Hoquiam’s boys will be relying on a new cast of characters in their bid for a third successive state basketball appearance.

The Grizzlies graduated all five starters from a club that finished 17-8 and earned a second straight trip to Yakima for the state 1A tournament last March. After earning a sixth-place state trophy in 2016, Hoquiam dropped a heartbreaker to Newport in the loser-out opening round of state last season.

Hoquiam opens its season Nov. 29 at home against Chehalis.

Only one member of this year’s varsity, 6-foot-1 senior forward Victor James, saw extensive action last season. While conceding that a lack of experience could be a shortcoming, HHS coach Curtis Eccles is optimistic about his team finishing in the upper portion of the Evergreen 1A League.

“We were fortunate enough to give (some of this year’s team) a lot of varsity experience because of the way we finished games last year,” Eccles said. “From last season to this summer, they did a great job of staying together.”

The Grizzlies figure to do a lot of their business this season from the perimeter. James, who averaged 10 points per game last year has almost unlimited range from 3-point territory. Juniors Payton Quintanilla, Jackson Folkers and Bryson Eccles (the son of the coach) are also regarded as long-distance threats.

The Grizzlies are bolstered by the return of the speedy Quintanilla, Hoquiam’s football quarterback who missed the entire 2016-17 campaign with a knee injury.

“Payton is one of our best defenders, as he is quick and agile and has the ability to anticipate well,” Coach Eccles noted. “(He) is a good rebounder and passer and has the ability to get hot from the outside.”

Folkers, a 5-8 junior who was the only Grizzly in addition to James to see state action last year, will likely operate at point guard, with 6-3 Bryson Eccles alternating between post and forward.

Undersized last season, the Grizzlies have some height this year in Eccles, brawny 6-2 sophomore Matt Brown and 6-5 soph Rayyon Dayton. The latter, with outstanding leaping ability, has the potential of becoming a game-changer.

Five-ten senior Brian Morales and 5-9 junior Jonny Smith will likely come off the bench.

Traditionally a running team, the Grizzlies don’t figure to change their style this season.

“With the speed we have, we’re definitely going to press and play up-tempo,” Coach Eccles confirmed.

Eccles sees experienced Montesano as the league favorite.

Keith Reynvaan, Tracy Pelan and Neal Fisher return as Eccles’ assistants.