-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Jace Davidson of Pocahontas Area shoots over East Sac County Brandyn Clair on Tuesday

POCAHONTAS — The Pocahontas Area boys had no trouble scoring points a season ago.

And with leading scorer Jace Davidson back, along with two other starters, it shouldn’t be an issue this year.

Where the Indians did struggle, though, was on the defensive end. Something that kept them from posting a better record than the 14-8 mark they were able to achieve.

“I put defense as a priority this offseason to challenge myself and my teammates to get better,” said Davidson, who has committed to Morningside College. “Our team defense has been more successful on our help-side rotations and just talking to each other during open gyms.

“I’m excited to see what’s in store for us this year.”

Davidson averaged over 21 points per game last year and also dished out 103 assists. He collected 112 rebounds, 52 steals and made 43 three-pointers to lead the Indians to at least a share of a third consecutive Twin Lakes Conference title.

For his career, Davidson has scored 1,035 points with 81 made triples, 258 assists and 112 steals. He feels the decision to end his recruitment well before the season begins also “takes a lot of pressure off.”

“I don’t have to worry about anything now but playing the game I fell in love with when I was a little five-year-old kid,” Davidson said. “As this is my last go-round in high school, I’m able to just enjoy one last journey and try to accomplish the ultimate dream that I believe we can do.”

Nathan Aljets and Nate Hanson are the other two returning seniors for Pocahontas Area. Aljets averaged 11.4 points and almost six rebounds last year, with Hanson chipping in six points and four boards.

“We return 67 percent of our scoring,” PAC head coach Brian Friesner said. “We took time this summer to work on our defensive framework. I would like to see us be more physical and aggressive on defense because our depth allows that luxury.

“As a school athletic program, we worked on strength and agility and had a great buy-in and commitment from the kids.”

Juniors Cooper Christians and Ryan Anderson, along with sophomores Christian Davidson — Jace’s brother — and Trey Oehlertz are all returning letterwinners, with senior Chaiden Duitscher, juniors Cade Henrickson and Joe Hopkins, and 10th-grader Luke Vanderham comprising the rotation for Friesner, who is 33-11 in two years with the school.

For Davidson, this journey is one that he is completely soaking in ahead of the first tip of the year against Manson Northwest Webster on Friday.

“Nate, Nathan, Chaiden and I have all been with each other since sixth grade,” Davidson said. “Knowing this is our last joy ride, we sat down with each other and set the expectations high for this team.

“We all know where we want to be at in early February and late March.”

INDIAN RETURNING LEADERS

Points: Jace Davidson, 469

Rebounds: Nathan Aljets, 125

Assists: Jace Davidson, 103

Steals: Jace Davidson, 52

Blocks: Nathan Hanson, 4

Made 3s: Jace Davidson, 43