TULALIP — The Heritage girls basketball team has been one win away from the state tournament four years in a row under coach Tina Brown.

This year, fifth-year coach Brown and the Hawks are hoping that will all change.

“This year is going to be a little different,” Brown said. “We’re going to have to work harder to maintain the level that we have been at.”

The lady Hawks graduated four seniors from a team that was fifth in a tri-district tournament that sent four to the Class 1B state competition.

This year’s group, however, is rich with experience, starting with seniors Tanika Fryberg, Raylene Todd, Lateesha Jack, Justina Velazquez and Candi Villa.

“We’re happy to have so many seniors,” Brown said. “And to have Candy and Lateesha back especially — they are going to great additions to the team.”

Although on the roster to begin last season, Villa and Jack both took time off for personal reasons midway through and are back to help.

Although senior heavy, perhaps the most crucial returner is junior Shawnee Enick — an all-around guard who keeps the team moving.

“Shawnee is a shooter and just a smart player that gets everything we do,” Brown said. “She works hard and is a great rebounder.”

The Hawks will need all the experience they can get, as they have two state-placing opponents in their league returning a large number of players, in Lummi (4th place) and Neah Bay (8th).

The Hawks opened their season against Northwest Yeshiva Dec. 5.