The Coupeville High School girls basketball team hit the trifecta.
The Wolves played a complete game, won their North Sound Conference opener and beat rival South Whidbey 50-15 Wednesday, Dec. 12, in Langley.
“Our two senior captains (Lindsey Roberts and Ema Smith) led the charge and the rest of the players all contributed in one way or another,” coach David King said. “This game will foster our confidence moving forward, especially if we play like we did in all facets of the game — offense, defense, rebounding and hustle.”
The game is “a good blueprint for us to be successful as the season progresses,” he added.
The Wolves (1-0, 2-4) return to non-league play with a trip to Concrete (0-6) for a 6 p.m. game Friday, Dec. 14, and then host Sultan (0-1, 2-5) in NSC match at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18.
“Our defense and press throughout the game set the tone for us,” King said in regard to the win at South Whidbey.
The Falcons’ Lexi Starets-Foote scored 6 points in the first quarter and the two teams were tied at 8.
From that point, Coupeville’s Hannah Davidson held Starets-Foote scoreless and the Wolves’ defense limited South Whidbey to only 7 points over the final three periods.
“Hannah had her hands full most of the game against Lexi and did a fantastic job keeping her from hurting us on the offensive end,” King said.
Coupeville, getting 9 points from Roberts and 4 from Avalon Renninger, outscored the Falcons 18-3 in the second quarter to lead 26-8 at halftime.
The Wolves blanked the Falcons 15-0 in the third period behind a pair of threes and two free throws from Smith.
The Coupeville press led to 22 steals, five from Scout Smith and three each from Chelsea Prescott and Davidson.
Prescott also recorded the defensive play of the game, according to King, when she hustled from behind to stop a Falcon breakaway.
The Wolves’ defense forced two 30-second shot-clock violations and a five-second violation on an inbounds play.
On offense, the Wolves helped themselves by grabbing 20 rebounds (34 total) and passing for 11 assists.
Prescott topped Coupeville with six rebounds (all on the offensive end) and four assists.
“Offensively, we moved the ball well and made the extra pass to get a better look,” King said.
Roberts and Ema Smith each finished with 15 points. Scout Smith tallied 5; Tia Wurzrainer, Renninger and Mollie Bailey scored 4 each; and Davidson had 2 and Prescott 1.
“With were able to get our JV players some valuable varsity time,” King said. “All three, Izzy (Wells), Ja’Kenya (Hoskins) and Mollie played well.
“Nicole (Laxton) also got some good minutes and played well every time she stepped on the court.”
