ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) –  High School Basketball practices have started across the state of New Mexico, and reigning 4A state champion Highland is feeling optimistic coming into the season. "Yeah, we have got ten guys returning from the 14 guys that played in the Pit on that day and I think we can play a little bit more up-tempo. I have got the most guys that I have had since I have been here. We will probably be able to play ten or 12 guys at the varsity level, so that's something new that's exciting," said Highland Boys Basketball Coach Justin Woody. The Hornets will be without star guard, Jesus Lincon, for the start of the season. Lincon tore his ACL soon after the Hornets won the 4A State Title, but the team is ready to fill his role and play at a high level. "Obviously we are going to miss him, you don't replace 29 points a game, that was our message to the guys kind of in the preseason is, we need everybody to just do a little bit more and we have to do it collectively. He is also making progress you know, he gets reevaluated in January," said Coach Woody. "It's a big loss, but it's going to drive us even more to be even better without him, and then when he comes back, oh we are going to be good", said Highland senior guard Isai Herrera. Highland opens the season on November 26 playing at Sandia.