It’s still early, but the winter of 2011 is looking hopeful for a hungry group of Cedarcrest High boys’ basketball players.

Top returners include Colton Rekers, a senior guard nominated to the all-league honorable mention team last year.

“Colton is a great leader who has been a varsity player since his sophomore year,” said Micah Rieke, Cedarcrest’s varsity squad coach for four years, three as head coach.

Then there’s Andrew Alness, a senior guard who was injured last season but started for Rieke as a sophomore.

“Andrew is hungry to have a good season,” Rieke said. “He is a long and lanky kid who covers the court well.”

Junior guard Chris Dowd brings a lot of toughness and athleticism to the bench, while sophomore guard Zach Taylor was named to the all-league second team as a freshman. Tanner Marty, a junior forward who started on the team during the second half of last season, also returns.

Newcomer Brady Estes, a senior forward, is developing into a strong player— he “does all the intangibles,” Rieke said. “He loves to do the dirty work on the court. Brady also has a great attitude.”

Junior forward Justin Houser improved much over the summer and brings a relentless work ethic to the program.

Rieke sees a lot of parity in the Cascade League this year. There are a number of teams that could be at the top of the conference, with Archbishop Murphy and Kings high schools the likely front runners.

Cedarcrest has a lot of potential to be near the top of the league, but Rieke also sees some question marks will only be answered when the season gets rolling.

He hopes to see the Red Wolves make it to the district playoffs as one of the top four teams in league, finishing the back half of the season with a winning record.

“Our philosophy with this program has always been to be a tough team that plays hard and takes pride on the defensive end of the floor,” he said.

Last year, the team went 11-11, 8-6 in league.

Past players of note on the college circuit include Daniel Campbell, a freshman at Whatcom Community College. Last year, he was the first team all-league player for Cedarcrest.

Assistant coaches include three-year veteran Andy Herriot at junior varsity, newcomer Derek Berg at the C-team program and assistant Andy Sato, also new to the program.

Parents and fans can follow the Red Wolves online at the team site, www.chs.riverview.wednet.edu/basketball/boysbb.htm