Nearly 11 months ago, the Bellevue Christian Vikings girls basketball team competed at the Class 1A state girls basketball tournament at the Yakima SunDome. The Vikings, who suffered two consecutive defeats to Cashmere and Granger, are determined to return to the big dance this March. The Vikings are definitely on the right track, boasting an overall record of 14-2 thus far.

Bellevue Christian head coach Mark DeJonge said his team has seven returners from last year’s state team on this year’s squad.

“They’re a great group of kids and they listen and they learn really quickly, which makes it easy for me as their coach. This is my fourth year. They know what to expect from me and that translates onto the court,” DeJonge said. “That is the biggest thing right there. It helps with consistency and just taking off from where we were last year.”

DeJonge believes last season’s experience will benefit his team in the postseason this year.

“Last year we made it to the final eight. We went two-and-out but it was a great experience. Obviously that is a goal of ours to get back to that point (state tournament),” he said. “The experience from last year is invaluable to us. To be able to lean on something like that is always a good and positive thing.”

The Class 1A state tournament is taking place in a little over a month. I wouldn’t be surprised in the least bit if the Vikings do indeed board their team bus for the 139-mile trek to Eastern Washington this March.

Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com