The stage has been established for an exciting 2018-19 season of varsity high school boys basketball in the area.

Cumberland County High School returns key elements from last season when it claimed its first regional championship in 27 years. The Dukes have started 2-0 this year.

Buckingham County High School is also off to a strong 2-0 start with a roster that appears to be full of talented athletes. Taylor Boyers settles in for his second year as head coach.

Prince Edward County High School represents change this year with James Scott no longer patrolling the sideline, but new Head Coach Michael Jackson Jr. has the Eagles (1-2) playing well. They seriously challenged the Dukes, falling only narrowly in overtime, 73-70.

Fuqua School also has a new head coach in the form of Mike Edwards, and the Falcons have been tested early but have come out more the victor than the loser. Already five games in, they are 3-2.

Each team shows the potential to author a winning season.

TITUS MOHLER is the sports editor for The Farmville Herald and Farmville Newsmedia, LLC. His email address is Titus.Mohler@FarmvilleHerald.com.