LAKEWOOD — This year’s goal is obvious for the Lakewood girls: compete in the District 1 tournament.

No Lakewood team has missed the postseason in consecutive years, and this year’s squad does not intend on being the first.

“Hopefully that is sort of the carrot dangling in front of them,” said Lakewood coach Chris Walster.

But it will be a tall order for anybody — especially for a team with just one returning starter, three seniors and no player taller than 5’11”. Also, this is the first year that the Cougars do not return a player with any kind of Cascade Conference honors. But that’s just motivation for the lady Cougars who are itching to make a name for themselves.

“Spirits are high,” said Walster, who’s team finished 6-14 last season. “They don’t feel like we just need to survive. We feel like we’re going to compete with some of those top teams — and maybe a couple bounces go our way, and we can take a few of those games.”

The returning starter is sophomore Kaylee Diggs, a strong post with the ability to finish around the basket who the Cougars will try to run their offense through.

“We’re going to be young, and that is obvious when your only starter is a sophomore, but there are a few girls that are ready to make that step,” Walster said.

Providing experience and life to the group is transfer Chrystel Clark. Walster sees the hard-working Kansas native as a leader and spark- plug defensively.

“She has got such a great attitude and work ethic,” he said. “She is already out there pushing the others — I wish I had 20 girls just like her.”

Also earning a spot is shooter Kayley Mizell.

Walster made it clear that defense is a top priority for this group, as they learn a new offense and how to play together.

This year’s Cascade Conference has one leader Archbishop Murphy. The Wildcats were the Class 2A state runners-up and feature a pair of Division I recruits.

“They’ll just literally terrorize people,” Walster said.

Also around the top will be Sultan and King’s.