POULSBO — For most basketball teams, doubling last year’s win total would be a lofty goal.
But the North Kitsap girls, who won only one game last season, will have to raise their expectations higher.
The Vikings, fueled by a handful of seniors and plenty of young talent, are aiming to extend the 2002-2003 season to the league tournament, and maybe beyond.
“We’ve improved defensively and offensively enough to be very, very competitive,” said head coach Dan Weedin.
Weedin spent part of his summer accompanying players to summer tournaments, where they played well, taking third place in a Northwest Basketball Camp in Billings, Mont., and third place in the Olympic College Tournament behind three straight wins.
The Vikings’ influx of talent should mean a faster, taller team that creates more offense through steals and pestering defense, Weedin said.
The Vikings’ leading scorer and rebounder from last season, Sheena Brundage, moved to Wyoming over the summer, leaving North without her averages of 10.7 points and 9.1 rebounds a game.
“We’ll have to work hard to get rebounds,” said Weedin.
But the team will add some height, including junior-varsity veteran Stacey Knight (6-foot-0) and sophomores Katie Swanlund and Britta Olson, both 5-foot-11.
Junior center J.J. Proudfoot, who is 5-foot-9, is also expected to see more playing time.
The team will be led by its five seniors, including Jennifer Harris, who was converted to point guard midway through last season and showed improvement over the summer, despite an ankle sprain that kept her out of one tournament.
In the Billings tourney, Harris hit a game-winning shot from the baseline to win a game for the Vikings.
The seniors also include guard Hailey Koivu, who averaged the most points among returning players; Ashley Davis, a steady player who can play several positions; Knight, who joints the team after two seasons on the junior varsity; and Stephanie Foss.
The team will also have four juniors and three sophomores.
The Vikings will start their season at North Mason Dec. 3, then host Woodinville at 7 p.m. Dec. 6.
They had a game scheduled for Dec. 7 against King’s West, but because of a scheduling conflict, the game will likely be rescheduled.
