Due to snow and ice, the departure has been delayed, but Mike Smith is looking forward to seeing who’s in their seats when this vehicle leaves the station.

Weather has forced the John Stark boys basketball team to hold practices sporadically, but upon returning to the hardwood, the Generals’ head coach has been impressed with his team’s performance.

“You’re getting in here, getting in there. I’ve been very surprised when we pick up again after a break that they seem to be picking it up, and we don’t have to go back and review,” said Smith. “Guys understand that the bus is moving with or without them, and they want to make sure they are on the bus, and the seniors want to make sure they’re driving it.”

Last season, John Stark ended the season at 15-3, losing by a basket in the Class I semifinals.

Smith said his current group would like a chance at redemption, but it may be a difficult task after graduating four of his five starters from last year.

“I think what helps is that we’ve developed a tradition within the last few years of an expectation to get to UNH,” said Smith. “That’s been the goal. It’ll be a little more complicated this year, because only four teams get to go there instead of eight.”

A rules change means Lundholm Gymnasium is host site for the semifinals and finals. In years past, the quarterfinals were also played at UNH.

Despite missing those four starters from last year, Smith returns seven players with varsity experience; many step into new roles.

Because the practices have been few and far between, it’s been difficult for the Generals to gel.

“With the weather the way it is, scheduling has been very difficult. We could go through Christmas without playing a game,” said Smith. “It’ll be nice that we have some depth, because it’ll be tested as we play a lot of three-game weeks down the road. Everybody is in the same boat, and everyone wants to start playing.”

Kevin LeBlond and Nick Campono look to increase the pace of the John Stark offense, and they’ll press opponents on defense. Forward Danny Serard is coming off injuries, but Smith said he believes Serard, now healthy, can impress.

John Stark also has a bit of size with 6-foot-6 Travis Matteuzzi, who the coach said has been gaining confidence with each practice, and 6-4 forward Ethan O’Neill. Tom Vickers and Dyllin Moulton are two seniors who bring experience to the court.

Smith plans on using a rotation of 10 to 11 players per game, and that’s a big change.

“I think we have guys who can score, but we don’t have that 30- point scorer, all-state guy, which is why we’ve been overlooked a little,” said Smith. “I think we’ll make up for that with our depth and leadership.”

One unlikely source of inspiration for the coach has been Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots head coach, who stresses the importance of competition within the team for every position. “It’s no secret that in the Patriots’ model under Belichick, competition brings out the best in players,” said Smith. “We’re lucky to have that, whether for the first five, first eight or first 11. That’s forcing guys to improve. They can’t take breaks or take a rest, because there’s someone looking for those minutes.”