Last year’s ride to the state tournament is one the Skyline girls basketball team won’t soon forget. In fact, it’s something they’d love to duplicate in 2012.

“Everyone truly valued that experience and have dedicated all that we do to put us in a position to potentially enjoy that again this season,” head coach Greg Bruns said.

The Spartans, who went to state for the third time in program history before losing in the first round to South Kitsap, bring back a key core.

Seven players return varsity experience from last year’s 16-9 team.

“They all are driven, have a real passion for basketball, and are great friends on and off the court,” Bruns said.

Senior captains Megan Wiedeman and Allie Wyszynski lead the returning group. Both are post players and a force down low. At 6-foot, Wiedeman averaged a double-double last season with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Wyszynski scored six points and averaged four rebounds per game.

The Spartans also add 5-11 transfer Shelby Kassuba and 6-2 sophomore Bryn deVita.

While Skyline is deep at the post, it also loaded at the guard position with the return of seniors Morgan Farrar and Susie Tinker, and juniors Haley Smith and Lacey Nicholson. They also get back junior guard Rachel Shim, who sat out all last season with a knee injury.

All the depth at guard will make the Spartans tough to guard this season  —  especially due to their all-around size.

“We not only have height but have some of our most talented and experienced players in those positions,” Bruns said. “We could conceivably start 6, 6-1, 5-10, 5-11, 5-8 if the matchups dictated.”

On top of that, Skyline is athletic. The Spartans plan to use their conditioning and speed to pressure teams and create offensive opportunities.

While a return to the state tournament might be ideal, Bruns knows there’s no looking ahead.

“We all know and understand how difficult it can be in the KingCo conference, so our focus and attention is always in the here and now — each and every game, one game at a time,” he said.