DALEVILLE — They say that success breeds success.

They also say that hard work breeds success.

If 30 victories and a pair of sectional titles the past two seasons serve as any indicator, then the Daleville boys basketball program could be poised to build upon a winning foundation in the 2009-10 season.

“Any time you have the chance to be successful, I think everyone’s going to have good spirits and be willing to work hard. So I think (the program is moving in the right direction),” fifth-year Daleville coach Corey Scott said.

Though graduation losses claimed four integral parts of last year’s squad that finished 14-9 and claimed a second straight sectional championship, Scott has a pair of returners that bring plenty of experience to guide the Broncos in seniors Jimmy Sandberg and Zach Tumulty. Sandberg, a forward, led Daleville in scoring at about 17 points per game, while Tumulty will run the floor from the point guard spot.

“That’s a good place to start, having your point guard back,” Scott said. “He understands what needs to be done, and he’s a fierce competitor. There’s no one in the world that wants to win more than him. He’s a very big piece of the puzzle.”

While opponents likely will key on Sandberg, he explained it won’t be a singular effort when it comes to putting points on the board.

“I’m not the only one that can score,” Sandberg said. “I think we’ll have some options. If the opportunity presents itself, I’m going to go for it, but there are other guys that can step up as well.”

That help will come from a talented junior class that includes Tyler Harris, Clint Haisley, Jake Peters and Shane Anthony. Seniors Craig Roberts and Aaron Morris also will look to contribute as Daleville seeks not just a third consecutive sectional title but also to take the next step in securing a Mid-Eastern Conference crown.

Scott looks for perennial powers Wapahani, Monroe Central and Blue River to again contend for the MEC championship. He’s hoping his squad can find the right balance quickly to move into that upper echelon of year-in, year-out contenders.

“We’re trying to get to the point where we can be consistently in the mix,” Scott said. “The big thing is figuring out the right mix, figuring out people that can step in. We’ve got some ability, and if we use it in the right way, we think we can be successful.”