The South Kitsap boys basketball team kicked off its prep season at the SK Jamboree, hosted at home Nov. 26.

The Wolves, Kingston and Peninsula played a round robin tournament to prepare each team for league play.

The jamboree was set up for each team to play two 10-minute mini-games against every opponent. In their first game, the Wolves beat Peninsula 23-14. In their second matchup, they beat Kingston 21-18. The junior varsity team won both their games, as well.

As they head into season action later in the week, head coach John Callaghan said the team is looking good.

“They played really hard,” Callaghan said. “One big key this season will be rebounding, especially on the defensive end.”

Heading into a new league this year, the Wolves will face tough opponents such as Gig Harbor and Curtis, which competed in the state tournament last year. Also in the North Puget Sound League sits state champions Federal Way.

Last season in the Narrows League, the Wolves finished 9-13. Although the season didn’t play out like they hoped, Callaghan said they continue working to improve.

“We prepare for every season with many of the same goals and adjust our offensive and defensive schemes to the talent we have,” Callaghan said. “Fundamentals are our major focus, especially at the beginning of the season.”

With three games under their belts, the Wolves will take on Olympia at 7 p.m., Dec. 2 in Olympia. Their first home game is Dec. 8 against Sumner.

A few key returners for the Wolves this season are Izaijha Byrd, James Buckley and Mikey Williams. Last year against Yelm, Byrd took control of the game that ended in a 64-53 win. With the multi-sport athlete putting up double digits in the game, Callaghan said it was the best he’d ever seen Byrd play. With that skill set in hand, he said the Wolves will be a tough team to beat.

“Our perimeter players are athletic and we have guys that can shoot and pressure. We are young and will need to keep our composure,” Callaghan said.