ARLINGTON — There is cautious optimism emanating from the Eagles’ boys basketball team.
On the one hand, the Eagles, who finished last season just two wins away from a Class 4A state tournament berth, retain 80 percent of their starting lineup, and most of their roster.
On the other hand, they aren’t the only team that can say that.
“On any given night, anybody can win in this league,” said Arlington coach Nick Brown. “Nobody is going to beat up on the rest.”
Near the top of the Wesco North, Brown expects his team to compete with Lake Stevens, Marysville-Pilchuck and Monroe.
Over the summer, Arlington enjoyed more success than it’s seen in a long time, but varsity basketball is a whole different animal.
Not only did the Eagles return much of their lineup, they addressed a problem that proved to be glaring as the competition in the postseason got more intense: size.
Although Brown’s boys finished 9-7 in league and boasted a handful of players 6-2 or taller, they lacked a true post that could push around someone taller than 6-5. The Eagles believe they have found that player in sophomore Dan Boyden, to go along with junior Bo Brummel.
“We’re excited about our posts,” said Brown. “We have the size to stick around in the key and a great leader in Blake Petersen.”
Petersen is one of four starting returners, along with point guard Zach Cooper, shooting guard Griffin Ginnis and small forward Eric Carlson.
Carlson, a senior, is the only returning All-Wesco North first team member in the league. He will be joined by Cooper, a second-teamer.
“Carlson is pretty much one of the better scorers in the league and Cooper’s just got a motor that won’t quit,” Brown said.
With the talent to build on last year’s success, Brown anticipates a bright future in store for boys hoops, but realizes the competition is likely to be more fierce this season.
“We’re an older team, but we have to work on a few things,” said Brown. “We’re already a week behind because most other teams around here were already playing together, but because of football success, guys are showing up having not played since the summer.”
Filling out the roster will be key contributors Isaac Ladines (senior forward) and sophomore Terry Dawn (guard).
