Tulalip Heritage basketballs star shone brightly last season.
The Hawks performed like a coachs dream, capping a 22-3 overall, 12-0 conference schedule with an even better playoff run, finishing as the state runners-up in the 1B basketball tournament to Sunnyside Christian.
With their leading scorers and rebounders members of the junior class, Tulalip Heritage appeared positioned to have an even better season this year. But for different reasons, several of those returning starters havent returned, and the road to a repeat conference crown suddenly looks a little more harrowing.
Its going to be a little tougher year than last, said Tulalip coach Leon Enick. We lost four of our juniors that were supposed to be back. The success comes and goes real quick.
But, he added, With all the losses, we should be fine. Were not playing 4A basketball.
Despite the unexpected losses though, the Hawks return five players with varsity experience and Enick is excited about several newcomers.
Varsity veterans Nate Wooster, Lesjar McKinney, Deion Hatch, Jordan Wasko and Ricky Davis return to help the Hawks repeat their success. McKinney led the team in offense throughout the last season, topping the competition with a 20 point-per-game average throughout the state tournament.
Its enough of last years team that Enick doesnt plan to change much of his strategy this season.
I think the offense worked fine and until the other teams in the league prove they can stop my offense, I wont change it. You know the old saying, If it aint broke, dont fix it, he said. If I can get my younger kids to get knockdown shots and we can have a good inside-outside game, we should be good.
Those younger kids of whom Enick is expecting great things include sophomore James Mathias and junior Kurtis Johnson. The latter is the younger brother of Antonio Johnson, one of the members of last years Heritage team.
Rounding out the bench for the Hawks will be Robbie Kublic, Keith George, Porter Henry and Eddie Wayne.
Until the new team finds its rhythm, Enick is hoping for big things from Wasko in what promises to be a competitive conference.
I know Jordan is a big time scorer. For us to succeed, he has to score, and he has to lead, but he also has to get a lot of assists, Enick said.
Lopez Island, Lummi and Highland Christian nipped at Tulalips heels last season, and Enick figures them to be even more competitive this season.
Hopefully we can get a couple Ws before we get into our league and then well see how the ball bounces, he said.
Tulalip Heritage opens their season at Bellevues Eastside Academy Nov. 30 before facing the M-P sophomore team at the Tulalip Tribal Center Dec. 5.