New Window Rock boy's basketball head coach Tom Bizardi hopes to turn the Scouts program into state contenders.

Bizardi replaces Joel Harper as Window Rock's head coach. Harper was the Scouts head coach for three years. finishing with a 35-45 overall coaching record. The Scouts finished 15-14 overall and 6-4 in the 3A North Region last year.

The Window Rock head coaching position is attractive, due to its program history, its basketball venue (6,000- seat Events Center) and player and skills talent.

Bizardi has 18 years of coaching experience, including 14 years as a head coach. Bizardi coached at Greyhills Academy High School in Tuba City and at Tuba City High School during his coaching career.

Bizardi won coaching debut, as the Scouts defeated the Many Farms Lobos, 72-39, in the season opener this past Tuesday in the Events Center in Fort Defiance.

Bizardi said the Scouts will take one game at a time and not to look forward to future opponents.

"We are taking one game at a time, we're beginning a new program," Bizardi said. "Thus, understanding the philosophy of team concepts, before we his our conference games. We need self discipline and execution in practice, so that we are consistent in games."

Bizardi said the Scouts needs work on both ends of the floor.

"The players need to understand defensive foot work is imperative to defend good teams," Bizardi said. "The players need to work on execution on offensive possessions."

Four players, who were starters last year, return for the Scouts. The returnees include senior center Adrian Destea, senior forward Marion Ynzunza , senior guard Derian Long and junior guard Cauy Silversmith.

"Our team has speed, strength and leadership," Bizardi said.

Destea and Silversmith each tallied 18 points to lead the Scouts offensively over Many Farms. Window Rock team newcomer Trajon Bizardi added 11 points.

Window Rock, 1-0, travels to Miyamura to face the Patriots on Saturday in an interstate, freedom game in Gallup. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.