There are many teams expected to compete at the top of Division I in boys basketball this season. Pinkerton appears to be the favorite, with Manchester Central not far behind. But a number of other teams, even locally, seem primed to make a run to Durham.

Merrimack High School is one of those teams.

The Tomahawks return three starters and eight total seniors from last year’s squad, which lost to eventual-champion Londonderry in the quarterfinals. Seniors Zak Kerr, Mike Dudash and Andrew Wojciak are expected to lead Merrimack, but its depth goes well beyond its starting five as the Tomahawks have 10 different players with varsity experience.

Merrimack

COACH: Tim Goodridge, 12th year

LAST YEAR: 10-10; lost to Londonderry in quarterfinals

RETURNING STARTERS: Zak Kerr, sr.; Ian Roberts, sr.; Andrew Wojciak, sr.;

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Chad Seaver, sr.; Mike Dudash, sr.; A.J. Azorian, sr.; Noah Beygelman, sr.; KJae Giannelli, sr.; Ian Cummings, soph.; Danny McKallop, jr.

PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Joe Degregorio, jr.; Danny Vanecek, jr.; Keegan, Whalan, jr.; Zach Lachance, jr.;Ethan Hemsley, jr.

COACH’S COMMENTS: "As long as we stay healthy, work hard and execute it should be a very successful season," Goodridge said.