MATTAWA - Coach Cody Marlow has six varsity members returning from last year's Wahluke boys basketball team, but there isn't much height among them.

"Royal's got all the height. If they would lend us some, that would be nice," Marlow said.

The Warriors will need to depend on good outside shooting and quickness under the backboards. Marlow is looking for players with those qualities among 11 candidates.

The good news is the experienced boys are all seniors. Three additional candidates are seniors. There are two sophomores but no juniors.

Marlow can't predict how much the Warriors will improve, but he sees them doing better than last year's 2-18 record.

"We're farther along than we were at this time last year," he said. "We have the potential to surprise some teams."

One key to success will be how well 6-2, 220 post player Jared Sabin commands the lane on offense and defense. He's rugged and is not afraid to throw his weight around. He's one of two returning starters.

Another key will be how well Johnny Abarca, the second returning starter. distributes the ball from his point guard position. He played nearly all of the time last year learning the passing game.

Where Marlow hopes to find the shooters is among varsity hold-overs Edgar Ledezma, Jordan Zirker and Cesar Tlatelpa. Ledezma is a 5-8 wing, and the other two are 5-9 wings.

Ledezma was a shooter at times last year. He needs consistency this year. Zirker can shoot from outside but he's recognized more as a hustler who'll go after loose balls. Tlatelpa can shoot but he, too, needs consistency.

The last of the hold-overs is 5-7 guard Saul Juarez. He is a good shooter who could keep the defenses from collapsing on Sabin.

A senior who was not on varsity last year but shows a lot of promise is 6-1 Rafael Mendoza. He will play extensively. All Marlow needs to do is determine where on the floor Mendoza will help best.

"He's super fast and can jump out of the gym," Marlow said.

Another senior newcomer who could help is 6-0, 240 senior Omar Gallardo. He takes up space defensively and battles for the ball. His offense is a question.

The final senior newcomer is 5-8 Oscar Martinez. He has a good shot. His challenge will to find playing time on a team with plenty of 5-8 players.

One of those is 5-8 sophomore Oscar Onofre. He is a shooting guard who's learning the game quickly.

"He's smart," Marlow said.

The other sophomore is 6-1, 190 Dario Prudente. He's slated to play post-forward and is expected to get his share of rebounds.

"He's big. He's aggressive," Marlow said. "He goes after the ball."