For many coaches, having eight sophomores on varsity — three who start — would be a cause for concern.

That’s simply not the case for Eastlake girls basketball coach Scott Sartorious.

“That class, that group of sophomores, is probably our strongest class since I’ve been here … possibly ever,” he said.

The core of sophomores has played together for years on successful club teams — part of the reason Sartorious feels so confident.

“They’ve played so many games and so much basketball, that I think they’re just willing to step out on the floor and say ‘This is just another game,’” he said.

That core group is led by 6-footer Kendra Morrison, who according to Sartorious, has already drawn Division I interest.

“She’s kind of the complete player with strength and athleticism,” Sartorious said. “She’s made a couple of plays where I was thinking, ‘You shouldn’t be able to do that.’”

Sophomore guards Sam Naluai and Abby Carlson also start, bringing athleticism and energy to the backcourt.

While youth has swept across the Eastlake roster, the Wolves still has one significant senior weapon in their back pocket with Alyssa Charlston. The 6-foot-1 University of Idaho recruit averaged 12.2 points and a team best eight rebounds per game as a junior.

“We’re returning just one starter, but that one is a fantastic starter,” Sartorious said. “She’s really embraced that leadership role this year.”

Senior Annie Borges adds a strong shooting touch, and more height to the starting lineup at 5-foot-11.

After graduating eight seniors off last year’s 17-9 squad — Eastlake’s first state appearance since 1997 — some could consider this a rebuilding season.

Sartorious thinks, however, his team has a chance to compete with the likes of KingCo 4A favorites Garfield and Woodinville — possibly taking it even farther.

“I still feel just as confident that we can compete with every team and put ourselves in a good position come playoff time, and maybe make a run,” he said.

Eastlake started its season off at 2-0, earning non-league wins over Mount Si and Monroe. The Wolves started their league season earlier this week against Newport.

“The bottom line is, they’re fun to watch,” Sartorious said, of this year’s team. “We’ve shown some signs that this could really work.”