Sequim coach Greg Glasser hopes that strong bonds off the court will translate into united efforts on the court this winter.

Glasser sees just three regulars back from last year’s squad, one that struggled to a 2-10 mark in the Olympic League and 6-14 overall.

“I like what we’re doing (early on); it’s a nice group,” Glasser said prior to a preseason practice. “They work well and they like each other. They hang out outside of the gym and they know how to motivate each other.”

But, he noted, “They have to play together and share the basketball. That’s the trick for us: playing on the same page.”

Back on the hardcourt for the Wolves’ is Glasser’s son Payton, who as a sophomore scored 11.8 points per game — tied for team lead — and led the team with 103 rebounds and 70 percent shooting from the free throw lines. He also was third on the team in assists.

“He needs to step up and take a leadership role,” the Sequim coach said of the younger Glasser.

Also back is athletic post Riley Cowan, fresh off of leading SHS’s football team to the postseason at quarterback, and Nate Despain, who started at point guard last year as a freshman.

Cowan scored 3.9 points per game, shot 28.6 from 3-point land and his 15 steals tied for second on the squad.

Despain shot 30 percent from 3-point land, tops on the team.

“We threw him right into the fire,” Glasser said of Despain, the next in a long line of freshmen point guards Glasser has relied on through the years.

“I thought he did a nice job. He works really hard. I think he’s going to surprise some people. He’s stronger and can knock down some jumpers.”

Quickness will be an attribute of this year’s Sequim team, Glasser said.

“Our guards are really quick,” he said. “I believe the league is guard-heavy. I always think we’re going to be one of the smaller teams in the league, but all of our guys rebound well.”

The Wolves will look to Cowan, Glasser, Keeshwan Whitney, Bailey Earley and newcomer Cole Williams for some athletic play on the boards.

Sequim comes into the season relatively inexperienced. Beyond the three returning players, only a handful of Wolves have varsity experience. Whitney played in eight games, Kyler Rollness in four, Konnor Parrish in two. Sequim lost one of their top scorers (Jackson Oliver) and top assist man (Nick Faunce) plus big man Jack Shea to graduation.

“I have to be patient with them,” Glasser said. “We’ve got to convince guys to buy into each of their individual roles.”

Sequim’s lone league wins last season came against North Mason and Port Angeles. Sequim suffered a number of close losses, dropping five games by seven points or less.

The defending Olympic League champ is North Kitsap, while Olympic was second and Bremerton was third, but Glasser said he’s particularly wary of Kingston this season.

Sequim last made a state tourney appearance in 2012-2013.

The Wolves open the season at home against Chimacum on Nov. 30. Sequim hosts Federal Way on Dec. 3 before going on the road to Bremerton (Dec. 7), Olympic (Dec. 9) and North Kitsap (Dec. 13).