Head Coach Gregg Sasan smiles as he starts his third year as the girls basketball coach with help from loyal assistants Sada Aschraft, Amber Paulsen and Donna Hall and manager Melanie Flint.

Although his overall player numbers are good, Sasan still faces a challenge.

“We have just two returning starters, so it seems like a rebuilding year, but the girls are doing really well in practice,” he said. “We have some juniors and sophomores who are going to really have to play big. We have nine freshman this year, which is really exciting to have so many new players. But with such a young team, I may have to throw some of the younger players in the mix, too.”

Commenting on the league, Sasan said, “We have plenty of competition – LaConner is strong again and now that Friday Harbor is in our league, both our games with them will be league games.”

Sasan is known for conditioning and he feels that will be a strength for the Vikings this year, while improving shooting and teamwork remain goals.

“Half the team is new, so they are going to have to learn to work together,” he said.

The girls play home games on Friday against Mt. Vernon Christian at 5 p.m. and on Saturday against Lopez at 1:30 p.m.