Tough luck doesn’t even begin to describe the feeling that swept across the Eastlake basketball program last season.
The Wolves, who finished with a 3-17 record, lost nine games by five points or less — three of those were by one point.
“If we win a couple of those early, we probably win six or seven (more) games,” head coach Pat Bangasser said. “It started to get in our heads a little.”
Fortunately, for a large core of those Eastlake players, they have an opportunity to wash away the bad taste in 2009-2010. The Wolves return all but four athletes from last year’s roster, including three of their four top scorers.
Senior Michael Russo paves the way. The 6-foot-5 forward was the second leading scorer in the KingCo 4A last season, averaging 16.5 points per game.
“He really handled last year really well being that he had a target on his back,” Bangasser said.
Michael Maguire, a 6-foot-4 post, averaged 8.4 points per game, while guard Dillon Pericin averaged just under seven points per game.
All three of those players will be captains.
“They’re going to provide us some good leadership,” Bangasser said. “They all have something a little different to offer. Some have a poise factor, some have a vocal factor, some have a work ethic factor.”
The Wolves also return experienced senior guards Anas Elkugia, Ryan Sikma and Chad Marxen, junior guard Conner Iraola, along with 6-foot-6 senior post Kyle Hansen.
Bangasser likes the direction things are headed for his team so far.
“They’re working hard, they’ve figured it out over three years, as far as my coaching style and what we expect of them in practice and games,” he said.
The group has also focused heavily on off-the-court activities. They recently volunteered at the Union Gospel Mission the day after Thanksgiving, and have other events planned as the season goes on.
“We’ve been spending a lot of time really working on the chemistry factor, getting to learn roles, doing the best you can, and liking each other,” Bangasser said.
He hopes it will all pay off this season as they compete for the postseason.
“Our goal is to get into the playoffs,” Bangasser said. “You get into the playoffs and you can surprise some people — anything can happen.”
