PORT ANGELES — A senior-laden and deep Port Angeles boys basketball team is impressing Roughriders head coach Kasey Ulin early in preseason practices.

“Realistically, I can’t say enough about how committed this group has been in getting better,” Ulin said. “In the early season, I haven’t had a team that has been this cohesive this early. They like each other, embody our culture and are high-character kids.”

The journey started in the offseason with the group facing the reality of figuring out how to replace five graduated seniors who pushed to an Olympic League title last season and were within whiskers of a state tournament berth. Offensively, Kyle Benedict, Liam Clark, Garrett Edwards, Gabe Long and Payton Schmidt combined for 53 points per game on a Riders team that averaged 76 per contest.

“We have to replace a lot due to what we lost,” Ulin said. “And the summer was ugly at times, but we consistently improved and got better. They needed to learn how to play at a high level consistently. It was extremely fun to coach through. And I have to evolve as a coach and realize that what worked last year might not work with this group. So there was plenty of time evaluating, applying different concepts offensively and defensively.”

The verdict?

“We have lots of depth and are skilled at a variety of different areas,” Ulin said.

“We have bigs who can finish and defend inside and guys who can shoot, pass, dribble and defend up and down the floor. This ties into our depth — we have 14 guys at our varsity practices and all 14 could see time. Our practices have been intense and competitive.”

Port Angeles does return both experience and size.

Senior point guard Gary Johnson is back to run the show. He averaged 5.1 points per game last season.

“Gary has just been unbelievable,” Ulin said. “He’s been the epitome of a senior point guard. The first guy in the gym, helps guys get to practice, countless hours in the weight room. Can’t say enough about his commitment.”

Plenty in the post

Senior post Anton Kathol is skilled offensively, rebounds well on both ends and can defend taller than his 6-foot-3 height.

“He’s in even better shape,” Ulin said. “He trimmed some body weight and is in really good physical condition.”

Senior Lucas Jarnagin also saw time behind Edwards, Clark and Kathol in a busy frontcourt last season.

“We have some upperclassmen who have been itching to play,” Ulin said.

“Anton had to play behind two very good posts. Lucas does whatever you ask and is a big, strong, physical presence on the box. He’s dealing with some football injuries that he is working through.”

Junior Chase Cobb should see plenty of time at off guard.

“Chase grew a couple more inches and became more difficult to guard,” Ulin said. “Good off the bounce, an elite defender guarding multiple positions. He has length, speed and size.”

Sophomore Xander Maestas saw playing time as a true freshman last season, so he should be in the mix for more floor time this season along with other varsity returnees in Brady Nickerson and Stuart Methner, both seniors.

And seniors Derek Bowechop, Nolan Hughes and Damen Ringgold also have stood out early, according to Uline.

“It’s a strong senior class, eight seniors,” Ulin said. “Our culture is evident. Culture is key, its established and guys know how we are going to go about our business.

“With Nolan, Derek and Damen the effort is high and those three are all team-first guys.”

Ulin praised Ringgold for sticking with his game.

“It’s an unbelievable path for him from being cut as a freshman, to C-squad as a sophomore and JV as a junior.”

Ulin feels the team is together.

“It’s probably our most united team,” Ulin said. “The guys understand their roles, understand what is expected and care and value each other. Excited to see the prospects and what this team is capable of. We are going to be extremely tested.”

“Our nonleague schedule might be the best in 2A,” Ulin said. “We play at Burlington-Edison and Lynden Christian, have two tough games in the [Yakima SunDome] after Christmas. We will be prepared to get to the second half of league and the postseason.”

Ulin said North Kitsap is the preseason No. 1 in all of Class 2A. Ulin’s not ceding anything to the Vikings, including that hard-won league title, but North Kitsap is well, stacked.

“Take North out of the mix and I think it will be wide open in the Olympic League,” Ulin said.

“Everybody improved. Sequim improved. Olympic is big and athletic, Bremerton and North Mason will be better than they were last year.

“Every night will be surprising for some teams and competitive. We are going to be fun to watch and a team that the Port Angeles community can be proud to come out and support.”

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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.