As fall turns to winter and rainy October nights become rainy November nights, the Garfield student body returns to its own personal favorite pastime — high school basketball. There is no feeling on this planet that compares to the high of watching formidable Eastside teams crumble at the feet of the stars that rule our basketball stage, dunking, blocking, and alley-ooping their way to victory.

With a new winter comes new freshmen blood to the court, and although the loss of prominent seniors of last year still stings, the fresh talent might just be enough not only to cover the wounds left by last years graduates, but to finally grasp that state championship that has long been just out of reach.

Though tryouts only officially began this past Monday, some serious talent has already started to emerge in the form of young ‘013 boys who attempt to fill the shoes of the ’09 graduates and become state-championship-ring-wielding men over the course of the next four years.

Our first freshman, Tucker Haymond, hails from Madrona Middle School. He has been playing basketball since about age five and was on the Rotary “A” team last year, his eighth grade year.

“I’m pretty excited for the season,” said Haymond. “I can’t wait for the games when all the people are there.”

Also from Madrona Middle School, freshmen Will Dorsey played for the same Rotary team as Haymond.

“I’m ready to help us win a state championship this year,” Dorsey said.

Other possible freshmen powerhouses and stars include Deshaun (Dede) Hall, Demario Hall, and Asia Buchannan. All five of these strapping young boys play for the same Rotary club that fostered such talent as Peyton Siva and Tony Wroten.

The loss to Federal Way last year at the state championship in Tacoma was definitely a blow to the spirit of Garfield basketball as a whole, but the fact that they made it there in the first place in itself is impressive. And while it hurts to go out with a loss, they were still better than every single team in the state, except for one.

“A lot of people are doubting us [this season] but the fact is, besides Federal Way, who looks strong again, the league is pretty weak,” said senior forward, Wilson Platt.

Junior Tony Wroten and sophomore Pierre Wright gave the team a scare when they partially tore an ACL, and an MCL, respectively, while playing football. However, according to senior DesJuan Newton, they are both back on the court working up to full speed and should be ready for playing time once the season officially starts.

With questionable return of senior Sean Foster, the team could be back to everything it was last year minus a few key seniors. However, with the addition of Haymond, Dorsey, Hall, and others, they might have another real chance at state.

“We have a lot of three and four-year varsity players that are ready to contribute mixed with some serious up and coming talent,” Platt said. “If we play hard and gel as a team there is no doubt that we can go all the way.”