The starting five players for the Freeport boys basketball team share more than just being seniors.

They also share the ball.

With the exception of ninth grade, the quintet has played on the same team since the seventh grade, and the Yellowjackets have a balanced scoring attack that few teams enjoy.

Four players — point guard Brady Sherrieb (14.1 points per game), forward-center Brian Zimmerman (12.8), guard Nate Kotecki (11.6), forward Cory Massart (10.8) — are averaging in double figures, while guard Chris Tagmyer (8.6) is close behind.

"What's different with this team is the athleticism. We have the balanced scoring because of it," said Freeport coach Mike Beale. "Our top five athletes are out there at one time. It causes a lot of matchup problems."

Sherrieb, Zimmerman and Kotecki were the team's three returning starters, with Massart and Tagmyer rounding out the starting five.

"During the summer, we played a lot," said Sherrieb. "We realized we had an athletic starting five. We all like to run and everyone likes to pass."

"We realized it could be a big year during the summer. It helps to have a lot of experience," he added.

Last season, Freeport was 11-12 overall and 7-7 in Section 1-AA, good enough to grab the fourth and final playoff berth.

A loss to Farrell in the first round of the playoffs was tough, but Beale was optimistic for the following season, knowing the nucleus of the team would be back.

Sherrieb, a second-team All-Butler Eagle selection, averaged 14.7 points and 5.2 assists, Kotecki averaged 12.6 points and Zimmerman averaged 10 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists.

Massart and Tagmyer replaced Nick Rutkoski and A.J. Vidra, and they made the transition a smooth one.

Of course, it wasn't the first time this group has played together.

"We started playing together in seventh grade," said Kotecki. "Me, Brady and Brian moved up together in ninth grade, then, the following year, Cory and Chris joined us (on the varsity and junior varsity).

"We're all best friends. If someone scores, no one gets selfish," Kotecki added.

All five players have had their moments this season. Zimmerman had eight double-figure games in the Yellowjackets' first nine, including a five-game stretch in which he averaged 20 points per contest.

Massart and Sherrieb have had 25-point games, while Zimmerman (22) Kotecki (21) and Tagmyer (15) also have had big games.

Tagmyer has been coming on strong recently, with six double-figure efforts in the past eight games.

"I didn't think we'd be as balanced as we are," said Zimmerman. "I thought Nate and Brady would average 15 to 20 points per game and Tagmyer and Massart would have more rebounds and score some.

"We have people who can shoot and drive and rebound. Everyone brings something different to the table," he added.

"Brady and I can run the point and shooting guard positions," said Kotecki. "Cory and Brian, they're our big men, and Chris is like both. He can play at guard and forward."

The group even goes to someone's house for dinner before each home game.

"They're such good friends,"Beale added.

Entering Friday's game at West Shamokin, Freeport is 11-5 overall, 7-3 in the section. The team's goal is to wrap up a playoff berth and go a little deeper in the tournament.

"Last year, we fell short and fell in the first round," said Tagmyer. "Now, with all five seniors, we thought we'd be better."

And there's been plenty of scoring to good around. Just don't expect these five to keep track.

"We don't care who scores," said Massart, "as long as we get the job done."