Less than two weeks ago, Central Mountain coach Scott Baker headed home after practice expecting to see just his family.

But it was a crowded house upon his arrival. It was quite a festive seen, too.

The Wildcat players beat Baker home and greeted him by singing Christmas carols. They stayed for two hours and a close-knit team bonded even tighter while bringing a smile to Baker’s face.

That scene highlights what Baker likes most about coaching this squad. The Wildcats are young, starting two freshmen, but they are doing quality work on and off the court.

“They’re great kids … every single one of them,” Baker said. “There isn’t one problem. It makes it really fun coming to practice every day.”

Central Mountain (1-4) has lost four straight games but two are by single-digit margins. What is exciting is how well freshmen Reagan Weaver and Payton Williams already are playing. Weaver went for 18 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists against Hughesville, while Williams had 10 points and four assists.

Add in three-year starter Camdyn Weaver averaging in double figures and dealing six assists against Hughesville and Central Mountain has a strong nucleus in place. It’s a mammoth jump going from junior high to varsity basketball, so growing pains are expected, but it might not be long until this group starts hitting all the right notes.

“We know this is a year of growth, but we think next year we can be really good,” Baker said. “We’ll see. They’re are hard workers, they like each other and they’re great kids.”