After going 7-20 using a slow-paced strategy last season, Benicia High boys varsity basketball head coach Steve Carter has decided to pick up the tempo.

The 2014-15 Panthers will play at a rapid pace on both ends of the floor, utilizing the entire bench to keep players from keeling over from exhaustion. Benicia plans to wear out opponents by continually pushing the ball on offense and employing a full-time, full-court press on defense.

Carter used this strategy two years ago with some success. Led by guard Koree Cox, the Panthers went 18-11 for their only winning season in the past five years.

“That’s what we did when we had Koree so that’s what we’re going back to,” Carter said.

Cox is currently a starter for Solano College after playing for Hawaii Pacific last season. Taking over his role on this year’s Benicia varsity team is sophomore guard Dakarai Hughes, a returning starter with quick moves and a tenacious style. Hughes showed flashes of brilliance his freshman season but also tended to make freshman mistakes. Carter hopes Hughes has matured as a player and can help lead the Panthers to success.

“He’s calmed down a little bit and changing our offense to an up-tempo speed fits his game more,” Carter said.

While Hughes is adept at getting to the basket, senior forward Brandon Barrett is dangerous away from the hoop. Barrett, the only returning All-SCAC player for the Panthers, stands 6-foot-6 but would rather launch 3-pointers than post up under the basket.

“He’s our best shooter by far,” Carter noted.

Senior starters Kendal Vargas and Brady Christopher all saw significant action last season. Vargas is active under the boards and Christopher is Benicia’s second 3-point threat behind Barrett. Senior forward Tyjon Casey is also a seasoned veteran with athletic skills. The only real newcomer to Benicia’s starting lineup is junior Jack MacDowell, who was the starting center for last year’s JV team.

“It takes the pressure of our young guys because we have some veteran leadership,” Carter said. “All of the returning players have improved. Last year was such a bad season that they all stayed together over the summer and worked on their skills.”

Benicia’s bench will likely be a huge factor in the team’s quest for success. Backup point guard Jalin Buck, a junior up from last year’s junior varsity, will be counted on to hold the fort while Hughes is getting a breather. Juniors Jason Shelley (coming off football season) and Dean Cuffee are defensive specialists assigned to lock up opponents.

Forward Steve Urias and shooting guard Peter Koenen join Hughes as the only sophomores on the varsity roster. Senior Will Walker is Benicia’s second tallest player at 6-3 and will come off the bench when the Panthers want to go big. Senior Wayman Barrow is a transfer student from Vallejo who is athletic but is still learning the game.

Turnovers were Benicia’s Achilles heel last year. The Panthers were often competitive in 3-of-4 quarters but were their own worst enemy in the other quarter.

“Our main focus is cutting down the turnovers this year,” Carter said. “If we can play up tempo but also play under control, I think we’ll be OK.”

The Panthers played well in their summer league, defeating quality teams like San Ramon Valley, Deer Valley and Fairfield along the way. Fairfield is expected to challenge for the Solano County Athletic Conference championship after finishing one game behind Vanden for last year’s title. Vanden has All-SCAC First Team players DeMarre Walker and Thomas Avent returning but may be vulnerable inside.

Carter hopes his Panthers can remain in the mix of SCAC title contenders.

“I think we’re deeper than all of those teams,” Carter said. “Our strength is our depth.”

Benicia makes its 2014-15 debut at home this Monday at 8 p.m. in a Foundation Game against the visiting Grant Pacers. The Panthers officially open the season at home Wednesday night against Deer Valley.