A young but competitive team takes the court this winter for Cedarcrest High School.

Senior Hannah Smythe is expected to lead the Red Wolves and prove her mettle over a full season. Last year, Smythe weathered two concussions and was out for several weeks before a bumpy transition back into play.

But Smythe has intensity and passion, and should be a key rebounder for the team.

She’s got a young group to lead.

“We’re mostly freshman, sophomores,” said head coach Angela Jensen, back for a new season. “We have a couple of juniors, none who have played varsity.”

Smythe’s challenge, her coach said, will be to avoid frustrations and show her team what it means to be a true competitor.

“I want to see her be enthusiastic, help lead these girls, help them gain confidence,” Jensen said.

At point guard and wing, freshman Susan Kenney is anticipated to bring a hard, athletic game.

“She has that drive to always push herself to do better,” Jensen said. The fast frosh will help turn the team into a competitive group.

Returning sophomores who had big moments on varsity last year included Sarah Stauffer, Kendall Kramer, Molly Hammondree, Courtney McKinney and Kalyn Campbell. Through their work ethic and athleticism, they show promise.

“They accomplished a lot last year as freshmen, to the surprise of many people and even themselves,” Jensen said. “They worked extremely hard. The more confident they get, the better they’re going to get.”

If these young players build up their mental game, Jensen sees great things for them.

In Cedarcrest’s Cascade League, top challengers include Archbishop Murphy and Kings.

“Those will be the two toughest teams that we face in conference,” Jensen said. “Everybody is returning a lot of people. It’s going to be a pretty even playing field.”

One strength is the team’s closeness.

“I really see everybody pulling together,” Jensen said. “That’s going to help us.”