It’s never an easy road to hoe in the Metro League.

But fifth-year Eastside Catholic head coach Steve Kramer hopes this year’s combination of height and athleticism will help his Crusaders make some noise in arguably the toughest basketball conference in the state.

“We feel that with this team this year, we’ll be a little bit more up-tempo than we’ve been in years past,” he said.

Eastside Catholic boasts two lanky 6-foot-7 players in juniors Joey Schreiber and Skyler White. Senior Hunter Clements adds height at 6-5, and Jake Springfield is 6-4.

“It’s the first time in a long time we’ve had height,” Kramer said. “They’re versatile, they can post up, and they’re good three-point shooters.”

Schrieber and Springfield are two of the top three scorers, returning from last year’s 6-15 team.

The Crusaders also bring back seniors Jack McCarthy, Eddie Janicki and Michael Rambaldini, along with juniors Matt Callans, Chevelle Walker and Connor Creswell. Sophomores Zane Allen and Trey Reynolds will also play key roles.

“This is a pretty hard working group,” Kramer said. “We have a lot more athleticism this year than we’ve had in some of the years past.”

That athleticism will be key competing in the same division as Rainier Beach, Seattle Prep, Franklin and O’Dea — four teams who have combined for 13 class 3A state championships since 1995.

“You know you’re challenged every night, there’s no gimmes in our league,” Kramer said. “Every team is difficult and you just know that going in.”

So, how do you compete? There’s no real easy answer, but there is a formula.

“Defend and take care of the basketball,” Kramer said. “There’s a lot of explosive players and teams in our league and they can really get it up in you and try to turn it over and create offense from their defense. It’s critical that you defend and that you take care of the basketball.”

Eastside Catholic hasn’t been to the state tournament since 1999, and only one other time in 1993. But that doesn’t change their ultimate goal for 2010.

“Our goal is like every team, to get to state,” Kramer said.

The Crusaders are 1-2 to start the season. They host Blanchet at 7 p.m., Friday.