There is a common thread to recent troubles for the Coupeville boys basketball team — turnovers.

“If we can eliminate them,” coach Anthony Smith said, “we will be all right.”

Smith is optimistic that this year’s team can cut back on the ball-handling mistakes and improve on last’s years 7-13 record because of a trio of talented guards: seniors Wiley Hesselgrave and Risen Johnson and sophomore Hunter Smith.

He added the three “can play with the best of them.”

Hesselgrave, who led Coupeville in scoring last year, can “drive and take a pounding,” Smith said.

Johnson is “so quick” he is tough to defend, and Hunter Smith “makes good decisions and, like the other two, is quick and strong,” coach Smith added.

Other lettermen returning for Coupeville are seniors Jared Helmstadter and Ryan Griggs and junior Gabe Wynn.

“Our experience definitely should help us,” coach Smith said. “They know how to handle the long season and the ups and downs.”

Key newcomers are senior transfer Jordan Ford and seniors DeAndre Mitchell, Dante Mitchell, Desmond Bell and Beauman Davis.

The Wolves are “very athletic” but the lack of height could be a problem, Smith said.

“We are definitely undersized.”

Ford (6-3), Griggs (6-2) and the Mitchells (6-1) will be counted on to battle inside.

Ford is a “good asset” and the Mitchell twins will help at both ends of the floor “because of their length,” Smith said.

“If we can get some productivity from our bigs, it will make us tough on other teams,” Smith said.

The team’s goal, Smith said, is “to play hard, compete and win some basketball games.”

“If we honestly go out and compete, everything else will fall into place,” he said. “So far, the kids have a good attitude and are willing to work.”

Coupeville jumps right into the season with six games in the first two weeks.

The home opener is 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, with South Whidbey.