Sara Goldie brought a new philosophy with her when she took over the Eastlake girls basketball program this summer.

So far, her players have had no trouble buying in.

“We just hope to increase the pressure on defense, both in full- and the half-court,” said Goldie, who served as an assistant under former head coach Scott Sartorious for three years before taking the head coaching job at Redmond last season. “Our goal is to be a team that’s fun to watch.”

Eastlake has done exactly that.

Behind their high-pressure approach, the Wolves have started the season 5-0, while outscoring opponents by an average of 60-44.

A deep, athletic junior class is key to Eastlake being able to execute its plan of attack.

Forward Kendra Morrison leads the class of eight juniors, averaging over 18 points per game. At 6-foot, Morrison has the ability to post up inside and step outside to knock down the three-point shot.

“She’s just so quick,” Goldie said. “I don’t think anybody has a quicker first step in her position.”

The class also includes guards Sam Naluai, Caleigh McCabe, Abby Carlson, Bella Zennan, Taylor Yoneyama and Taylor Boe, along with forward Lauren Files.

“The junior class has just been together so long that’s been a nice transition,” Goldie said.

Senior Katy Ainslie has also started the season strong. After seeing limited minutes last season, the 6-foot-1 post has turned into a true force under the hoop, averaging more than 10 points a game.

“She’s worked so much on her game,” Goldie said. “She’s probably one of the most dedicated kids I’ve seen in my years of coaching. To go from averaging a couple of minutes a game to starting the next year all based on effort that she put in … it’s really neat to see.”

Forward Sarah Coyan and guard Ann Heine are the other two seniors on varsity. Sophomores Ellie Mortenson and Rachel Ainslie have also earned minutes early in the season.

With the early success, aspirations are soaring high.

“Our ultimate goal is to get ourselves back into a position where we’re a top contending KingCo team,” said Goldie, noting that a trip to state would be a great reward.

She knows that in such a tough league, the Wolves can’t take any nights off if they hope to reach their goals.

“I just think on any given night in KingCo, you better bring your A-game,” Goldie said. “Otherwise you can get the game stolen right from under your feet.”

Eastlake faces Garfield next at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 21 at the EHS gym.