As the 2008-2009 Clark College Penguins prepare for this upcoming season, there will be a couple of questions that will need to be answered. Replacing 2 time All Conference Player and the 2008 All Star MVP from the Western Division,  Orlandor Westbrook is the first question which will need attention. Secondly, losing four other sophomores to graduation and transfer is the second.  But if the past is a predictor of the future, the Penguins will have team oriented players waiting in the wings to fulfill their shoes.

Sophomores Brandon Jones (6’0” Guard), Garrick Ashenfelter (5’10” Guard), Jay Mercer (6’3”Wing), along with medical redshirt Travis Garrison (6’4” Forward) are eager to assume leadership roles.  Additionally, the Penguins have added some very capable freshman in Derek Thurston (6’4” Guard-Columbia River), Zach Waldher (5’8”Point guard-Mark Morris), Ryan Anderson (6’4” Wing- Camas), Arman Kalin (6’5” Forward-Ft. Vancouver), Josh Hardin (6’4” Forward-Grant), Rob Perry (6’6” Forward- Wrangell, AK), Grant Zigler (6’2” Guard-Washougal), Josh Manus (6’1” Guard-Jefferson), and Nate Byrd (6’2” guard-Kenai, AK).

This team will not be as big across the front line as the past two teams for the Penguins, but they will make up for the lack of size with with speed, and aggressive play both offensively and defensively. Sharing the ball and playing passionately on defense will help to determine this young team’s success as always, should be fun to watch.