They paid their dues, now it is time to collect.

The Coupeville High School boys basketball team struggled to pick up wins the past three seasons. Young players were forced into varsity action before they were ready because of the lack of talent among the older players, and the results were predictable.

The Wolves were winless in 2011-12, picked up one win in 2012-13 and earned two wins last season.

“This is the year we turn the corner,” coach Anthony Smith said. “It is a testimony to the boys, to their dedication and hard work. Several years ago two or three kids would show up to open gyms; now we get 20. We are ready to compete.”

Leading the resurgence are seniors Aaron Trumbull, Joel Walstad, Matt Shank and Aaron Curtin.

Curtin returns after missing last season; he lettered as a freshman and sophomore.

Junior Wiley Hesselgrave, who Smith called one of the most athletic players in the conference, also lettered last winter.

Key newcomers, Smith said, are Gabe Wynn, Dalton Martin, C.J. Smith, Rison Johnson, Jared Helmstadter and Ryan Griggs.

Unlike past years, the Wolves have depth.

“We are somewhat deep,” Smith said. “We have strong backups for some players; there’s not much of a drop off.”

The depth also helps the Wolves improve in practice when the reserves are pushing the starters for playing time, he added.

For the Wolves to succeed, Smith said, they will have to play good defense.

“Our stable is going to be playing strong defense, which will open up the offense,” he said. “We plan to get up the floor.”

Turnovers have hurt Coupeville the past few seasons, so “taking care of the ball” is another necessity for a winning season, Smith said.

Smith said that qualifying for the state tournament is a reasonable goal and would be a great send-off gift for the seniors.

“It would be good for my seniors to have a winning season because they have worked so hard,” he added.

Coupeville jumps into play with five games in eight days.

The Wolves host Meridian at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, and then head to Langley to play South Whidbey at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Coupeville hosts Darrington at 5:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and Bellevue Christian at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, and then travels to Mount Baker at 7:15 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8.