Wolves split double header

In a clash between Northwest 1A titans LaConner and Coupeville, it was a first quarter, 15 point run by LaConner that proved too much for the Coupeville Wolves to overcome Tuesday night.

Before they hit the hardwood, both teams held onto a 3-0 league record and topped the league standings. After the final buzzer it was LaConner who walked away with the 74-61 win.

The Braves started off on the right foot when they scored 15 unanswered points to begin the first quarter. Coupeville claimed its first basket off a Brian Fakkema jumpshot with around one minute left in the first quarter. Senior Casey Clark contributed the only other points for Coupeville, to end the first quarter with LaConner on top 17-4.

“First quarter we weren’t really focused, they jumped on us and we weren’t ready,” Clark said.

Passes to LaConner’s two 6-foot 4-inch players Ross Cartmill and Danny Hagen helped the visitors rake in points from inside the paint.

“First half of the game we tried to collapse down on their big guys but it wasn’t working,” Clark said.

Offensively the Wolves struggled, as senior Brad Sherman admits Coupeville’s first quarter shooting wasn’t the best the Wolves have attempted this season.

During the second quarter Coupeville was able to get only a few shots to sink, while LaConner continued to dish down to the “big guys,” bringing the score to 32-15 in their favor as both teams headed to the locker rooms.

“We came in at halftime upset and looking for something to help us out. When we went back out onto the court we knew someone had to step it up, and we all came out wanting to be that person,” Fakkema said.

Both teams were eager to be the first to strike in the second half. LaConner wanted to keep the upper hand advantage, and Coupeville knew they needed to turn things around.

Swift dribbling and driving by the likes of Clark, Fakkema, Brad Sherman, Joe Rojas and Michael Bagby helped Coupeville outscore the Braves in the third (20-17) and fourth quarter (26-25).

It also helped that Bagby and Fakkema found their sweet spots on the court, sinking three 3-point shots in the third; Sherman contributed with two 3-point shots.

“Third quarter we starting pressing and our defense turned into a real strength,” Clark said.

Despite a defensive lock down by the Wolves, a six-point spread in the third quarter is the closest Coupeville came to stealing LaConner’s glory.

“The team was frustrated with how things began, but a few of them started hitting shots and it becomes infectious when things are going well,” King said of his teams third and fourth quarter basket to basket shooting with LaConner.

King predicts that LaConner won’t rattle the Wolves as much next time, considering Coupeville will know what to expect and know how to prepare.

“Next time we’re going to have to come down hard on their big guys early, and make them shoot outside,” Fakkema said. “We’ll really have to come out strong and play four hard quarters against them.”

With the win LaConner nabbed sole possession of first place in Northwest 1A.

The loss gives Coupeville a league record of 3-1, 4-9 overall.

The Wolves faced Archbishop Murphy away from home last night, and the results of that game were not available at press time. Tonight the Wolves play at 5 p.m. on their home court against Bush

Coupeville— 4 11 20 26—74

La Conner—17 15 17 25—61

Scoring—CV: King 22, Davis 12, Mouw 8, Guillory 6, E. Lamb 6, Black 4, T. Lamb 2.

LC: Buher 20, Brassford 8, Troxell 4, Coone 2, A. Springer 2, Hinton 2.

coupeville girls cruise to win

By KEVIN ENDEJAN

Sports editor

After sputtering a little bit in the first quarter, the Coupeville Wolves girls basketball team turned on the cruise control, coasting to a 60-38 victory over the La Conner Braves Tuesday night.

Taking a slight 12-10 lead into the second quarter, the Wolves turned up the defensive heat, pressuring the Braves into 38 turnovers for the game.

“Our press started working a little better in the second quarter,” head coach Greg Oldham said.

The solid defense along with an impressive offensive performance by senior Brianne King made it impossible for La Conner to catch up.

King ended the game with 22 points and shot 3 of 5 from the three-point line.

“I think she’s finally broke out of her three point slump,” Oldham said. “She’s been waiting for those to drop.”

Also helping out the Wolves of late is the improved play from their post players. Players Oldham considers crucial towards the teams’ success.

“I continue to see growth from all three of our post players,” Oldham said.

Among those post players, who helped lead Coupeville to victory was junior Vanessa Davis. Davis added 12 points for the Wolves, shooting 5 of 10 from the field.

Up next for Coupeville is a game at 7 p.m. tonight, Jan. 18 at home against Bush.

Results from last night’s battle for first place with co-Northwest 1A leader Archbishop Murphy will be in the Wednesday edition of the News-Times.

Coupeville— 4 11 20 26—74

La Conner—17 15 17 25—61

Scoring—CV: King 22, Davis 12, Mouw 8, Guillory 6, E. Lamb 6, Black 4, T. Lamb 2.

LC: Buher 20, Brassford 8, Troxell 4, Coone 2, A. Springer 2, Hinton 2.

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