The Oak Harbor High School boys basketball team returns just two lettermen from last season, but the pair will provide a strong foundation for building this winter’s club.

One of the returnees is one of the state’s top players, Mike Washington Jr., who recently signed a letter of intent to play for Princeton next year.

The 6-3 senior guard averaged over 18 points per game last year while earning first-team all-Wesco honors. He was a second-team choice his freshman and sophomore seasons.

The other returnee is 6-1 wing Kevawn Brooks, a rugged rebounder and “solid defender,” according to coach Mike Washington Sr.

In the mix for significant playing time are seniors Matt Burgoyne, Elias Whitefoot and Paul Johannsen; juniors Jamacio Webster and Dayne Herron; and sophomore Drew Washington.

Webster, who transferred back to Oak Harbor after leaving two years ago, “will be a good complement to Michael Jr. to help with the scoring,” Washington Sr. said.

Coach Washington sees athleticism and quickness as the Wildcats’ strengths, but he is concerned by the lack of size and depth.

He said, “This year will be a totally new look. We lost six seniors who played together since the fifth grade.”

Last year that group helped Oak Harbor reach the district tournament for the first time in 13 years.

This year, coach Washington said, “The goal is to play hard and smart each night.”

He added, “We will have to play ‘All as One’ to compete in our conference. We will need to do the small things well and be conditioned very well to compete.”

Washington Sr. said Mountlake Terrace, Shorewood and Shorecrest will be the teams to beat in the Wesco 3A race.

Oak Harbor opens the season Tuesday, Nov. 29, against Cascade at 7:15 p.m.

The Wildcats go to Shorecrest Tuesday, Dec. 6, and then return home with Lynnwood Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 7:15 p.m.