Chasstiny Balagso dribbles the ball against Roosevelt after garnering a steal. Greg Yamamoto | SL

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Throw Campbell in the mix of teams to watch out for in the Oahu Interscholastic Association girls basketball race.

With six players returning from a season ago, the Sabers are hoping to achieve new heights after seeing their season end in the first round of the league playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

"Every year we look at it as a step up to want to get higher," said junior wing Gieani Balino, the team's leading scorer in the last two seasons. "Being a junior and playing from when I was a freshman, it's good to see how far we've gotten over the years."

Balino is at the head of the Sabers' optimism, averaging 20.1 points per game and two made 3-pointers per contest in the preseason. Even when her shot isn't falling, Balino can still impact the game with her defense. In a non-league game against Roosevelt, the junior wing garnered six steals.

Another key cog to Campbell's success is 5-foot-11 senior center Jasianna Ah Nee Green. With multiple guards on the team that can shoot on the perimeter, Ah Nee Green can dominate in one-on-one opportunities in the low post, or recycle missed attempts into baskets.

"She's useful because our team is really short," Balino said of Ah Nee Green. "She has speed too so we just use that as our advantage."

With Ah Nee Green at the five, sophomore Kimberlee Ung gives the Sabers a true one-two punch in the frontcourt. Ung is also capable of spacing the defense out and knocking down a corner triple.

Other returners include guards Danielle Silva, Shantelle Sagucio and Chasstiny Balagso.

Silva is probably the most accurate perimeter shooter when she gets a clean look, but she's also smart enough to take it to the hoop when the defender closes out late.

Sagucio is another capable shooter for the Sabers, taking advantage of extended playing time and making six total 3-pointers in non-league wins over Kau and Hawaii Prep in the Ka Makani Girls Basketball Tip-Off Classic over the weekend.

Balagso showed hustle off the bench in Campbell's 64-29 preseason win over Roosevelt, scoring 11 points with four offensive rebounds and six steals.

"For her, she just has to be more discipline on defense, but she's a strong kid," Campbell coach Summer Aona said of Balagso. "She's aggressive, but she has to move her feet. I like her a lot."

Roosevelt first-year coach Chad Kaihe was well aware of what Campbell was capable of after spending time with the Nanakuli coaching staff for the past couple of years.

"They got real skilled guards, really quick guards and one or two really effective bigs. They didn't press us, but they can run a press that's pretty effective. Their 1-2-2 half court defense is pretty solid with those guards."

Aona said that her players know that they have the potential to go far this season.

"They're getting that spirit where they're competitive and know that they have a good chance to do really well in this season compared to last season. Really a lot of our (success) is on them. They're choosing to make the effort, and that's good for me because it makes my job easier."

Campbell opens up OIA Western Division play at Pearl City Thursday night.