MARYSVILLE — This year’s Tomahawks squad is out to prove that experience goes a long way.

A lack of exposure to the Wesco North is what often got Marysville-Pilchuck in trouble last season, but coach Bary Gould is convinced being green is a thing of the past.

“We have a strong returning core,” Gould said. “I think last year we had one or two guys that had played some minutes on varsity, and now we’re returning almost our whole starting lineup.”

That lineup will be led by junior Ryan Shannon, who was the team’s leading scorer, and one of the conference’s only two returning sophomores named to the All-Wesco North second team or higher.

“Ryan is obviously a big part of this team, but he’s worked hard in the offseason, getting stronger and being more of a factor inside, rather than just floating around the perimeter,” Gould said.

M-P also brings back point guard Dom Kiblinger, who led the offense last season to a 7-13 overall record that saw the Tommies finish two spots out of the district tournament, and Gould expects big things from him this season.

“He’s our defensive stopper and floor general,” he said. “Dom knows how to motivate others, while not going overboard. He’s got a lot of respect from the other guys, and it works out well because Ryan (Shannon) is more quiet and sets an example while Dom can push guys to achieve.”

The Tommies also will be bringing back senior twins Chris and Cody Dockendorf, who were both regulars in last year’s rotation, along with sharp-shooter Nate Williams.

While Gould expects a lot from his returners, he anticipates roles to open for newcomers, mainly 6-11 senior Jeffrey Miles.

“Jeffrey has made huge strides over the summer and we are excited to have him in the key for us, providing that defensive presence that might have been missing,” Gould said.

Looking around the Wesco North, Gould sees Monroe as the team to beat, followed by Arlington.

“Both are well-coached teams that return almost everybody,” he said. “I think the rest of us will be trying to hopefully fill in the one or two spots below them.”

In order to do that, or even finish higher, Gould said his team’s defense has to improve quickly over the season.

“We need to develop more intensity on the defensive end,” he said. “We’re deep enough to keep bringing in substitutions so we can have guys play their hearts out, but that will come and hopefully we can stick around and maybe sneak by (Monroe and Arlington).”

With the new league formation this season, Gould was interested in playing each of the Wesco South teams during the regular season.