This fall holds big possibilities for a handful of the Lake Washington High cross country team’s more-experienced pieces.

Incoming junior Claire Cocales, among the fastest sophomores in the state last season, seems poised to challenge for a Class 3A KingCo league title. She’s one of five returning 3A KingCo runners to have broken the 20-minute mark in the 5,000 meters and the only runner to represent Lake Washington High at the Class 3A state championships last season.

She also has a chance to become the second girl at LWHS to break the 19-minute mark in the last 15 seasons.

Bethany Clowers will be one of few seniors near the top of the varsity rankings. The rest of the varsity squad is stacked with incoming sophomores — Emily Rodgers, Malia Lakman, Aase Fogarty and Emily Stoneman.

Third-year coach Lyudmila Vasilyeva said the girls’ team will have two additions in freshman Bell Brandenfels and sophomore Makena Billington, both of which should make an impact on the varsity squad.

The Kangs were the youngest team in 3A KingCo last fall, and Vasilyeva said the hope is for the girls’ team to make the District II championships.

For the boys, Vasilyeva said the team goal is to get a handful of individuals to districts. The boys’ team lost only one senior, Kyle McIntyre, who set the second-fastest pace last fall. Two of the top-three runners were freshmen — John Hentges and Oliver Norred — both of which are back this season.

Brenden Ball and Abraham Martinez will be seniors. Hunter Toyoda and Graham Godfrey will be juniors.

The Kangaroos begin with a meet on Wednesday, Sept. 7. Next, Lake Washington is scheduled for a meet with Juanita and Interlake on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Marymoor Park in Redmond.