The Porters Chapel Eagles finished last season with a thud.

After winning 26 of their first 30 games, as well as the District 5-A and South Central tournament championships, thoughts of bringing home the MAIS Class A title seemed realistic — until they lost by two points to Claiborne Academy in the second round of the state tournament.

The Eagles have regrouped this fall with a few less pieces, but just as much determination to maintain their status as one of the elite teams in Class A.

PCA opened the season with a 47-19 win over Briarfield on Monday. It plays Chamberlain-Hunt tonight at 7 in its home opener.

“We know what it feels like to get there,” senior forward Ted Brisco said. “We want to get further. We can’t be satisfied with what we did last year.”

Although two starters are returning, PCA will have to do some rebuilding. Half of last year’s regular six-man rotation — seniors Kawayne Gaston, Alton Burden and Talbot Buys — graduated. That trio averaged more than 30 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists per game, and all three were selected to play in the MAIS All-Star Game.

The other half of the rotation — Brisco, Peter Harris and P.J. Lassiter — are back but will have to adjust to new roles.

Harris, a point guard, was used as the sixth man and will now have to take on more minutes as a veteran starter. He’ll also slide over to play shooting guard.

Lassiter was a solid defender, but didn’t score many points and will have to contribute on both ends of the floor this season.

Brisco, meanwhile, averaged 14 points and eight rebounds per game. He was an important part of a larger team effort, but now will likely be the primary scorer in his senior season.

The Eagles’ younger players will also have to step up — and there’s plenty of them.

Seventeen players are on the varsity roster this season. Last season, coach E.J. Creel rarely brought more than two or three players off the bench. Among the newcomers expected to see significant playing time are guards Jonah Masterson, Taylor Rushing and Justin McDaniel.

Not all of the new guys are experienced basketball players, but Creel was happy to at least have some options to consider.

“We’ll never have to worry about playing five-on-four, that’s for sure,” she said with a laugh.

While PCA’s boys’ team is trying to maintain a high level of success, the girls’ program is seeking any type of it.

The Lady Eagles did not win a game last season, and started this one with losses to Benton Academy and Briarfield. Enthusiasm remains high, even if the wins are few and far between. Fourteen players are on this year’s roster, nearly double the number from last season.

“We have people that have never played basketball before, but said, ‘I’m a senior and I’m just going to do everything this year,’” said Creel, who coaches both the boys and girls teams. “If they’re happy and having fun, then I’m excited about coaching them.”

If you go

Tonight, 7 p.m.

Chamberlain-Hunt

at Porters Chapel