You want March Madness? Sit in the offices of Westlake basketball coaches Tres Ellis or Keith Smith with a dry board, marker and endless possibilities and try to cobble out a rotation for next season.

No matter how the names and positions match up, nothing can fill the massive voids created by the upcoming graduation of Cody Doolin and Courtney Duever. It’s enough to drive a coach, well, mad.

Doolin and Duever may play different positions on the court, but they shared plenty of similarities over the past four years. Doolin, a three-time all-district point guard for the Chap boys, served as the fusillade in Ellis’ high-powered attack. He bombed away from the outside, sliced into the lane at his leisure and could single-handedly break a press. The four-year varsity letter winner leaves Westlake as the school’s all-time leader in points and assists, and he easily earns a second consecutive District 25-5A Most Valuable Player honor from the Westlake Picayune after leading the Chaps to a district title and a 28-6 record.

Of course, the 6-foot-2-inch Doolin served as only the spearhead on the deepest senior class in Westlake history. Doolin, who will compete at the University of San Francisco, played with three other collegiate prospects. Gus Leeper, a 6-9 post, has committed to the University of Arkansas-Little Rock, and 6-6 forward Conner Kemper is weighing several opportunities at the next level. In addition, 6-5 forward Carl Meyertons will play at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, if the gifted mathematics student decides to attend the Cambridge, Mass., campus.

Although she doesn’t hold school records like Doolin, Duever played an even more pivotal role for the Chap girls. The 6-1 center anchored Westlake’s defense (9.9 rebounds, 3.6 steals, 2.1 blocks a game) and served as the focal point of Smith’s high-post offense (14 points per game, 45 assists, 145 free throws in regular season). A four-year letter winner and three-time all-district first-team performer, Duever helped Westlake to a 28-7 record while earning the Westlake Picayune’s District 25-5A Most Valuable Player award.

Duever will play collegiately at Central Arkansas University after bypassing opportunities from Fresno State and San Francisco. Only one other starter – forward Kayla Ball – will depart the program, but the quantity of returners will have a tough time matching the quality of Duever.

Who will replace Cody Doolin?

And three other questions for next year’s Westlake boys basketball team.

Doolin had that rare combination of supreme skill and all-out hustle. While 6-2 guard Hagen Fell, right, has yet to prove that he can muster such intensity, he does boast tremendous athleticism and a sweet jumper.

Will fans recognize next year’s team?
Barely. Eight seniors depart, including all five starters. Of the returners, only Fell, forward Drew Wikelius and guard R.J. Rowan received significant playing time. Westlake’s junior varsity team, which went 22-2 while winning its district title, will have to adapt quickly to varsity play.

Will the Chaps be as explosive offensively?
In a word, nope. Doolin and Conner Kemper were gifted scorers, and the Chaps will likely slow down the pace in order to accommodate Wikelius, a skilled 6-6 power forward with the potential to average a double-double. However, Wikelius has been plagued by injuries in his short career.

Will Westlake contend for the district title?
Probably not. Bowie and Akins welcome back lots of talent and experience, and Austin High will be improved. Although the Chaps’ district will only have six teams in 2010-11, it may be a challenge to even qualify for one of the four playoff spots: Newcomer Del Valle went three rounds deep in this year’s Class 4A playoff bracket.

Who will replace Courtney Duever?

And three other questions for next year’s Westlake Girls basketball team.

It won’t be just one post. Expect 6-footers Jackie Manzano, right, and Jamie Grace to receive ample playing time as Coach Keith Smith employs a twin-tower approach. While both bigs excel defensively, they’ll have to improve their combined scoring average of 5.9 points from this past season.

Will the Chaps reach the playoffs?
Without a doubt, especially with the departure of Pflugerville and Connally from the district. In fact, expect Westlake and newcomer Del Valle to contend for the District 15-5A title.

Where will the points come from?
The backcourt duo of Cherrell Mays and Hannah Coley have started together for the past two seasons, and they have improved their scoring average in each year. Both will likely average in double figures in 2010-11 as Smith adjusts his offensive strategy to take advantage of both guards.

Who will complement Mays and Coley?
More guards. The Chaps will have an abundance of backcourt talent next season, including cat-quick Rose Minutaglio. Keep an eye on Lindsey Harris, a 5-7 wing who is the best athlete on the team. Harris is also a talented soccer goalie and may have to choose between the hardcourt and the pitch before next season. If she suits up for Smith, Harris will likely start.