First win times two.
Behind a relentless defense, the Coupeville High School boys basketball team picked up its first win of the season 49-37 over visiting Mount Vernon Christian Friday, Dec. 1. It was also Brad Sherman’s first win as a varsity basketball coach.
The Wolves’ intensity on defense was the key, Sherman said.
“We were flying all over the place,” he said. “Our ball pressure was good, we were in the passing lanes, we made it for them to run their offense.”
Quicksilver guards Cameron Toomey-Stout and Hunter Smith lead the defense, harassing the Hurricanes into numerous mistakes.
On the other side of the ball, the Wolves received a breakout performance from Ethan Spark. The senior pumped in five three-pointers on the way to a career and game high 21 points.
“(Spark) has worked really hard at it,” Sherman said, noting Spark’s long sessions in the gym perfecting his shot.
Sherman said his team also received a lift from the boisterous home crowd.
“The gym was loud,” he added. “It doesn’t get any better than that.”
Mount Vernon Christian jumped to a 6-1 lead, but the Wolves, getting 4 points from Smith and 2 each from Spark and Joey Lippo, recovered to go up 9-8 at the end of the quarter.
The game was tied at 16 with 2:16 remaining in the half, then the Wolves’ defense began to take its toll on MVC and Spark began to warm up.
Spark hit a three-ball to help Coupeville lead 24-18 at the half, opened the third quarter with another three and then added two more. Smith followed with 5 points and Coupeville led 38-22 late in the period.
Smith sank the first hoop of the fourth quarter, Spark followed with a three-ball and the Wolves held their biggest lead of the game, 43-24.
Smith, who hit seven of nine free throws, finished with 20 points. Hunter Downes had 3, Lippo 2, Dane Lucero 2 and Jacobi Pilgrim 1.
John Phifer topped Mount Vernon Christian (1-2) with 14.
Coupeville also won the junior varsity game, 38-36. Mason Grove hit five three-balls and finished with 16 points. Ulrik Wells added 7; Jean Lund-Olsen 6; Alex Jimenez, with two big three-pointers in the fourth period, 6; Daniel Olsen 2 and David Prescott 1.
The Coupeville varsity (1-1) entertains Sequim (1-0) at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8.
Cameron Toomey-Stout looks for an open teammate in Friday’s win. (Photo by John Fisken)
Joey Lippo puts up a jumper against Mount Vernon Christian. (Photo by John Fisken)
Hunter Smith checks out the trailing defense in the win over the Hurricanes. (Photo by John Fisken)
