Wildcat spirits are always high, but this winter, they’re extra strong for the Mount Si basketball team, says senior Anthony McLaughlin.

“It’s a whole new squad,” said McLaughlin, a captain who leads a reloaded team that includes fellow senior Miles Zupan, Ryan Atkinson and Josh Piper.

New additions for the team include several football players—Atkinson, Mount Si’s 2011 quarterback, is one.

“They’re going to bring some size, quickness, athleticism to the squad,” McLaughlin said. “Everyone can do something. It’s going to be a season to see all that develop.”

Competition-wise, this could be the best year in a long time for good games. McLaughlin said Mercer Island, Lake Washington, Sammamish are teams to beat. “You can’t overlook the Interlakes, Juanitas,” he said. “You’ve got to go out and play every game the best you can. You’ve got to look out for every team.”

“We’re going to go out there and do our very best,” the senior said. Districts and state are top goals. “We’ll go as far as we can.”

Atkinson was talked into playing by second-year coach Steve Helm. His decision was based on having no regrets.

“I just want to step into my role as a leader, motivate the team to do as well has they can,” the senior said.

By this point in 2010, Zupan was already benched thanks to a torn knee ligament. Going a year without play has made him hungry for play, and wins.

“It’s constantly going, you’re constantly moving,” the forward said. “I like that about the game.”

This winter, Mount Si departs for a multi-day tournament in Hawaii, the Lahainaluna Invite in Maui. They’ll bond, grow some travel skills, learn and play some strong teams from southern California.

Funds for the trip were raised through booster activities including the Wildcat Shootout, which was held in November and drew 151 youth teams to courts throughout the Valley and beyond.

Mount Si athletes had to volunteer to promote the program, and must maintain a 2.0 grade point average to go on the trip.