TO THE BUCKET—Lancer James Whalen, right, takes the ball into the paint for a layup against teammates Anthony Jacques during a practice Monday afternoon at Thousand Oaks High. IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers Alex Tiffin was the last player to leave the court after a midweek practice.

The 6-foot-8 senior on the Thousand Oaks High boys’ basketball team shot a handful of lefthanded baby hooks and worked on pivoting, footwork and a soft touch around the basket.

Tiffin, who led the Lancers to a CIF-Southern Section Division 2AA championship last season, is ready to go.

“I’m really excited,” Tiffin said. “We’ll see what we can do.”

The Lancers return five contributors, including Tiffin, from a 30-3 squad that went 14-0 against Marmonte League schools and defeated favored Leuzinger, 59-55, in the section finals in 2008-09.

“They know what it takes to win,” said Thousand Oaks head coach Richard Endres, now in his 13th season at the helm. “They know what it’s like to be in pressure environments. They’ve been under fire already, but I’m confident they’re going to be strong.”

The Lancers begin their season today at 3:30 p.m. against Oaks Christian at the San Luis Obispo Tournament. TOHS will also play San Marcos on Friday at 5:30 p.m. before squaring off against state-ranked Ocean View at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Thousand Oaks will take pride in its vaunted pressure defense, a program hallmark. The Lancers also have a balanced and dangerous offense, with a nice blend of outside shooters and slashers.

The road to a potential backto-back section title will get bumpier, however. The Lancers moved up two levels of competition to Division 1AA this season.

“I’m looking forward to facing the better competition in the preseason,” said senior point guard James Whalen. “It will prepare us for the playoffs.”

Thousand Oaks can count on UC Davis-bound Tiffin, a savvy player who is dangerous from anywhere on the court.

The senior, who operated primarily out of the post last season, said he worked on his quickness, agility and outside shooting during the offseason.

“He was phenomenal last year. He’s even better now,” Endres said of Tiffin. “He’s gotten quicker and he’s jumping better.”

Tiffin said this team has tremendous potential.

“Our goal is to first take care of the Marmonte and then go as far as we can in the playoffs,” he said. “This offseason we played in tournaments (55 games since March). Teammates are starting to mesh. It’s nice to see everyone improving and filling in their roles.”

The 6-foot-3 Whalen started last year at the point, but this year he’s expected to take on a bigger role, especially on offense.

“I tried to get stronger so I can take it to the basket and be more aggressive,” the point guard said. “I have a different mindset from last year.”

Junior Evann Hall is also expected to start. Hall is a 6-foot-2 shooting guard/small forward with a sweet jumper who can handle the ball and use his large frame to post up.

Endres said Hall possesses one of the purest shots on the team and called him a “prolific scorer.”

Hall said there is pressure to continue the tradition of success from past Thousand Oaks teams.

“We have reputations to keep up,” he said. “Our defense has to be tougher. We’re always working on our defense.”

Senior Austin Solomon, a shooting guard, is also expected to start.

Junior Richard Mullaney, who’s coming off a phenomenal season with the football team, will be a major contributor.

The athletic Mullaney is a solid defender and rebounder.

“He adds a lot to our team,” the coach said.

Juniors Anthony Jacques and Austin Cagley, a volleyball standout, offer help off the bench. Senior Sam Donohue can play along the perimeter or inside, and he worked hard this summer.

The key, as it is every season at Thousand Oaks, starts with the swarming defense that features a full-court press, traps and pressure for most of the game.

“We pride ourselves year after year on our defense,” Endres said. “Defense wins championships. The offense will be all right. We’ve got to get the defense to click to be a contender. The kids are ready to get going.”