For the first time in his three-year tenure at Hays High, head boys basketball coach Matt Sandoval is looking toward experience to guide his team.

With a roster brimming with upperclassmen, Sandoval anticipates improvement on last season’s 12-win campaign. The program began that process last week with a 53-39 nondistrict win over Leander.

But to compete in what could be a wide-open 25-6A district race, Sandoval hopes to focus on his team’s strengths en route to a possible playoff run...