With only one major contributor from last year’s club lost to graduation, the Oak Harbor girls basketball team expects to continue its climb up the Wesco ladder.

The Wildcats have plenty of experience with seven returning letter winners: seniors Jinai Guzman, Deja Bunch, Janae Payne and AnnaBelle Whitefoot; and juniors Bryn Langrock, Rashanna Graham and Julie Jansen.

A trio of seniors, Resego Mooki, Matt Miesle and Lexi Jones, are the key newcomers, according to coach Jon Atkins.

The Wildcats placed sixth in the Wesco North two years ago and fourth last season, and Atkins said they “look to finish better” this winter and qualify for the district tournament.

“We have a really good nucleus back from past years and have learned a lot,” he said. “I think the program is going in the right direction.”

He is especially pleased with how the team has bonded, playing and thinking as one.

The team’s strength, Atkins said, is its varied attack: “Our posts are very strong; we are going to lean on them a lot. We can also be a very good three-point shooting team.”

Atkins noted that while reaching the postseason is a goal, the primary objective is to have fun: “That’s always our first priority every day at practice and every game.”

“I think this is going to be a great year for the Lady Cats basketball program,” he added. “We are looking to have some more excitement, in the program and in the community.”

The Wildcats start the season at home when they host Mariner at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2.