From big gun to run-and-gun.
The Wolves’ newest version of their own boys basketball squad isn’t built around a single scorer – in the case of the 2008-2009 team, long-range specialist Ary Webb.
Instead, third-year coach Greg Glasser has a number of strong, lean athletes who like to get up and down the court, pushing the tempo.
That’s great timing, quite literally. This season sees the institution of a 35-second shot clock for the boys, just the seventh state in the nation to use the clock for boys games.
Glasser says that’s just fine with him and the Wolves.
"When a team gets a lead, they’re not going to be able to sit on it … which we did at times last year," Glasser said. "This year, (the shot clock) suits us. I’m excited."
Last season, a battle-tested Wolves squad showed plenty of late-season resilience. After a series of tough losses and mismatches with Olympic League 3A schools led to a 4-12 league mark, Sequim knocked off a pair of teams at districts en route to a class 2A state tourney berth. They even picked up a win at state (topping Tumwater 47-35) before falling to league rival North Mason.
"I’ve thought about that game for a long time," Glasser said. "We have a couple of defensive plans in mind (specifically for the Bulldogs). We have a lot of guys who can handle the ball, (and) we’re quick enough to defend big guys. People are going to have to worry about our posts."
The Wolves will have to try to beat North Mason, likely the league’s 2A favorite – and their premier guard-forward combo of Brett Skogstad and John Fullington – without their leading scorer from 2008-2009. Ary Webb led Sequim by averaging nearly 17 points per contest in the regular season and was key in getting the Wolves to state, scoring nearly 16 points per game at districts.
Aside from Webb, however, the Wolves most of their roster back from last year’s state team.
Ary’s brother Corbin is back at the point guard position. Also back are John Textor, Jeremie Oliver and Clancy Catelli, a trio of strong, quick combo guard-forwards fresh off Sequim’s big football season. Textor led or tied for the team lead in scoring 10 times last season.
"Last year, Ary was a focal point," Glasser said. "Our goal was to get him 20 shots a game. This year, we may not have a guy who averages double figures. But we have four guys who can score 20 points (on any given night)."
Also back on the court are Jordan Alcafaras and Michael Dunning, each of whom may see plenty of court time, along with freshman Jason Brocklesby.
Beyond that, Glasser sees a number of "swing" players who may be back and forth with varsity/junior varsity roles such as Nick Camporini, Evan Hill, Kenny Meier, Frank Catelli and Isaac Yamamoto.
North Mason finished the 2008-2009 season with a 14-2 league mark, followed by Klahowya (6-10) and Sequim (4-12), with Kingston at the bottom of the 2A ranks.
Sequim benefited with the West Central District’s three berths to state. This season, the district takes just two teams to the state tourney.
And though North Mason may be a preseason favorite, Glasser says the Wolves should be right up near the top.
"I think the league is wide open," Glasser said. "They (North Mason) have a strong nucleus. My goal is always to do better than they think we’ll do."
The Wolves got a mini preseason tune-up with an alumni game on Nov. 28. Sequim was slated to play Interlake on Nov. 30 – game results were not available at press time.
The Wolves host Klahowya on Dec. 4 and North Mason on Dec. 8.
Reach Michael Dashiell at miked@sequimgazette.com.
