-Sydney, 7; 25, at Auburn, 7; 30, S.C. State, 7.

December: 3, at Presbyterian, 7; 5, at Winthrop, 7; 9, at S.C. State, 7:30; 20, at Marshall, 2; 22, at Youngstown State, 7; 29, N.C. Central, 7.

January : 2, Gardner-Webb, 7; 4, UNC-Asheville, 7; 9, Radford, 7; 11, at N.C. Central, 7; 14, at Charleston Southern, 7:30; 16, at Coastal Carolina, 2; 21, Liberty, 7; 23, VMI, 7; 28, at UNC-Asheville, 7; 30, at Gardner-Webb, 8 (MASN).

February: 2, at Longwood, 7; 6. at Radford, 7; 11, Coastal Carolina, 7; 13, Charleston Southern, 6 (MASN); 16, at VMI, 7; 20, at Liberty, 7; 25, Winthrop, 7; 27, Presbyterian, 7.

TV information subject to change