Newtown High School’s boys’ basketball team is prepared to embark on a new era on the hardwood — from the bench to the court. From the coaching staff to some rule changes there is a fresh new look as the 2023-24 campaign gets going.

The Nighthawks will be led by Coach Matt Murphy, who switches over from his role as an assistant with the girls’ program. Murphy has the goal of maximizing his team’s potential in the South-West Conference and Division II State tournaments.

The Nighthawks have not yet named captains but have six seniors in the fold to help lead the way as preseason unfolds: Guard/forward Ben Barber; guards Makai Coleman, Andrew Grenier, and Ryan Zaniewski; and forwards Aidan Licata and Declan Regan.

Other key players are junior forward Drew Bradley, junior guard Wes Keayes, junior guard/forward Asher Williams, and sophomore guard Aidan Walker.

“Our goals for this year are to create a culture of daily competition that allows us to improve as individuals and come together as a team. If we can accomplish this, we hope to make the SWC playoffs and state tournament and be worthy of competing for a championship,” Murphy said.

“We will be a defensive-minded team. If we can defend with consistent intensity, it should create some offense for us. We have good depth with some quality returning players. Makai Coleman (First Team All State) and Declan Regan bring the most experience to the team. They are battle-tested and ready. All six of our seniors have done an excellent job buying into a new system with a completely new coaching staff. They are leading by example and they are finding their voices,” Newtown’s coach added.

Newtown has plenty of challenging opponents on the schedule, in and out of the conference. The season kicks off with five consecutive nonconference matchups to close out the calendar year; those are among seven non-SWC battles on the slate overall.

The season tips off Saturday, December 16, when Wilton comes to town at 4 pm. The Nighthawks visit Staples, another FCIAC squad, Monday, December 18 at 7. Torrington, Darien, Northwestern, Greenwich, and Bassick of Bridgeport are also on the slate.

“Our nonleague schedule is very competitive. Early challenges should help prepare us for some very difficult league games. The entire SWC is very good this year. Every game will be a challenge. There are no nights off,” Murphy said.

The Hawks have their first conference clash set for Thursday, January 4, when Bethel visits at 7 o’clock.

Last year’s team reached the SWC semifinals and fell in the first round of the D-II state tourney.

“I am very excited to lead the Newtown High School boys’ basketball program this year. Our staff of Matthew Bickelhaupt, Joe Brown, Scott Lavelle, and Dan Murphy brings energy, knowledge, and experience to our team. Together we will prepare and push our kids to achieve,” Murphy said.

The rule changes include the biggie — implementation of a 35-second shot clock, among others. The state has eliminated the one-and-one for common fouls beginning with the seventh team foul in the half and established the bonus as two free throws awarded for a common foul beginning with the team’s fifth foul in each quarter and resets the fouls at the end of each quarter. Inbounding locations following violations have been changed as well.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.