When Steve Kramer looks at this year’s Eastside Catholic roster he sees something that’s been absent since he took the helm four years ago — size.

The Crusaders bring in two 6-foot-7 sophomores, Joey Schreiber and Skyler White. Returning starters, senior Nile Kramer and sophomore Jake Springfield are both 6-foot-3, while 6-foot-5 junior Hunter Clements moves up from junior varsity.

“It’s pretty exciting to know you’ve got that kind of length,” said Kramer, noting he didn’t have one player on last year’s roster over 6-foot-3.

While height will be an asset, experience remains the one large question mark for Eastside.

Nile Kramer and Springfield are the only two players returning from last year’s 6-13 team. The duo averaged 11 and five points, respectively.

Senior guard Jon Callans, who missed his entire junior season with an ACL injury, also returns to the backcourt. He saw significant varsity time as a sophomore before injuring his knee last fall.

“He’s getting his timing back,” Kramer said. “He’s a great shooter — you never forget how to shoot. It’s just all the physical stuff … he’s getting confidence running on that leg.”

The Crusaders will rely on a bevy of new faces this season, including two seniors from the football team. All-league wide receiver Luke Nelson and safety Matt Freeman both decided to give basketball a try this season.

Kramer hopes their presence will reflect a similar mentality to last year’s team — a group that was composed of what he described as “small and scrappy” players.

“I think the average points we gave up was probably somewhere around 44 or 45,” he said. “We were in every ball game because of our defense.”

While defensive ability is yet to be seen, Kramer is certain his players can shoot — even the big guys.

“We had a three-point contest the other night, and the two 6-6 guys survived and were the finalists,” he said. “They can shoot it.”

Eastside Catholic plays in arguably the toughest conference in the state, the Metro Division. Over the last 14 years, teams from the Metro have won the 3A title 13 times. That group includes Rainier Beach, Franklin, O’Dea and Seattle Prep.

“The road goes through them,” Kramer said.

Despite the challenge, Kramer has high aspirations for young his team this year.

“Our goal is to try and finish in the upper echelon of our division and go as deep into the playoffs as we can,” he said.