Second-year coach Beth Madill, who heads the girls basketball program at Enumclaw High, prefers an up-tempo game that has players flying up and down the court.

With the mix at her disposal this season, Madill could see her wishes fulfilled.

“I think we’re quicker than we were last year,” she said, following two weeks of practice. And it’s that quickness that should allow the Hornets to follow Madill’s command to play tough defense, press when the time is right and run when they can.

At the heart of the Hornet squad is 6-foot senior post Katina Ferguson, who Madill says is “more refined and more comfortable” than she was a season ago. The coach will be looking to Ferguson to play solid defense and provide added scoring on the offensive end.

Making the offensive machine run will be sophomore point guard Hannah Calvert, who draws high praise from Madill for her on-court awareness and simple love of the game that shines when the ball is in her hands.

The rest of Madill’s varsity roster is a mix of familiar faces and newcomers. Those with playing time under their belts include seniors Alex Putman, Rebecca Johnson, Richelle Carel and Molly Roe, plus sophomore Katie Holland. Also part of the varsity picture are senior Kait Clark, junior Fallon Hall and sophomores Jessica Snoen and Calli Remitz.

Aside from Ferguson and Calvert, Madill is hesitant to name a starting lineup. “We have a lot of girls who are interchangeable,” she said, adding that starters will likely change depending upon the opposition.

Aside from basketball talent, Madill likes the way her girls have come together as a team. Part of the reason, she said, is the Hornets are playing year-round for the first time in years.