BUTLER TWP — With just one returnee from last season and five anticipated additions who did not show up, one would think the Butler County Community College men’s basketball outlook would be bleak.

Not in coach Dick Hartung’s eyes.

The Pioneers are coming off a 15-14 campaign and open the 2015-16 season Wednesday night at Jamestown.

“In August, I was bummed out when those guys I thought were coming didn’t show up,” Hartung admitted. “Then three guys came in who I didn’t know I was getting.

“We’ve got some guys here who can shoot the ball and we’re bigger than we were last year.”

The three unexpected newcomers are 6-foot-1 freshman center Cameron Marshall of Mars, 6-3 freshman forward Kenneth Snead from Central, Ky., and sophomore guard Markel Peace from Union (New Castle).

Peace will open the season at point guard, moving last year’s point man — lone returnee Austin Miller from Knoch — to the 2-guard spot.

“Miller is our captain and averaged 18 points per game last year,” Hartung said. “He led all of NJCAA Division III with 110 3-pointers.”

Hartung said Peace and Kiana Mais, a freshman from Orlando, Fla., can shoot from outside as well. Mais and Snead both have relatives in the area. Mais will start at the 3-guard position and Snead will be the first man off the bench.

“We usually don’t do that well recruiting Florida and Kentucky,” Hartung quipped.

Butler graduate and 6-5 freshman Jake Anderson will start at the 4-spot for the Pioneers. Marshall will start at center.

“Anderson’s best basketball days are ahead of him,” Hartung said. “Just stay healthy, stay eligible and continue to work.”

“Other players on the roster are freshman guard Demetrius Lockley (Butler), freshman guard Alex Campbell (Knoch) and freshman forward John Ferguson (St. Joseph).

The Pioneer women open the season Wednesday at Jamestown as well — and Hartung sees a world of potential in that group.

“Our women’s team in 2010-11 finished sixth in the country and went to Minnesota for the national championships,” Hartung said. “This team has a chance to do what that team did.

“You never know about chemistry and teamwork, but if it all falls into place, the talent is definitely here.”

BC3’s women finished 2-23 last season and returns only sophomore forward Miranda Williams from Oil City. The starting lineup Wednesday will feature freshman center Julia Baxter of Butler, freshman forward Shelby Campbell of Butler and freshman guards Alycia Brehm of Moniteau, Saydie Moore of Karns City and Hunter Berneburg of Mars.

“Baxter is a legitimate post player who can score and rebound,” Hartung said. “Campbell hasn’t played since ninth grade, but she’s got tools. All of these other girls can play.”

Freshman guard Kalynn Callihan of Butler will see playing time eventually, but is battling an injury right now. Freshman forward Christina Davis of Ford City is just coming back from volleyball and has yet to practice.

Tiffany Montgomery, a freshman guard from Kittanning, is coming back from an injury.

Hartung’s assistant coach from last season, Joe Spino, died of a heart attack in April. Former Butler High School boys basketball coach and current USA Basketball 3 on 3 coach Joe Lewandowski will assist Hartung with the Pioneer men’s and women’s teams this season.

Lewandowski played at BC3 and Hartung was his assistant at Butler.

“We traded places. I’m the boss now,” Hartung said. “When Joe (Spino) had the heart attack, it hit me hard. He did a lot of good for this program.

“Joey Lewandowski stepped up to the plate and I appreciate that. We’re looking forward to doing some good things.”